My CEO 281

281 Henry and the Call (Jayden)

The hospital lights are harsh, sterile, and the hum of machines fills the air. It's become background noise to me at this point. I sit in the chair next to Henry's isolation room, staring at him through the glass.

His tiny body is hooked up to so many tubes and wires that it makes my heart ache just to look at him. I wish I could touch him.

Feel his tiny hand grip my finger.

The nurse said they've identified the virus, started him on antivirals. But it was still touch and go, and Henry is still in isolation.

All I can do is sit here and wait, feeling completely useless about everything. Winona included.

"Jayden?" The doctor's voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up, trying to focus.

"Doctor, I didn't expect to see you here so late."

"I'm afraid Henry isn't the only infant with this virus now. It's been a very long day."

"Mine too. Do you know where the virus came from?"

"Not exactly, that's why isolation still stands. But we'll track it down eventually."

"How is he really, Doc? I mean don't sugarcoat it. I need to know."

He pats my shoulder. "Your boy is quite amazing really. We've seen some very good signs today," he says, his voice calm and reassuring.

I let out my breath.

"His vital signs improved, and the antivirals are working. It's still early, but things are stable."

I nod, feeling a small wave of relief wash over me, but it's not enough to ease the tension fully. "How long until we know for sure?"

hope. "We'll need a few more days to see how

the lump in my throat.

leaves me alone again, and I lean back in the chair, running a hand through my hair. My thoughts go

just leave me, she left all of us. The kids, Henry, this life

in the world. None of this makes any sense. Winona wouldn't just abandon us, not with Henry sick, not

I pull it

10

+25 BONUS

and the

It's an unknown number.

to answer, but

"Hello?"

line, and I

voice comes out rougher than I intend. "Where

voice quiet, almost hesitant. "I didn't want to leave like

anger bubbling to the surface, "You disappeared on our wedding day, Winona. What

other end, and I

me. "Cass? What do you

She's been kidnapped, and I have to go to Mexico to get her

and I'm silent for a moment, trying to process what she Kidnapped? What the hell

her voice tense. "They're demanding a ransom tonight, and I'm the only one who can deliver it." "You're

she admits.

fucking hell you are. Jesus Christ,

"I'll be okay, Jayden."

can't go there by yourself. This isn't some action

worse.

this

I say firmly. "We'll do this together. I'm coming with

"Jayden-

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