Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Jayden)

The next morning, I sat at the edge of her bed in the dim light of the intensive care room. The machines hum softly around us, their rhythmic beeping a constant reminder of how fragile this moment is. Winona's face is pale, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks like she's caught in a restless dream. But she's here, she's going to be okay. But U still have to tell her the news.

She still has to hear me say the words about our baby, about her operation.

Her fingers twitch against the sheets, and my heart leaps. She's waking up.

"Winona?" I lean forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Hey, sweetheart. I'm here. You're okay."

Her eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first, then locking onto mine. Her lips part, dry and cracked, as she tries to speak.

"Jayden..." Her voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines.

"I'm here," I repeat, my voice steady even though my chest is about to cave in.

She blinks, her hand moving instinctively to her abdomen. A small gasp escapes her lips, and her eyes widen. "The baby..." The tears fell down her cheeks. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, Jayden..."

My stomach knots, the words lodging in my throat like a jagged stone. I grip her hand tightly, as though my touch can somehow shield her from what I have to say.

"Winona, listen to me. You're alive. You made it through surgery. You're here with us. That's what matters."

Her eyes search mine, desperate and pleading. "But our baby...our miracle...he's...he's gone."

I close my eyes briefly, the weight of her question pressing down on me like a tidal wave. "Yes. We lost him, Winona. I'm so sorry it wasn't meant to be."

Her face crumples, and a sob escapes her, raw and gut-wrenching. It feels like someone has reached into my chest and ripped out my heart.

"No," she whispers, shaking her head weakly. Tears stream down her face, soaking the pillow beneath her. "No. I knew not to get my hopes up. I knew it was too much to believe in."

I feel utterly helpless as I watch her crumble. "You're human, you had to believe. We had too. But I'm here, the kids are waiting at home," I say, my voice breaking. "We're not going anywhere."

Her hand slips from mine, moving back to her abdomen as though trying to confirm what she already knows. Her fingers press against the bandages, and she winces. Her eyes darted to mine, wide and terrified. "Jayden... something's wrong. It feels... different." My breath catches.

I lean closer, my forehead nearly touching hers. "Winona... There was too much bleeding. The doctors had to make a decision to save you."

Her body stiffens, her breathing quickening. "What... what decision?"

I swallow hard, the words tasting like ash. "They had to perform a hysterectomy. I gave them permission."

Her sobs shatter me. I hold her until they subside.

"Oh..." Her hands clutch the sheets, her knuckles white as she trembles. "I... I know you made the right choice for me. But it's a shock. I can't have more kids, I don't need a womb...but I still feel...empty somehow."

"Winona," whisper, trying to reach

her, trying to anchor her. "You're still

here. You're still you. This doesn't

change that. You're the same incredible woman, the same amazing mother."

Her eyes snap to mine, filled with pain. "I'm not the same," she says, her voice raw. "I'm broken. But other women get through this and I will toot's just a shock," she breaks off, her sobs stealing her words.

The door opens, and a nurse steps in, her expression professional but kind. "Mrs, Brennan, you're awake. I check your vitals. Then you need to rest, get your strength back. Doctor Harris will be here shortly to examine you. Mr Brennan, you'll need to wait outside."

I nod numbly, brushing a kiss against Winona's temple. "I'll be right outside," I murmur. "I'm not leaving you."

I force myself to step away, my legs feeling like lead as I leave the room.

The hallway is too bright, too sterile. I lean against the wall, running a hand through my hair as I try to steel myself. I have to get it together for Winona and the kids. "Jayden? Is everything okay? They wouldn't let us in."

I look up and realize it's Lisa who's spoken. Lisa and Cass are sitting on the chairs in the corridor.

"She's just woken up, they are checking her out and the doctor is coming to see her."

Cass looks up, her eyes scanning my face. "She's awake?"

"Yeah," I say, my voice hollow. "But it's bad. She's... she's devastated."

Lisa stands. "Of course she is. How could she not be? It's so awful."

Cass nods, her hands clasped in her lap. "But she's awake, so she'll be okay, yeah?"

I nod, even though it feels like a hollow gesture. "I think so... Dr. Harris will tell us more."

"I just need her to get through this. For us to get through this."

"She will. And so will you. Why don't we go grab a coffee and some fresh air?" Lisa suggests. "We can tell you what we got up to with the kids."

"Sounds great. Thanks for going to see them."

"No problem at all."

"I might just pop back in and tell Winona I'm going to the penthouse to shower and go see the kids."

"Great idea. I can hang here with her for a while until you get back."

"I'll come and keep you company. I need to see Viktor when he's heading back to Brussels, hitch a lift. I want to get back to work. As long as you both are going to be okay," Cass says. "We will be. Winona would want you to focus on you and your career."

"Yeah well, don't get too excited. You aren't getting rid of me too easily." Cass grins at me and punches my arm playfully.

I smile at her humor. I know life has to get back to normal.

I just wonder what our normal will look like now.