Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 492

(Winona)

The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.

My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.

“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.

I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.

Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”

I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.

“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”

Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”

“It’s okay,” I say softly, trying to reassure her. “I just need a little rest. I’ll be here when you come back.”

Abby hesitates, her lip trembling, but Anne gently takes her hand, coaxing her away. “Come on, let’s give your brothers and sister some Mom time too. Then we can come see her after the doctors have checked her, ok?”

I catch sight of Sarah and Bobby hovering near the end of the bed.

Sarah clutches her sketchpad, her expression anxious, while Bobby looks like he’s trying to be brave. “Mom?” he asks, his voice low. “Are you okay?”

“I will be,” I whisper, though my throat burns with every word. “Come here.”

Sarah is the first to move, placing her small hand on mine. “We were really worried,” she says quietly, her voice trembling. “But Dad let us stay with you.”

Bobby steps closer. “Hi Mom,”

“Hi Bobby,” I manage, my voice breaking.

“Alright, you three,” Anne says gently. “Let’s give Mommy some time to rest. You can come back later.”

They nod reluctantly, and Anne ushers them out. My heart aches as I watch them go. They look so much older than they did just a few days ago.

Jayden steps into view, holding Henry, who’s babbling happily. “Hey, sleepyhead,” he says, his voice soft. “We’ve all missed you.”

Henry squirms in his arms, reaching for me, his little face lighting up.

I manage a small smile, lifting my hand just enough to brush against his chubby cheek. “Hi, my little man,” I whisper.