Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 206

206 Jayden's Unyielding

206

Jayden's Unyielding Resolver

(Winona)

We sat in the ward waiting room. Jayden is beside me, his hand clasped around mine. We haven't said much since Mom passed away, both of us caught up in our own thoughts.

Cass came back after ten minutes, tears streaming down her face, to say her final goodbyes to Mom. I couldn't bring myself to intrude on that moment. She needs her space, and I need to respect that.

Jayden squeezes my hand, grounding me in the moment. I look at him, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. But he's strong, certain, and that's what I need right now.

"I should head back to Ashlyn's room soon," Jayden says quietly, his voice steady. "Check on the baby before I take you and Cass home."

I nod, standing up with him. The thought of seeing Cass now, of trying to convince her to come home with me, feels like an insurmountable task, but I know it needs to be done. I'm not leaving her alone. I promised Mom. But as we start along the ward corridors, past the nurses station to head off this floor, the hairs on back of my neck prickle.

the

and there she is-Judy. She's standing at the entrance to the ward, her face drawn and desperate The sight of her makes me confused. Why is she

calls out, her voice cracking as she takes

face hardens, a wall of ice slipping into

a no- contact order. Call the

Before long two other security

out, as if she could somehow pull him back to her. "Please, don't do this. I

Gus come in the ward doors behind her. "Judy, this is

Gus," She snaps. "I just need Jayden

"There's nothing to talk about, Mother. You've crossed every line. There's no coming back from this. Now my baby is fighting for life." "Please, Jayden," Judy begs, her voice breaking as tears spill down her cheeks. "I never wanted this with Ashlyn. I

believe you, and even if I did, it wouldn't matter. You've done

taking Judy by the arm

206 Jayden's Unyielding Resolv

#25 BONUS

she resists, turning to me, desperate. "Winona, please. You're a mother. You understand. I love Abby. I would never hurt her. Please, make him understand that.

Abby. For all her faults, all the damage she caused, that love is real. And I can't ignore that Abby loves her as well. I have to tell her Grandma Lucy is gone. Tears well in my eyes. Do I

Jayden, who's watching me with a hard, unreadable expression. "Jayden, maybe...

emotions-anger, hurt, betrayal-but he takes a deep breath, his jaw clenched. "We'll talk

begins leading her away. She goes, but not without a final, pleading