Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 219

219 A Breath of Life (Winona)

The room is bright, too bright, as the surgical lights glare down on Ashlyn's still form, her chest still rising and falling in time with the machine keeping her alive. Alive for this, this moment.

I pray the baby comes through. I stand beside Jayden, gripping his hand tightly, trying to be strong for him -for both of us. The tension is thick with worried nerves from the both of us, every second dragging on like an eternity. Jayden hasn't taken his eyes off Ashlyn's face, his face set in a grim expression. He's stroking her cheek, and

my heart is breaking for him. I know he's trying to keep it together, but I can feel the tremor in the hand I'm holding.

I tighten my grip momentarily and then let go.

I take Ashlyn's hand. "This is it, Ashlyn, the one thing you wanted. To see this baby make it. You asked me to adopt your baby. To keep the baby safe. I promise you I will always do that for you. Jayden and I will always do that." A single tear rolls down Jayden's face onto his facemask. He once envisioned a life with Ashlyn, being a parent with her.

Of course this will break down his inner-strength. But what he doesn't understand yet is how seeing. touching, holding this baby will rebuild that inner strength to something that can't be broken, ever.

I pray he gets the chance to feel that, and it all isn't taken away from him.

The medical team begins to move with practiced efficiency, their faces hidden behind masks, their voices calm but focused. The Ob-Gyn in charge, Dr. Harris, is a tall, no-nonsense woman who exudes an air of quiet authority.

There are several other medical staff including the neonatal pediatrician who introduced herself earlier, Dr. Diana Reeves. She will be taking over care of the baby from birth.

She glances up at us briefly, her eyes softening as they meet mine.

great," she says, her voice muffled by the mask. "Dr. Harris is almost

body is clenched tight. I know he's holding on to hope with everything he's got, but I can see the fear in

pale and serene, as if she's already crossed over to another world. My heart hurts for her, for the friend she used to be, for the woman she could have been, and for the life she's losing out

Jayden and the

she's made, and theri, suddenly, there's movement. The surgical team springs

A Death

+25 BONUS

no cry. No sound at all, Just

can't breathe. I glance at Jayden, his face

his hand

quickly hands the baby to Dr. Reeves, who rishes him to a table on the other side of the room. The seconds tick by, each one an eternity, as

on," I whisper, barely audible, my voice choked

on my hand tightens to the point of pain, but I don't let go. I can't. I won't. We're in this together, and I won't let him

a lifetime, a tiny, weak cry breaks

beautiful sound I've ever

lets out a loud, long breath and I feel his body relax. Tears fill his eyes, and for a moment, he just stands there, trembling, as the reality of what's just happened

are

"He's breathing on his own now, but we'll monitor him closely

locked on the tiny, fragile