Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Cass)

I spin to see Viktor striding toward us, his expression impassive, his massive shoulders squared. His black jacket and dark jeans make him look even more formidable than usual. Gabriel steps back, but there's a subtle challenge in the way he straightens his posture.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, surprised.

"Business," he says curtly, his razor-blue eyes flicking to Gabriel for a brief second before landing back on me. "I need to speak with Jayden. Is he still in the Brennan Wing?" Of course, business. This is a coincidence.

"No. He's in intensive care ward with Winona. It's limited visitors but one of the nurses will let him know you're there."

"I was just checking in on Cass, and Winona myself' Gabriel says smoothly, his tone polite but pointed.

"How considerate," Viktor replies, his voice cold.

The tension between them is so thick I could cut it with a knife. I'm caught between a molten meteorite and one iceberg king, and I'm the shiny object they both want to protect or devour.

I get a surge of want inside thinking of the devour part. Far out, Cass, not the time to have a sexual fantasy. Stop. What is wrong with me?

I squeeze my thighs together and concentrate on both of them being here.

I stare at them, my face is burning hot. I'm so useless at this...

The silence hangs because I have no clue what to say and they are just glaring each other down like I'm the Holy Grail. I need to get out of here.

Lisa, bless her, steps back in with her usual tact-or lack thereof. "Well, this is awkward," she says, throwing her hands up. "Cass, should I go get popcorn, or do you want me to stay and referee?" They turn their attention to Lisa but still say nothing.

"Okay, I'm staying to referee." She rubs her hands together. "This is going to be good."

"Let's go. I don't have time for this. I have a date to get ready for," I say. They don't have to know it's with the kids.

"A date?" Gabriel eyes me suspiciously.

Viktor is staring him down. "It's none of your business."

"Never said it was. None of yours either."

I am not some damn trophy for them to compete over.

"Bye." I grab Lisa's arm and tug her toward the car, not bothering to look back at Gabriel or Viktor.

I know their eyes are on me, though, burning holes into my back.

Once we're in the car and pulling out of the lot, Lisa finally speaks. "So... that was so fucking hot!"

"So are they that intense, or is it my imagination?"

"Are you kidding me? I'm so fucking jealous right now." She grins. "It's not every day two insanely sexy guys practically square off over you. They are like fire and ice, aren't they? Lucky bitch." I groan, leaning my head back against the seat. "This isn't a romance novel, Lisa. It's my life. And it's feeling like a mess."

She shrugs. "So, what are you going to do about it?"Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Nothing," I snap. Then I sigh,

realizing how harsh I sound. "I don't

know. I can't deal with this right now. Not with everything going on with Winona. And honestly... I don't want to hurt Gabriel again. And Viktor? He's... impossible."

Lisa smirks. "Well, if it were me, at your age, I'd have a very clear 'why choose' attitude. Just saying."

I stare at her, horrified. "You can't be serious." But something about that idea thrills me.

"Why not?" she says, as she concentrates on driving. "You're young, you're hot, and you've got two men clearly into you. There's no rule that says you have to pick one or either of them. Do what makes you happy, Cass. Explore.

Have fun. Or don't. It's up to you."

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, I let myself imagine it. Letting go of all the guilt and expectations, just... living in the moment.

But reality crashes back down. I'm a

recovering addict. "I can't," I say quietly. "I need to figure myself out first. I can't go into anything half-assed and risk hurting someone else for myself. I can't use anything as an emotional crutch."

"But an emotional outlet is important."

"But is that fair to use anyone like that with no intentions of being more than casual with them?"

"Look, Winona would probably disagree, but as long as they both understand that, let them make their own decisions."

"I'm not sure."

"You don't have to be traditional. You can be sexually active with more than one man if you want. Just be safe and make sure everyone knows the score. It's easier than you think."

"I'll take it under consideration. But those two are never going to accept that with each other."

"That's their problem, not yours. If they carry on, just walk away. Plenty more fish in the sea. Europe is full of attractive men. Have you met Matteo from Nexus Global? I almost got pregnant from his smile." I have to laugh. "I'll look him up when I get back."

"You don't owe anyone anything, Cass. Not Gabriel, not Viktor, nobody. This is your life. Do it your way."

I smile faintly, appreciating her honesty. "Thanks, Lis."

"Anytime," she says, smirking. "Now let's go build a fort with the kids and pretend we're not grown-ups for a while."

"That," I say, grinning for the first time all day, "sounds like a plan."