Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

441 Quiet Hopes and Hidden Plans

(Winona)

I type out the message carefully, pausing after each sentence to make sure I haven't missed anything. This appointment has to be airtight in terms of confidentiality-no chance of anyone finding out what it's really about.

W: Hi, I'd like to confirm an ultrasound appointment. Discretion is critical. Can you ensure my records are sealed and only accessible to me and the attending physician?

The response comes quickly, and I feel a flicker of relief.

Clinic: Of course, Mrs. Brennan. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We have a slot available tomorrow at 10 a.m. Will that work for you?

W: Perfect. Thank you.

I sit back and stare at the phone, the screen glowing in the soft afternoon light streaming through the cottage window. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll hear the baby's heartbeat. And if everything's okay. If.

I type another message, this time to Jayden.

W: Scan is tomorrow. 10am. U think u can pull off the magic plan?

His reply comes a few minutes later, as calm and collected.

J: Already in motion. Don't worry.

I let out a breath, clutching the phone to my chest for a moment. He makes it sound so easy, like coordinating an undercover ultrasound appointment while dodging Judy's watchful eyes is just another day at the office.

the kids' caretakers are busy cleaning up after lunch. "Just a heads-up," I say casually. "I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. I'll need you all to get the kids' morning routine done before school, please." "Yes, of course. No problem. You okay, Mrs. Brennan?" asks Elise, one

the one who's

say with a small laugh. "Just Winona is fine. I'm not Mrs. Brennan anymore-well, soon I won't

"We'll miss you. Are

light and casual. "I have a history of endometriosis and PCOS. Stress doesn't help. Been having a lot of pain lately, and I don't want

"We'll keep things running here. You

set a firm date for leaving and

in place, and head outside to the garden. The fresh air is crisp and soothing, carrying the faint scent of flowers and damp

crouch by

lost. on me-Jayden and I always seem to achieve more and get along better when we're just friends. We started as friends, and I know, no matter what, we'll

because of the kids.

my stomach. I don't know what tomorrow's scan will show. I don't know if this baby

for as long as I do, I'll give them all the love I

a pang through me. I close my eyes and take

weeds from the soil, my hands working automatically while my mind drifts. Tomorrow is a big day. The scan

Real and scary.

finds out? That thought sneaks in again, uninvited, and I shove it away just as quickly. Jayden said he'd handle it, and

mine; it's ours. And even though our relationship is a complicated, tangled mess, Jayden deserves to be a part of this. He deserves to hear the heartbeat, to feel the wonder

thought of leaving Brussels, of

pause, resting my elbows on

at the horizon. Leaving feels inevitable, but I can't deny that a part of me doesn't want to go. I've grown to love it

not sustainable. Not with Judy still in the picture, not

brush the dirt off my hands, resolving to make the most of the time we have left