Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 176

176 Up In Smoke (Winona)

Cass flips through the tv channels again while mom gets ready to go out for breakfast. I can tell she's restless, probably nervous about this new community and going out. They sure need to get some clothing. I wonder if I can convince them to let me take them shopping?

Mom's out of the bathroom now and sitting in the armchair by the window, staring out at the city beyond. I can't tell if she's thinking about the past or worrying about the future-probably both.

Just as I'm about to suggest we go get food and look in the variety store for some basics, Cass stops on a news channel. The reporter is talking about a fire, and the area it's in makes me pay attention.

"The fire, which broke out late last night, completely destroyed a house in the area. Witnesses say they saw a car and Molotov cocktails being thrown just before the flames engulfed the old home." Cass suddenly goes still, her eyes locked on the screen. I look at the TV, and my heart stops.

It's the old house. Or what's left of it. Flames are still flickering in the debris, and the camera pans the wreckage. There's nothing left but charred remains.

"Oh my God," Mom whispers, her hand flying to her mouth. "That's... that's our home."

across

home to her. It was where Mom and Cass lived, where Mom rebuilt her life and raised Cass. And now it's gone. Cass's face hardens, and she turns to me, her eyes

stunned. "Cass,

it wouldn't have happened!" She's practically

H

all you did'is make things worse!" "Cass, that's not fair," I say, trying to keep my voice calm. "I didn't want this to happen. Maybe you

snaps, tears welling up in her eyes. "And

a terrible thing, maybe this is a sign," she says quietly. Maybe it's time to let go of the past and start over. We can't go back there now, Cass. There's nothing left. But we could have been in there. We could be dead." Cass glares at

+25 BONUS

her, trying to catch her eye. "Cass, I know this

find something better. You can come back to this same city just a better area that

at the screen. But I can see the gears turning in her

shaking. "Winona, maybe... maybe staying in your city for a while wouldn't be so bad. Just until we figure out what to do next.

property dealer and where your house is, was, that block will have some value. He'll do the research and if it's a suburb worth fixing up, he'll find you a good price "More charity from the rich folks. Wow, I'm so grateful Cass finally

working out. At this point, it is what it is. You have to make

anything. I do expect you to do the right thing and support your mother through this hard time though. Stop thinking about yourself for a minute." She glares at me