Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Jayden)

Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he's still in charge of the world. He looks older-more weathered-but there's still that unmistakable aura about him. The one that tells you he's better off as your friend than your enemy.

I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver's side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. "Jayden," Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he's walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. "I didn't expect you."

"Gus," I reply, my tone neutral. I'm not playing doting son. There's too much history, too much unresolved. "How was the hospitality?"

A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. "Let's just say I've had better accommodations."novelbin

Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "Let's not linger."

"Very well." Gus moves towards the car.

I follow and get into the back with Gus.

Viktor gets us on the road quickly.

I glance at Gus. He's staring out the window, his expression relaxed. For someone who's just walked out of prison for treason, he doesn't seem rattled.

"So," I say, breaking the silence. "What's next for you, Gus?"

He turns his head slightly, his sharp eyes meeting mine. "One step at a time. First, I need a shower and to get into some new clothes."

"You know I want to know how... involved in all of the smuggling stuff you're going to be? You have a chance to walk away from it for good. Let the feds take it over."

His gaze hardens. "I didn't come out of prison to start playing it safe, Jayden. There's work to be done."

"Work?" I glare at him. "If this is about Alejandro and his network, I want no part of it. I've got enough on my plate without getting dragged into your unfinished business."

"Relax," Gus says, his voice measured. "I'm not here to pull you into anything. I'll handle Alejandro. You focus on your family."

"Good," I say bluntly. "Because I'm done. Nexus Global is yours. Take it back. I never wanted it in the first place."

Gus shakes his head. "Nexus isn't mine anymore, Jayden. It's yours. And it's going to stay that way."

"Why?" I demand. "You built it. You ran it. It was your vision."

"And now it's yours," Gus says firmly. "You've already made it something bigger, something better. I'm not taking that away from you."

I shake my head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "This isn't about me, Gus. It's about you not being able to let go. You've been chasing Don Alejandro for decades. When does it end?" "When it's finished," he replies simply. "When he pays for what he's done. When justice is served."

"Justice! As if the system is ever going to bring him down. Who the hell do you think he's being served justice from?"

"Me." Gus's eyes are cold and hard.

Viktor clears his throat, his voice cutting through the tension. "We're here."

The car pulls into the penthouse's underground parking, and I step out.

They both get out of the car and follow me into the elevator. "Make yourself at home. I spend my evenings with the kids at the farmhouse. The penthouse is yours as long as you need it."

The doors open and we all step out.

"The guest wing is down the hall," I say, gesturing toward the guest suite. "Sorry, it's no Brussels estate."

"Will be compared to where I've been lately. I appreciate your hospitality," Gus says, his tone calm, almost too calm.

Viktor follows Gus as he heads toward the guest suite. I pour myself a stiff drink. No doubt they have secret spy business to catch up on.

When Viktor comes back, he doesn't sit. "You okay?" he asks.

"Do I look okay?" I hold my glass up, then immediately regret taking my mood out on Viktor. "Sorry. It's just... a lot."

"Gus can handle himself. You're not responsible for his choices."

"I know," I say quietly. "But it's not

just him choosing to continue to expose himself to danger. It's Nexus. It's Winona. Losing the baby. It's... everything." I stop short of saying my best friend having sex with my wife shooting my mother before himself.

I'm sure he gets I mean that too.

Viktor nods, short and sharp as always. "Gus is right about one thing-you've done a hell of a job with Nexus."

"Thanks. And you've been doing a brilliant job in my absence."

Gus reappears, looking more like himself in a fresh suit I had ordered in for him. He glances between me and Viktor, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. "Sorry if I'm interrupting anything..."

"No. Not at all." I don't want to discuss business with Gus.

"I'm going to see Winona tomorrow," Gus says, breaking the silence. "I've called her. I'm sorry for what's happened, Jayden. I truly am."

"Just remember what I said about

keeping the kids at arm's length if

you're not planning to stick around. I don'twant you walking in and out of their lives."

Gus's jaw tightens, but he nods. "Like I did to you."

I scoff. "You never walked into my life as a kid, Gus. You left me growing up believing that your abusive dick of a brother was my father."

His expression doesn't change, but something flickers in his eyes. Who fucking cares?

Not me.

I'm done blaming myself for anything my family did to me.