THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 390

Bang, bang, bang.

His heart was pounding out of control—and not just his heart. There was another part of him he could barely keep in check.

Sensing something was off, Gordon immediately let go of her, breaking the silence first. “Catie, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Caitlin pulled herself together as well. “I was too busy taking pictures of Monday and didn’t really watch where I was going. Luckily, you reacted fast.”

If Gordon hadn’t caught her in time, the two of them would’ve ended up flat on their backs.

“My reward for saving you—breakfast’s on you?” Gordon arched an eyebrow with a playful grin.

“Deal.” Caitlin nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “In fact, I know a great breakfast spot nearby. Are you done with your run? We can go together if you are.”

“I’m done. Was just heading back.”

“Perfect. Let’s grab some food.” Caitlin called Monday over.

And just like that, the two of them, with Monday trotting alongside, set off together.

Monday, still a little pup with short legs, had already met his morning exercise quota. After a while, he started lagging behind, finally stopping and looking up at Caitlin, begging to be carried.

“You tired, Monday? Come here, baby.” Caitlin bent down and scooped him up into her arms.

Gordon teased, “Miss Kensington, you’re spoiling him rotten.”

Caitlin raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Sylvester, where have I heard that line before?”

Gordon’s lips curled into a smirk. “Forgot how you used to tease me?”

The memory made Caitlin chuckle softly.

They strolled along, chatting as they went. Whenever Caitlin’s arms got tired, she’d pass Monday over to Gordon for a while.

Gordon, who usually obsessed over cleanliness, didn’t seem to mind at all. He dutifully carried Monday, following behind Caitlin as they wove through bustling city streets, eventually slipping into a cozy, lively alley where the real heart of the city beat.

Eight in the morning.

Peak breakfast hour. The alley buzzed with vendors on both sides, selling every breakfast imaginable, and the space between was packed with people.

“What do you like for breakfast?” Caitlin glanced at Gordon.

“I’m easy. I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

“Alright then—how about some noodle soup? There’s this place up ahead that does it really well.”

“Sounds good.”

As Caitlin left, Monday whined and yipped anxiously, desperate to follow her.

“Easy, buddy, easy. Mom’s just getting some pastries. Dad’s right here.” Gordon soothed him, then caught himself at the word “Dad,” but didn’t bother to correct it.

By the time Caitlin returned with a bag of golden pastries, Gordon had made it through the line and snagged them a table.

“Try these,” Caitlin said, setting the bag down. “Best breakfast pastries in the city—hands down.”

Just then, the noodle shop owner ambled over, grinning. “So, young man, what are you and your girlfriend having?”

Girlfriend?!

Gordon’s ears instantly turned red. Suddenly, the owner didn’t seem so gruff—actually, he seemed downright friendly. Gordon felt a little guilty for judging him earlier.

Caitlin quickly clarified, “Oh, there’s a misunderstanding—we’re not a couple.”

The owner winked. “Not a couple? Then you must be married!”

He’d overheard Gordon calling himself “Dad” to the dog, after all.

Caitlin was speechless.

Gordon just grinned sheepishly, unable to hold back a smile. Maybe the old guy wasn’t so bad after all.