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.

"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 of the younger caretakers. She's about my

really hope she isn't the one who's been sucked in by

don't call me that," I say with a small laugh. "Just Winona is fine. I'm not Mrs. Brennan anymore-well,

furrow slightly with concern. "We'll miss you. Are you

have a history of endometriosis and PCOS. Stress doesn't help. Been having a lot of

face kind but professional. "We'll keep things running here. You just focus on getting

should be back by lunch. Afterward, I'll set

the garden. The fresh air is crisp and

crouch by the rosemary

over the fragrant leaves. The irony isn't 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.

to my stomach. I don't know what tomorrow's scan will show. I don't know if this baby will make it, if I'll get the chance

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

to say goodbye before I even get to say hello-sends a pang through me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting the cool air calm me. I can't let

automatically while my

Real and scary.

out? That thought sneaks in again, uninvited, and I shove it away just as quickly. Jayden

is a complicated, tangled mess, Jayden deserves to be a part of this. He deserves to hear the heartbeat, to feel the wonder of it

it'll also set the clock ticking on our departure. The thought of leaving Brussels, of uprooting the

my elbows

doesn't want to go. I've grown to love it here, even with all the challenges and uncertainties. There's a simplicity to this life,

sustainable. Not with Judy still in the picture, not

most of the