Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 369

369 The Green Wave

(Cass)

"Cass!" Ziggy's voice snaps me back to the present.

He's standing by the counter, eyebrow raised as he holds a tray of fresh-cut veggies toward me. "Earth to Cass. You gonna season these, or are you planning on serving 'em bland?"

I blink, fumbling as I grab the tray. "Right. Sorry, I was just... thinking."

He sighs, running his hand through his vibrant blue hair, "Cass, girl, I get it. Trust me. But you've been 'just thinking' all day. If you're gonna space out, at least pretend like you're here." "Yeah, ye

yeah, I know," I mutter, feeling my face flush under his watchful gaze. "I'm good."

Ziggy doesn't look convinced, though. He eyes me for a moment longer, then glances around to make sure no one's paying attention. "Do you, though? You're riding that 'green wave' again, obviously."

My gut tightens. I hate how he reads me so well. Ziggy's been around the block a few times, his arms a map of tattoos, each telling a story I'll probably never hear. He knows when I'm out of it, and he's always got something to say about it. "It's just a little pot," I shrug, trying to play it off like it's no big deal. "You know I'm still here, still getting things done."

Ziggy shakes his head, his voice laced with disappointment. "Getting things done... sure. But you're better than this, Cass. And don't think I haven't noticed you've been smoking more lately. Is it worth it? Does Winona know, what about Gabriel?" My anger flares. "Winona and Gabriel can mind their own business. Just like you."

"Don't push away everyone who cares. You're a smart cookie but you're acting awfully stupid right now. You know I'm right."

I swallow. "Look, it helps me unwind. This place is intense, you know that. The pressure here, the hours. It's just... it keeps me steady. Life's been hectic lately. The kidnapping, Winona and the kids leaving Gabriel and I breaking up."

eyes hardening. "Nah, you're using it as a crutch. And I'm telling you now, it's not gonna end well. Girl, you're being naive about

eyes. "I don't need a lecture. I know what

tone softening, but there's no humor there now. "I'm not judging, Cass.

gestures to the kitchen, to our coworkers in all their individuality, people who live on the edge just like me, some

talent for this, Cass. Chef knows it, any of them here do, but look at them. They are stuck on a hamster wheel. They have lost their ambition and drive to want more for

+25 BONUS

3E9 The Green W

I'm out of here next month. I'm worried to leave you here like this. Cass, you need to get off the gear and come back to

saying. But I'm not addicted

him, voice sharper than I intend. "I've got a lot going on, and

says, voice firm. "You're talented, Cass. You've got a real future with your dishes,

care as I toss herbs into a pan with a little more force than necessary.

I'm a

it, the way I can create

that still haunts me. The van crash, Winona keeping us safe. But then her suspicion of Gabriel. I stood up for him. He had no idea what happened. And now Gabriel

but every time I think about reaching out, something stops me. I don't know if it's pride, or fear, or the mess of everything in between. I just want to make this right. To prove them all wrong and show them I

out of my thoughts once again. "Cass, you're zoning out

is going

if you have

"Let me guess, you?"

front of house shift.

you just want my

a fuck