Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 442

(Winona)

I pull my coat tighter around me as I step into the clinic. The receptionist greets me with a polite nod. Her European accent is soft and welcoming.

I manage a small smile, keeping my face calm even though my heart feels like it’s going to break out of my chest.

Trying to be calm is pretty impossible right now.

Everything about this appointment feels monumental. Not just the ultrasound, but what it means. Jayden will be here.

Secretly.

I need him to be here, but I don’t know what it means as far as our marriage goes.

There’s an emotional gap that will remain until we get past what happened after he attacked Lance. We’ve pinned it for now. More Barnaby advice.

The receptionist directs me down a hallway, and I follow her to the waiting room. The clinic is quiet, secluded—perfect for what we need.

I sit down, clutching my bag. Jayden isn’t here yet, but I know he’ll find a way. That’s who he is lately. A man who delivers. Even when I’ve shattered his trust. Even when he may not want to look at me.

Even when I don’t want to look at myself. I just thank God this baby is his because anything else would have meant the end for us. Considering my stupid mistakes, I got out of this better than it could have been.

Wish I could say the same for Lance. I have to speak with him and take my part in all of this. He can’t blame himself alone for hurting Jayden. It takes two to tango.

A nurse calls my name, and I stand up, my legs stiff. She guides me into the examination room. The setup is modern but understated—no flashy equipment, just clean lines and muted tones.

“We’ll begin shortly,” the nurse says in crisp English. “Dr. Klein will be here soon.”

I nod and take a seat on the edge of the bed. My mind races. How do I tell Jayden I’m sorry? That I was wrong? How do we even begin to rebuild after everything? But right now, I have to let that worry go and focus on why I’m here and why I’m going back home without Jayden.

To protect this baby the best I can and to get Judy out of our lives for good. But for good seems impossible. But I have to believe it is possible and Jayden will achieve that.

Another door creaks open, and I look up. Jayden steps in. He’s dressed simply, a dark jacket over a gray sweater, his hair slightly tousled from the brisk Brussels air. He’s always been striking, but today he feels distant. Removed.

Maybe that’s just how I want to read it. Getting our emotions tangled up in this and then deciding we can do okay apart, is dangerous.

“Hey,” I say softly. “You made it.”

He nods, closing the door behind him. “Hey. I did. How are you?”

We don’t hug or kiss. The air between us feels heavy, but it is heavy.