Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 493

(Winona)

The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor.

Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way.

I’m grateful for their support.

“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me.

My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen.

Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident.

Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.”

“Easier said than done,” Cass says.

I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?”

Dr. Harris meets my eyes briefly. “Try not to stress, Winona. The baby’s position or the placenta could be blocking the signal. It doesn’t mean anything conclusive.”

“Or…” My voice cracks, and I hate how fragile I sound.

Jayden squeezes my hand firmly. “Don’t go there yet,” he says, his voice low and steady.

“You’re not scared?” I whisper, my eyes searching his face.

He doesn’t answer right away. When he does, his voice is barely above a whisper. “Terrified. But we’ll get through this. Together.”

Dr. Harris adjusts the probe again, tilting it slightly. The static hums through the room, filling the silence like an unwelcome guest. I strain to hear anything—anything at all.

Nothing.

I swallow hard, my voice shaky as I ask, “Why can’t I hear it? Is it supposed to take this long? It feels like it’s taking too long.”

Dr. Harris frowns, her attention locked on the screen. “Let’s try tilting your pelvis slightly to the side. Is that okay?”

“I can manage that,” I say, my voice tight.

Jayden helps me shift.

“Some babies hide,” Dr. Harris continues, adjusting the probe again. “Or they move around quickly, making it hard to pin them down.”

“Maybe we’ve got an early sprinter in there,” Lisa says, her voice softer now.

“I hope that’s all it is,” I say, forcing a weak smile.

“Nothing definitive,” Dr. Harris replies firmly. “We’ll try again tomorrow, after you’ve had a chance to rest more and get some nourishment.”

Jayden’s voice is calm but firm. “Winona, this doesn’t mean anything yet. You’ve been through hell. Let’s give it some time.”

I shake my head, tears welling in my eyes. “I just need to know if this baby is okay.”

Cass steps forward, her voice surprisingly soft. “Winona, you’ve done everything you can. You just had a fall, for God’s sake. Give yourself a break.”

Lisa sits down on the edge of the bed, her hand on my ankle. “You’re the strongest person I know, but even you need to take a breath.”

I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll rest. But I’m not giving up on this baby. Not yet.”

The nurse wipes the gel from my abdomen as the machine powers down. Dr. Harris glances at me, her expression unreadable. “We’ll monitor you closely. Let me know if you feel any changes, no matter how small.”

I nod, gripping Jayden’s hand like it’s the only thing keeping me grounded.

Cass leans down, wrapping her arms around me briefly. “You’ve got this,” she whispers fiercely.

Lisa gives my leg a gentle squeeze. “We’re not going anywhere, okay?”

I nod again, my throat too tight to speak. Tears burn my eyes.

I’m not giving up. Not until there’s no other choice.