Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 205

205 Last Goodbye

(Winona)

The hospital feels like it's closing in on me. I can only imagine how Jayden feels right now.

He's come to check in on Mom with me. Cass won't talk to him either.

Mom lies there, so still, so fragile, and it hits me how little time we've had together. Not enough time. Nowhere near enough.

I reach out, my fingers trembling as they close around her hand. It's warm, but she doesn't react. The doctors said she'd wake up when she's ready, but what if she never wakes up? What if this is it? Cass stands in the corner, hugging herself like she's trying to hold in all the pain. She hasn't looked at me since we got here.

Suddenly, the steady beeping of the monitor changes, becoming slower, more deliberate. My heart skips a beat, and I lean forward, my breath catching in my throat. "Mom? Mom, can you hear me?" Cass jerks, her eyes wide and wild as she steps closer, "Mom? Please, Mom..."

And then, as if by some miracle, Mom's eyelids flutter open. For a moment, her eyes are clear, focused.

"Winona... Cass..." Her voice is so faint, I have to lean in to hear it, but it's there. It's her.

"We're here, Mom," I whisper, tears already streaming down my face. "We're both here."

Cass moves to the other side of the bed, her hand holding onto Mom's other hand. She's trembling, her face a mix of hope and fear. "Mom, you're going to be okay. We're going to get you through this."

But Mom shakes her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "No, baby, I'm not going to be okay. I've known... for a while now. I have cancer. Terminal. It's spread... everywhere."

The words hit me like a sledgehammer. "No... no, Mom, why didn't you say something. We could have paid for treatment..."

tired. It took its toll on me. But I needed to make sure... you were both safe. That's why... that's why I texted Steve after I saw that message come through." Cass stiffens, and I see the anger flash in her eyes. "You texted him? Why?

Winona's phone. I

feel my heart shatter into a million pieces. "Mom... you didn't have to do this. You

voice growing fainter. "I had to die knowing... knowing he'd never hurt you again. That was the only way I could go in

shakes her head, her voice breaking. "Don't leave me, Mom. I don't want

won't be alone," Mom says, her voice barely a whisper. "You

+25 BONUS

205 Last Goodbye

you'll take care of each other. That you'll love each other.

bowed as she clutches Mom's hand. "I promise, Mom. I promise."

promise, Mom. I love you. I love you so much. I'm sorry I didn't come

this. There are trials,

now." Mom's eyes start to close, her breaths coming slower, shallower. "1 love you both... so much.

then, just like that, she's

sobs shaking my entire body. Cass pulls away from me, her face

like a knife, but I can't fight back. Not now. Not when

I choke out, my

steps up. "Cass, I know you're hurting but blaming

alone. Don't tell me what to feel." She bolts from the room, her

her. "Cass! Stay, I'll go!" I yell after

T

there in an instant, his arms wrapping around me, holding me tight as

needs to run. I'll have her tracked to make sure she's safe, but right now... right now, you need to take care of yourself. Let