Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

253 Where's Jayden? (Winona)

I haven't heard from Jayden since he left. It's been all morning, and I've sent him a text, but no reply. I don't want to overthink it, but I can't help the creeping worry.

Is he somewhere deciding he doesn't want to marry me after all?

My stomach is in knots with my mind spiraling through all the possible reasons for his silence. But going about my normal day is the way I deal with anxiety. One foot in front of the other.

I've taken Abby for her morning school session then her time with Judy. Now I'm going to see Henry before I head to the office for a couple of hours.

Jayden's been at the hospital with Henry, thinking things through. At least, that's what I tell myself. After what happened through the night, I'm not sure what to think anymore. His dreams, the way he called out her name-it's all too much to process.

Arguing is the last thing I wanted this week. I'll give him the rest of the day and then I'll call. Hopefully he'll be at the hospital.

For now, I'll focus on what I can control. I'll visit with Henry. I have to trust that Jayden will come back to me, that we'll work through this together. We've made promises. Sticking it out, even when things get tough, is one of them.

1 know I need to give him the space he needs.

I drive to the hospital to see Henry, hoping Jayden is there, and I can tell him I want to work through it with him. I want for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. With him.

I might be stupid, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I can't stop loving Jayden. Even when things feel uncertain, even when I'm scared, I can't imagine a life without him.

When I ask the nurse, she says Jayden left about an hour ago. My heart sinks a little, but I try not to let it

He'll be home for dinner with the kids. I'm sure he will. He has to be.

I shake off the disappointment and focus on what's in front of me. The nurse helps me with Henry's bottle feed, and as soon as I'm holding him, everything else fades away. His tiny fingers wrap around mine, and I give him as much skin-on-skin as I can.

Him against me is a warmth I can't describe in words. It's like he anchors me, reminds me of the beauty in life, the hope. I smile and remember Mom and looking for glimmers. Henry is the biggest glimmer right now.

He's doing better on his formula, stronger, and it gives me hope. As I cradle him, I know everything will be okay. Jayden won't walk away from the family life we've been building. It means too much to him. Our family means so much to him.

sere's Jayden?

+25 BONUS

The wedding he's planned is closing in. I've been so excited about it. After the final fitting and that special day with my wedding party, the girls I love most in the world, I've been on cloud nine. They are my tribe.

There was so much laughter, so much joy. It made everything feel real, like this wedding is the new beginning we've all been waiting for.

There was only one person missing that day. Lisa. She couldn't make it because of prior family commitments. She's been out of the country. But today she's back, and we are going to have a private fitting in two days. I can't wait to see her again, to catch up, and to share all the excitement. She's always been like a sister

and having her by my side on my wedding day means the world.

to me

I'm humming to Henry as he takes his milk. His eyes are still shut. Last week the nurse said he would open them any day, but his vision will still be poor.

They keep the lighting low because he will be sensitive to light.

I smile down at him, marveling at how strong he's getting, how far he's come. Every little milestone feels like a major victory.

My mind drifts to Cass, about to head off to Cancun. I haven't heard much from her lately. I get the urge to check in with her before she leaves. I glance back down at Henry and get the hugest shock. His eyes are fully open, and he's looking at me.

My heart soars with love. He probably can't see me, but this is the connection we've been waiting for. It's wonderful! The nurse comes back in, and I can barely contain my excitement.

"His eyes are open!" I exclaim, my voice filled with awe.

"Ah, yes, he's been practicing that all day. I thought Jayden would have said something."

"He probably wanted it to be a surprise," I say, but inside, the worry starts to creep in again. Henry had another milestone moment today, and Jayden never shared that with me.

I finish feeding Henry and gently change his tiny diaper. His eyelids start to flutter closed again as I put him back in his incubator. He looks so peaceful, so content.

I send off another text to Jayden, letting him know I've been in with Henry, and he opened his eyes for me. Maybe that will spur him to answer me.

Then, I text Cass, asking if she has time to meet before they leave.

C: Sure b4 we fly out tonight

W: Cool name the place and time

C: Will get back to u

Jexhale a small sigh of relief. At least I'll get to see her before she goes. Maybe I'll feel better about it after that. I want to be excited for her first trip out of the country. She deserves to enjoy herself, to have some fun at her age.

2/3

253 Where's Jay

+25 BONUS

I imagined it with people her own age at her college dorm.

But Cass has chosen a different path to me and that's okay.

I guess she is way older emotionally than most college freshmen, so I can see how older friends might be a better fit for her.

But an older lover? 12 years older?