Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 144

144 Abby's Surgery T(Winona)

We're moving Into the Brennan Wing family unit at the hospital today. It feels surreal to be back here, preparing

for Abby's next heart operation. | remember the first tand all the fear | had over almost losing Abby to this

unknown genetic fault. The air is heavy with anticipation, and despite our efforts to stay positive, there's an

undercurrent of anxiety that we can't shake off. But | know Abby is in the best hands and despite a bumpy road,

she has a supportive family around her. Anne is visiting when she gets through the surgery. Bobby and Sarah

aren't coming. | felt it was a little too soon for us all. But | do hope to be able to help them rehabilitate from their

ordeal and be a positive influence on their future. Abby is unusually quiet today, clinging to her favorite stuffed

animal, Puppy. "Mommy, is the doctor going to make my heart all better?" she asks, her big eyes filled with

innocent hope.

She's almost four and a half now and a far cry from being a toddler now.

smile, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "Dr. Green is going to do his very best to make you feel all

better. You might have to cback again, but each time, we're making it a little better, okay?"

She nods and hugsto her. "I'm scared, Mommy."

"I'm a little scared too, Sweety. But | promise Mommy and Daddy will be here when you open your eyes.

Dr. Green meets us at the entrance of the unit, his expression cautious but hopeful. "We've prepared everything

for Abby's surgery. It's a complex procedure, but I'm very optimistic. We'll get Abby ready in her bedroom here

and the nurses will collect her." Jayden squeezes my hand, and | feel a surge of strength from his touch. "Thank

you, Dr. Green. We'll wait near the recovery room."

"I'll see you in there as soon as I've washed up."

Judy stands nearby, having just finished giving more blood in case it's needed during the surgery. She looks

unusually calm, her presence a mixture of comfort because Abby loves having her around and tension for me

because, well, it's Judy. "Winona, Jayden, I've given as much blood as they'll allow. I'm here if you need anything

else," she says, her tone softer than usual.

"Thank you, Judy," | reply, genuinely appreciative for her showing Abby unconditional love. "It means a lot." Gus

approaches, offering his support. I'm not sure but I think they chere together.

"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be around for a while, but I'll be heading back to Europe

soon. Business calls."

Jayden looks carefully at Gus. "Europe?"

"Yes," Gus nods. "I mean it's my home. I've been wanting to get back for a while now."

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144 Abby's Surgery.

Judy steps forward, her voice steady. "I'm going too. Once we know Abby is okay, I'll be heading to Europe, with

Gus." She grabs his hand and he smiles at her.

Judy continues talking. "It's tfor a change, and Jayden, you're quite capable of running your own life. You've

made it perfectly clear you don't needin it. respect that."

Both Jayden and | exchange glances, taken aback by this sudden announcement. "Suit yourself." He hasn't given

Judy an inch.

Judy nods. "You and Winona are building a beautiful future together, and it's important for you to have your

space. | hope one day you can forgive my very grave mistake."

| feel relief wash over me. "Thank you, Judy. We appreciate everything you've done for us."

"Jayden, can we talk?" Gus asks.

"Sure, fire away."

"In private." Gus says, looking a little uncomfortable as he glances at judy.

"No problem. Cthrough to the office in the unit."

Off they go and I'm behind them taking Abby to her room to get into the hospital gown and on the gurney. | turn

to Judy, "are you coming?" | ask.

She smiles and looks surprised. "If I'm riot in the way."

"I think Abby would love you to wait with us until the nurses arrive."

"You and Jayden seem to be doing very well. Are you both staying here together?"

"We are." To be honest it can't be much worse than living apart at this stage. "I'm pleased."

"So, how about you? Does this mean you and Gus are making amends?"

She shrugs. "Well, we'll see. But Europe is wonderful this tof year and | need stout. | can't keep

obsessing over things | can't change, you know?"

"I actually do know. | hope you find happiness, however that works out, Judy." | think I actually mean it "Oh, rest

assured, Winona. My happiness is out there. | just need to give it a chance to find me." Jayden and Gus come

back in. Jayden comes over and takes my hand while giving Abby a kiss. "Pretty dress, Abby."

"Daddy! It is not. It doesn't do up at the back. It's a rude dress." She says in all seriousness.

We all laugh.

u soon.

Then the nurses are there and | let the tears roll down my face as they take her away. "I'll see you soon, Abby.

We all love you."

"Bye Mommy."

Jayden hugs me. "I have to tell you something," he says before he letsgo.

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144 Abby's Surgery Time

| raise my eyebrows.

Then he turns to Judy. "Is it true? What Gus just told me?"

Judy looks puzzled. "What did he tell you?"

"That you tried to call off the car accident, but the communication failed. You offered that driver three times as

much to not go through with it?"

Judy looks at Gus in surprise. "How did you know that?"

"I made senquiries," Gus answers.

"Mother, why didn't you say this before?"

"It doesn't change anything, Jayden. | wanted to do it, and I lied to you about it all this time. The only difference

on the day is that | got cold feet about you getting hurt." I'm not sure that makesfeel any better. She still

wanted to get rid of me.

"But you changed your mind. That counts for something."

"Look, Son. I'm not looking for you to forgive me. I'm the one who has to forgive myself and | can never do that.

It's just better all-around if we go and live our own lives now." For the first tsince I've known her, L.think Judy

Brennan i