Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Cass)

I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.

I know I look good-stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.

Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I'm not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I'm going to show him just how irresistible the present me is.

But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. "Ready for your date then??" he asks, his voice low, almost a growl.

"You know I am," I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. "Unless you plan to stand there all night."

His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. "You're really going out with Gabriel." It's not a question. "Yes, I am." I tilt my chin up defiantly. "And you're going to step aside so I don't keep him waiting."

He doesn't move. "Cass, you're playing with fire. Do not mention what you told us."noveldrama

I roll my eyes. "Save the lectures, Viktor. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself."

He leans closer, his voice dropping. "This isn't a game."

"No, but Gus said to go about my normal life. So, I am. Also, none of your business," I snap, brushing past him to hit the elevator button. "Just stay out of my life, Viktor." "We're leaving tomorrow evening. Be ready."

"Noted," I say, turning back to the elevator. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date to get to."

As the elevator doors slide shut, I catch his reflection in the polished metal. He's still watching me, his fists clenched at his sides.

Good. Let him stew.

***

The restaurant is breathtaking.

Chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room, the clink of crystal and the murmur of conversation creating an ambiance of elegance. Gabriel guides me to our table with his hand in the small of my back. He pulls out my chair but before I sit he takes my hand and kisses it.

"Cass," he says. "You look... stunning."

"Thank you," I reply, sliding onto the chair as he pushes my chair underneath me. The table is secluded, tucked away behind a partition that offers privacy from prying eyes.

I've noticed some very exclusive patrons and it can't have been cheap to secure this table at short notice.

Gabriel pours wine into my glass, his gaze never leaving mine. "You are sexier than ever," he says, his voice smooth. "You've barely changed at all."

"Maybe not on the outside," I say, taking a sip. "But don't think you know me, Gabriel. I'm not the same girl I used to be."

"I wouldn't dare assume," he replies, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I like the woman I see now."

The evening flows effortlessly, our conversation a mix of flirtation and nostalgia. Gabriel's charm is intoxicating, but there's a new edge to him now-a confidence that wasn't there before. It's... thrilling.

By the time dessert arrives, I'm leaning into the warmth of his words, the way his voice wraps around me like a favorite song.

He knows exactly what to say, how to look at me, how to make me feel like the only woman in the world. It's perfect to end my stay here before I go and bury myself in the piles of dirty dishes I know are waiting in Europe. "Are you happy over there?"

I nod. "I really am. I found a part of me I didn't know existed. Something I'm really good at. It's a great feeling."

"You will succeed wherever you put your mind. I know that. I'm very proud of you, Cass."

"And you, you have really got it going on now. Your business, your green card. Brennan Industries. I can see you've become the man you always knew you could be. I'm happy for you, Gabriel."

"And I, for you." He holds up his glass and we toast each other.

His blue Brennan eyes hold my gaze and I know the heat I feel isn't from the weather. Gabriel was my first serious boyfriend. No one ever agreed with us being together because of the age gap.

But I wouldn't change a thing. He changed me from a girl into a woman in the most wonderful way. I'll always thank him for that.

***

Outside the restaurant, the city hums with life. Gabriel stands close, his hand brushing mine as we linger on the sidewalk.

"Tonight was perfect," he says softly.

"Yeah," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

He steps closer, his eyes searching mine. "Cass..."

And then he kisses me.

It's a kiss that burns away every doubt, every thought, until there's only him and the way he makes me feel. My back presses against the coolstone wall, his hands framing my face as if I might vanish.

When we finally pull apart, I'm breathless. I'd love to take this further, but we can't go back to the penthouse. His kisses deepen. He knows all the right buttons to push and his hand is particularly close to one of those buttons right now.

I push him away and he chuckles. His eyes spark with passion.

"The townhouse is off-limits with my family there. But this isn't over, Cass. Not by a long shot."

"I'm heading back to Europe tomorrow," I say, my voice steady despite the desire inside me.

He brushes a strand of hair from my face. "I'll always find you, Cass. If you want me to."

I hesitate for a moment, then nod. "I do."

Another kiss, slower this time, but no less intense.

"This doesn't mean we're in a relationship again," I say as we pull apart.

"Whatever you want, Cass," he says, his voice soft but firm. "No pressure. No strings."

"And we're not exclusive," I add. "We can see other people, as long as it's protected."

A flash of something crosses his face, but it's gone in an instant, replaced by his signature smile. "Whatever you need, Cass."

Viktor's angry kiss flashes in my mind, unbidden. That was one of the best kisses I've ever had. Gabriel leans in again, his lips brushing mine.

"Whatever you need," he whispers, his words a promise and a challenge all at once. "I just want to make you happy. To hear your sighs..."

I take a deep breath and push him away. "Okay, Loverboy, let's not start anything we can't finish tonight."

"But we will finish it, soon. Then we'll start it all over again..." He nibbles my ear lobe.

Lord help me. Lisa and her 'why choose' is going to get me in a world of trouble.

But I'm here for it. For all of it.

I'm not letting anything interfere with living life on my terms. Life begins again in Europe tomorrow.

I'll just pretend I've never heard of Don Alejandro.