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

made peace with it. I told myself that Abby was a miracle. I was lucky. But now..." I trail off, a fresh wave of fear rushes

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

it," I admit, feeling my throat tighten. "And that scares me because if I lose it... I'm not sure I

but I still lose the baby,

1/3

364 Permission To Mope

+25 BONUS

hand tightens over mine, her gaze firm. "No one can predict the future. We only

chance Jayden might not be the father." I shake my head." This is such a mess." "You must be

look up at Klara, nerves prickling under my skin. "How soon can I find out

get an idea through blood tests-they'll show us certain markers that indicate roughly how far along you might be." She pauses, studying me. "But a more precise answer would come from

understanding flickering in her eyes. "Of course. The blood test will be sent to a lab and give us some answers, but it takes time. And as for

serious.

"The...the paternity?"

to the same lab Gus

a shaky breath, relief mixing with my fear. "How

will still take a few days," she says gently. "These things

steady myself. "I just... I need to know as soon as possible. But

get those blood samples and then I have some herbal tea here I grew myself. That will help you." "Winona, I want you to start focusing on caring for yourself, for this baby," she says. "I know how hard

places a reassuring hand on mine. "There are many approaches we can use together-nutrition, gentle herbal remedies, rest, meditation. And we can

"So... there is a chance? Even

me daily. You are now on a journey, one step at a time. We focus on helping you reach each new milestone, gradually. But you must feel you are

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