Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 196

196 Alibi Groundwork (Winona)

I drive through the city to Cass's cafe, my hands grip the steering wheel a little too tightly. Abby's in the backseat, chatting away about the dolls she wants to take to the park tomorrow.

She has no idea what I'm about to do of course, and that's the way it should be. Steve's not going to control my life anymore, and I'll do whatever takes to make sure of that.

I called Lisa to see if she could watch Abby for an hour Mom's asleep, and Jayden's out of town dealing with business. That left Lisa-my one constant, the person I trust most in the world. She knows something's up, but she didn't hesitate.

I hope she's ready to be an alibi if I need one. I'll leave my car there and call a ride, or something. I don't know yet. But I'll work it out. If Judy can get away with shit through lies and paying off people, so can I.

I don't have to be the bigger person this time or take the high road. This time I'm just going to do what I've always wanted to do. Once he's gone, all our lives will be so much better.

I've never been to this part of the city where Cass works before. Every empty wall is covered in graffiti, but not random tags everywhere. This is all intended artworks. I can tell. It's beautiful in a randomly eclectic way.

There's the vibe of alternative youth going here. I can see why Cass likes the neighborhood. We pull up outside the café, and I pause for a moment, looking at the place. It's not your usual spot-more like something out of a punk rock music video. The exterior is painted matte black with neon purple accents, and through the windows, I can see the 'servers all decked out in black, tattoos, and piercings galore.

All colors and styles of hair are on show, from rainbow mohawks to wild blue bangs.

The interior is dark, with edgy artwork on the walls and industrial-style furniture.

It's a far cry from the sunny, pastel cafés I'm used to, but it suits Cass perfectly.

In fact, it makes Cass look a little vanilla.

I glance at Abby in the rearview mirror, wondering if she'll be a little freaked out by the vibe. But there's no backing out now. "Ready to go see Aunt Cass, sweetie?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.

Abby nods enthusiastically. "Ready!"

of tattoos and piercings in his lips, ears, and brows-greets us with a wide smile. "Hey there! Welcome to Punk Brew. What can I get you two lovely ladies today?" I'm taken aback by how friendly he

chuckles, crouching down to her level. "A little bit, but it's worth it. They're like stories you carry

grinning. "Do you have lots of

+25 BONUS

196 Alibi Groundwork

says, winking. "Maybe one day, when you're a lot

a table with

Mommy. Not

He waggles his eyebrows at me.

he flirts. I have other things on my mind, but I

your name, Poppet?" He asks

Cass works

a chair out for Abby

have her washing dishes right now." He grins "She's my slave, muhahaha!"

with as many tatts and piercings as Ziggy, comes past. She raises her eyebrows

Abby, don't let them take me

he runs away, and any concern I had about her being scared melts away. This place might look different, but the people here

I'm used to makes them

at the menu for five minutes, Cass comes over with a smile. Her outfit is all black, still very loose, and she's

there's a nervousness in her eyes as she approaches, like she's worried I'm going to judge her. "Hey,

her arms around Cass. "Aunt Cass! I made a new friend!" she announces, pointing back at the tattooed server. "His name is

hugs her back and smiles. "Oh yeah? That's

she okay?" Cass asks me with

sorry. She's really beat today, and

as she's okay. There'll be a

say, "Cass, you couldn't have found a better place to work. Everyone here