Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

The soft cry of a baby envelopes me.

At first, it's faint, like it's coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I'm fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can't find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I'm coming, baby. I'm coming.

I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can't draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It's like I've been running. But I'm in bed. My bed.

I look over and see Jayden isn't beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.

The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs.

No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.

The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. "It's just a dream," I whisper, running a hand through my hair. "Just a stupid dream."

***

After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids' chatter and the scrape of chairs against the kitchen floor.

I put the fear from the dream to the side. I can do this. It's a dream. I'm okay.

I reach the top of the stairs, gripping the handrail, but suddenly my chest tightens all over again. My breathing becomes shallow, my vision narrowing as the world tilts slightly.

I step back from the top step and hold onto the wall. It's been a while since I had a panic attack.noveldrama

"No," I mutter, leaning on the wall with both hands. "Not now."

My legs are jello. Every logical part of my brain tells me to just take a step, but I can't. My body refuses to move.

"Winona?"

I look around.

Lisa is halfway up the stairs, a breakfast tray in her hands.

"I'm fine," I say quickly, though my voice trembles. "I'm just... a little dizzy."

Lisa puts the tray on the floor and comes to my side, her hand steady on my arm. "Okay, no big deal. Let's just stay here for a minute."

I shake my head. "I don't want to stay here. I want to go downstairs."

"And you will," she says firmly. "One step at a time, with me. Come on. We got this. Don't look down. Just watch your feet."

I let her guide me, her presence solid and reassuring. By the time we reach the bottom, I'm both relieved and furious with myself. "Stupid," I mutter under my breath.

"Not stupid," Lisa says, leading me to a chair. "Normal. Your body's catching up to your brain. You'll work through it."

"I have to work through it."

"You go into the dining room. I'll grab that tray I left up there."

'Thanks, Lisa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Lucky for you, you don't have to find out."

***

At the breakfast table, the kids chatter on about their plans for the day, blissfully unaware of my earlier struggle. I chatter with them and eat some warm toast and butter. This sure beats the cold toast at the hospital.

Being here with my family is

everything. I should be in my happy place. Instead, I'm dreaming about crying babies and can't even get down my stairs.

"Can we go now?" Bobby asks.

"Go clean your teeth and make sure your rooms are done," Jayden says.

"Yes, Dad. We know."

"Okay then."

"Come on. I'll come check under your beds," Lisa says.

The kids give a collective groan.

Lisa grins. "Aha! Sprung. Actually, let's take a real expert in low spaces. She gets Henry from kis

high "Henry, let's go exploring."

Henry claps his hands as they leave the dining room.

Jayden rests his hand lightly on my knee.

"What's up?" he asks softly.

"Nothing. I'm okay."

"No secrets, remember? That includes things you think I don't need to know about because I might worry."

He's right. He's damn right. No more secrets.

"I had a weird moment at the stairs," I admit. "Lisa had to help me down. It was a... panic attack."

He straightens slightly, his brow furrowing with concern. "That makes sense after the fall you had."

"I know it does. But Jayden, I just don't have time for this right now Why can't everything just be fine? I mean logically I know I can walk

down the steps and there's no baby crying-"

"Wait, what? No baby crying? Henry was making a noise earlier..."

"No. I don't mean Henry. It was a dream. Just before I woke up."

I explain the dream, searching for the crying baby. But not being able to find it. Tears well in my eyes.

Jayden listens intently, his fingers lightly drumming against the table.

When I finish, he says, "Look, it makes sense this would happen. Have you thought about seeing Barnaby again? He really helped us before." "But he's a trauma psychiatrist... I mean I'm not sure this classifies like the stuff I saw him about before."

"Babe, it's trauma. I don't think there's a competition about what's worse trauma. It can be different for each person."

I sip my coffee, considering. "That's true. I just don't want to take up time from people that really need him," I say finally. "Winona, don't say that. You are never that person. Look, just go for one session. Even off the record. Ask his opinion." "Yes. Okay. It might be worth it. I don't want this to turn into something bigger. I'll nip it in the bud." Jayden nods, his expression warm. "Perfect. Let me know if you want me there."

"Like you don't have enough to do."

"I'll make time for you."

I lean over and kiss him.

"I really am the luckiest woman in the world."

I can't let this fear rule me. I can't.