496 Future Revealed

Trigger Warning:

The following chapter contains sensitive content, including the loss of a pregnancy and scenes of emotional distress. This may be triggering for some readers, particularly those who have experienced similar situations. Please proceed with care, and remember to prioritize your well-being. If needed, take a break or seek support.

(Winona)

I'm propped up in bed with a stack of pillows, sipping herbal tea from a handmade ceramic mug Klara sent as part of a care package all the way from Brussels.

It came with a range of her organic herbal teas, a lavender-scented balm, and a handwritten note in her elegant script: Rest your body, nurture your heart, and trust your strength, Winona. That woman always seems to know what I need before I do.

I'm so grateful and thankful for meeting her. I miss her gentle counsel and seeing her on a daily basis now I'm back in the States.

My body feels stronger today, the heaviness weighing me down since the fall has lifted ever so slightly. Mentally, not hearing that heartbeat is still hard. But I'm remaining positive right now.

I take another sip of tea and glance at Jayden, who's holding Henry like a pro, bouncing him gently while scrolling through his phone with his free hand. He looks up and catches me watching. "What's that look for?" he asks, smirking. "Nothing," I say with a small smile. "Just appreciating the view. You've come a long way from the guy who used to live for his business."

"Somewhere along the way, I realized there are more important things in life than business... and my own ego," he says, walking over to the bed. He leans down and kisses my forehead, his lips lingering for just a moment. "How are you feeling?" "Better," I say honestly. "I'm going to take a shower, freshen up a little."

"You can't get that head wound wet."

"Relax, I have a shower cap and I won't get my head wet at all."

"Okay. How do you feel about the ultrasound later today," he asks gently, his eyes scanning my face. "Once they find the heartbeat, we'll be cleared to go home."

The word feels like a warm

the kitchen, helping Abby bake cookies, and watching Henry toddle around the living room while the older kids argue over which movie to watch. The house isn't perfect

the walls, a rocking chair by the window, a crib tucked into the corner.

she says, her voice warm and maternal. She sets the tray down on the bedside table, revealing a steaming bowl of chicken

firmly. "Eat up. The kids are eating in the kitchen and

fork and savoring the first

giggling Henry into his

gratitude. For all the uncertainty, for all the pain, I have this. My

the bed. Jayden is there instantly, holding out a hand to steady me. "I've got it," I insist, placing my feet firmly on the ground. "See? No wobbles." "Impressive," he says, but he stays close as

shower," I announce, grabbing the clean clothes Anne folded

help?" Jayden asks, his tone a mix of concern

with a laugh. "You can hold the fort out

full display. close the door behind me and let out a smat sigh. It feels good to have some independence again, even if it's just for a few

chances, I sit on the shower

as let the water wash over my skin. I use

wn

sharp, stabbing pain shoots through my lower abdomen.

scream. The showerhead falls to the shower base as the pain intensifies, and I double over, my breathing

through the wounded part of my head. "Jayden!" I scream out again,

an instant, his face a mask of panic. "Winona?" his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "The baby... I... I can't get

"I got you."

wave of pain hits, and Jayden lifts

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