Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 384

384 Permission To Hope

(Winona)

"It is positive, Winona. You are pregnant."

The words echo inside my pounding head, sending shock waves through me. My vision blurs, the walls close in. I can't breathe, can't think. This can't be real.

I feel tears on my cheeks but I'm so far away from reality right now. My anxiety has taken over. I clutch my chest and my breath won't come out of my lungs so I can take another breath in. "Winona, focus on my voice," Klara says gently, her hands on mine. "Breathe. In... and out. Slowly."

I try to follow her instructions, her calm voice guiding me through each breath. It's hard. I just want to run away. Gradually, the panic recedes, leaving me feeling raw but steady.

She reaches into her bag again, pulling out a small vial. "Here. This will help. passionflower and lavender. Just breathe the scent in."

I inhale the soft, calming scent, feeling it ground me as it fills my lungs. The tension in my chest loosens, and I look at Klara, grateful beyond words.

"Thank you," I whisper, barely able to speak past the lump in my throat.

She nods, her eyes understanding. "It is a lot to take in. But know that you do not have to carry this alone, yes? I am here to listen. I will not judge. We are all human."

Something in her words breaks through my fear. "There's... there's a lot to think about. To figure out."

"I'm here as long as you need."

"I-don't even know where to start," I mumble, but then it all comes tumbling out. "It's like... I never expected this, you know? When I was told I'd never be able to carry another baby... it shattered me."

for a

was a miracle. I was lucky. But now..." I trail

quiet, giving me space to breathe, her eyes warm and understanding. "Go on, dear," she says softly. I look away, forcing myself to continue. "What if I get my hopes up? What if I start to imagine a future, only to have it ripped away? The doctors told me the chances are next to nothing." Klara's face is gentle but serious. "There is no real way not to feel

me because if I lose it... I'm not sure I can go through that.

along... if the baby goes close to a safe delivery time but I still lose the baby, then I'll have to deliver. I'll

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364 Permission To Mope

+25 BONUS

can predict the

of all that, there's a very slight chance Jayden might not be the father." I shake my head." This is such a mess." "You

Klara, nerves prickling under my skin. "How

you might be." She pauses, studying me. "But a more precise answer would come from an ultrasound." The thought of doing the first ultrasound without Jayden makes my heart ache. "I can't do that alone," I

and give us some answers, but it takes time. And

serious.

"The...the paternity?"

samples to go to the same lab Gus used-they have Jayden's DNA profile on file. It's the most

out a shaky breath, relief mixing with my fear. "How long will it

few days," she says gently. "These things take time. I know waiting

I clutch them together to steady myself. "I just... I need to know

you." "Winona, I want you to start focusing on caring for yourself, for this baby," she says. "I know how hard this is, but there are ways we can support your body holistically, along

remedies, rest, meditation. And we can work with your doctors to complement their advice, using

hope burns in my chest. "So... there is a chance? Even with

You are now on a journey, one step at a time. We focus on helping you reach each new