Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

519 Fanning Flames

(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."

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.

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.

says. "You look...

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

and it can't have been cheap to secure this table at

leaving mine. "You are sexier than ever," he says, his voice smooth. "You've barely changed at

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

assume," he replies, a playful smile tugging

evening flows effortlessly, our conversation a mix of flirtation and nostalgia. Gabriel's charm is intoxicating, but there's a

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

like the only woman in the world. It's perfect to end my stay here

part of me I didn't know

put your mind. I know

Your business, your green card. Brennan Industries. I can see you've become the man

up his

my gaze and I know the heat I feel isn't from the weather. Gabriel was my first serious boyfriend. No one ever agreed

I wouldn't change a thing. He changed me from a girl into a woman in

***

the restaurant, the city hums with life. Gabriel stands close, his hand brushing

perfect,"

I admit, my voice barely

his eyes searching mine.

he

he makes me feel.

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

he

there. But this isn't

Europe tomorrow," I say, my voice steady despite the desire