Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 227

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227 Goodbye Ashlyn (Jayden)

The room feels like the end of the world. Ashlyn lies there, a shell of the person I once knew. Machines beep, a dull reminder that life still clings to her, but barely. I stand over her, grappling with the storm Inside me. Everything is crashing down, but this is where it all endo for her.

The nurse stands by the door, her eyes filled with kindness. "Mr. Brennan, we'll give you some time alone before we switch off," she says, her voice soft.

"Thanks," I manage to reply, barely recognizing my own voice.

The door clicks shut behind her, leaving me alone with Ashlyn. I reach out, taking her hand in mine. It's cold, unmoving. I close my eyes, letting the memories rush in.

The times we laughed, the times we fought, the way she smiled when she thought everything would work out. The way we were together. The times we shared when I was sure our love story would work out. But it didn't, did it?

"Ashlyn," I start, my voice catching. "I don't even know where to begin."

I swallow hard, forcing myself to speak. "We had something real, didn't we? Back then, I really thought we could make it. But I was blind. Blind to what was happening to you, to the pain you were hiding. I was too caught up in my own mess to see how deep you were drowning."

I feel the sting of tears, but I blink them away. "I loved you, Ashlyn. I did. But I didn't love you the way you needed. And that's my fault. I should have known better, should have seen the signs with your mother and mine. But I didn't."

But there's nothing. Just the lifeless rise and

the pressure she put on you," I continue. "I wish you'd told me how much my mother's expectations crushed you. But you didn't, and I didn't ask. I failed you, Ashlyn I failed

I won't fail our son. He's going to have the life we both wanted

Henry. After your dad. I thought you'd like that. But

mind-the conversation I had with Ashlyn's mother earlier. The bitterness in her

so cruel and uncaring. I wish I had. At least my mother used love as

I understand what she lived with

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227 Goodbye Ashlyn

+25 BONUS

that you both could have been more if you'd just tried harder.

u were

way. You loved fiercely, even when it

the nurse back in, my hand shaking. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you that. It's time you were at peace now. Free to be who

by the doctor. They move around the room

from a distance, like none of

Brennan," the doctor says, his tone professional, detached.

to speak. The doctor glances at the nurse, and she moves to the ventilator. I can