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Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow
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At the team dinner, everyone started hyping Peggy Madoff and me up to call our partners. Before I could even move, Peggy—runner-up to my top spot—whipped out her phone. "Babe, everyone's making me call you!" she giggled. On the line? Gerard Busch. Yeah, the CEO. He laughed. "Guess I'll be counting on you all to look after Peggy," he said. Cue the gasps and cheers. I just kept downing my wine. Because Gerard? He was my husband.
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Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 12
Back when Christopher kicked Gerard out, he thought it was just a slap on the wrist.So he didn't sweat it.Blew through his cash and played house with Peggy for a year like nothing had changed.But then the bomb dropped—Busch Corp had officially gone to Gerard's younger brother.That's when the panic set in.Suddenly, Gerard was dragging Peggy and their kid out to block Christopher's car, begging for a second chance, desperate to crawl his way back into the family and the money.But Christopher was done.As far as he was concerned, Gerard didn't exist.Gerard and Peggy tanked hard.Poverty hit, and with it came the fights—loud, ugly, and nonstop.Even basic needs turned into warzones.Gerard started comparing Peggy to me.Day after day, he missed the way I used to do everything—quiet, efficient, loyal.But Peggy wasn't built for that.He spoiled her into being pampered and clueless, and now he wanted her to suddenly morph into the wife I used to be?Not happening.The
Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 11
Online drama faded fast—new scandals always stole the spotlight.With support from strangers who actually had hearts, I got my act together and joined Astor Corp, my family's company.Started in sales, snatched a few major deals right out from under Busch Corp.They didn't say a word.Silence can be a pretty loud apology.With everything I'd been through, Dad promoted me to VP without blinking.Three years in, my name was everywhere—my success became legend.On the anniversary of Nadine's death, I brought her a bouquet made of her favorite snacks.Sat down and talked to her for a while.That night, I dreamed of her.She could run now—the little girl I'd only known in memories.But I knew. It was Nadine.She ran into my arms, tiny hands cupping my face."Mommy, I missed you so much! You look so skinny—have you been thinking about me too much? It's okay! Just send more snacks. If I eat enough, I'll grow faster and come back to see you!"We spent the whole dream eating and p
Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 10
Three days later, Gerard and I stood outside the law firm.The place was swarming—reporters, influencers, all waiting with cameras ready."Mr. Busch, is it true you caused your daughter's death?""Sources say your father kicked you out—care to comment?""After divorcing Danielle Astor, are you planning to marry Peggy Madoff? Do you think you were a decent husband? A decent dad?"Gerard tried to speak, but nothing came out.He glanced at me like I'd save him.I didn't move. Just stared straight at his flashy suit.Seven days. Nadine had only been gone a week, and he was already dressing like he had something to celebrate.Gerard lowered his head, yanked off his jacket, and clutched it like it could save him.He pushed past the cameras and stopped in front of me.For once, he looked like he actually felt something."Danielle, I didn't know Nadine was really sick that day. I'm sorry—I swear I didn't know. If I had... I never would've..."He reached for my hand.I stepped bac
Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 9
After Nadine died, I went home.My parents looked at me like they were scared to breathe wrong.I locked myself in my room.Didn't eat. Didn't drink. Just curled up with Nadine's ashes, hoping the pain would dull even a little.But life doesn't pause for grief.I turned in my resignation.Had to show up to wrap things up.The second I stepped into Busch Corp, the air shifted.Cold stares. Whispers everywhere.When I reached the sales floor to pack, it got worse—people didn't even bother hiding it.The same coworkers who once toasted me at the company dinner were now spitting venom."No wonder you didn't call your 'husband'—you were busy stealing Peggy's guy.""Is there any man you haven't slept with? You couldn't even pull off being a decent side chick. Working with you makes me sick."Peggy kept stirring the pot, and the rumors exploded.Before long, everyone at Busch Corp believed I slept my way into deals and stole Peggy's boyfriend.They said I envied everything she
Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 8
I wanted out the second Nadine was born.But our families, the company, the mess—it all made me stall.Mostly, I didn't want Nadine growing up asking why her dad bailed.But now she was gone.And there was nothing left holding me back.Gerard's eyes snapped wide, then he laughed—cold, nasty. "You serious? Have you lost it?"You drugged me, crawled into my bed, trapped me with marriage—played every card. Now you're over it?"Come on. Nadine dies and suddenly you're screaming divorce? What's your angle?"He never loved me. Hated Nadine even more.Because she wasn't part of his plan.That day, he snapped. Stormed in, shoved me onto the bed.No love. No warmth. Just rage.I pushed him off. He thought it was some twisted flirt game.His eyes were bloodshot. He held me down like I was nothing.Every thrust felt like punishment. Like he was trying to hurt me on purpose."Stop acting," he hissed. "Didn't you want this? Married me for this, right? Then take it. Cry all you want—j
Ashes in Hand, Divorce in Tow Chapter 7
Gerard blinked. "What?"The left side of his face was already swelling.His eyes stayed glued to the ashes on the floor—no sadness, just straight-up contempt. "Danielle, you've really gone all out trying to get me to leave Peggy. She just found out she's pregnant, and now you're claiming Nadine is dead?"You even put some dust in a little jar to put on a show. Do you really think you and some kid matter in my family? What a joke."If it weren't for my parents pressuring me back then, I wouldn't have even looked at you."He wasn't wrong.We only got married because of my family's name—and the favor they did for his.Back when my dad and Christopher were finalizing a deal, Christopher collapsed from high blood pressure.Everyone panicked. Tried to move him.I was still a med student. Took one look and called it—a hemorrhage.Told them to stop, called 911, and kept him stable till help came.I saved his life.After he recovered, he thanked me in person—and pulled every string
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