Let Me Go, My Aloof CEO Husband

In the high sea near Nolens

"Help! Help! Help... Help me... Brayden, please, help me!"

Averie Briggs' desperate pleas were growing fainter. On one side, the chilling seawater lapped at her, and on the other, a sheer cliff offered no escape.

Suddenly, headlights illuminated her face, now ghostly pale. She backed against the low sea guardrail.

Her ears caught the kidnapper's chilling voice. "Averie and Corinna, choose one..."

"Corinna," the man on the phone replied, without a second thought.

Averie fell silent, her heart turning to ice.

Brayden Fowler, the man she loved, had shattered her heart with such ease.

He had chosen to abandon her, despite her carrying his child.

In the next moment, a sudden kick to her abdomen from a figure in black sent her tumbling over the guardrail.

The frigid seawater swallowed her whole.

Her hatred for Brayden was overwhelming.

A sharp twinge of pain erupted in her lower abdomen, and Averie's world slowly blurred into blackness.

As she teetered on the edge of consciousness, a single thought crossed her mind. If she made it through this, she'd never live the same way again.

She couldn't justify sacrificing her life for such a man.

......

Miraculously, Averie survived.

A fishing boat found her and rushed her to the nearest hospital.

But her baby, the one she had so dearly hoped for, was lost, forever a part of the sea.

The bright overhead lights seemed to flicker above her as she lay in the hospital bed, lost in a daze.

The Fowler and Briggs families were immediately informed of her hospitalization on the first day.

But now, three days later, not a single visitor had come.

In her room, the TV broadcasted Nolens' latest social news.

"The Briggs sisters were suspected of being kidnapped, linked to Fowler Group's power struggle..."

"Brayden Fowler has become the youngest CEO in Fowler Group history."

Averie ran her cold fingers over her now flat stomach, a bitter smile playing on her lips. With difficulty, she grasped a pen and began to write on a piece of paper.

She had reached her breaking point.

As the sun set, someone opened the ward door.

"Apologies, Mrs. Fowler. Mr. Fowler got held up and is a bit late."

Hearing the voice, Averie tightened her grip on the quilt, her eyes on the suited man, Theo Gordon, Brayden's assistant.

"Take a seat, Theo." She tried to sit up a bit straighter, but it was too painful.

"Mr. Fowler's aware of the miscarriage... He mentioned something about making it up to you."

Brayden would make it up to her?

Averie wondered how one could make up for a lost life.

Just then, Theo looked toward the door and respectfully called, "Mr. Fowler."

Following Theo's gaze, Averie noticed a tall, slim figure approaching, backlit by the hallway light.

Despite the hospital's somber setting, his commanding presence was unmistakable.

Their eyes met, and a heavy silence filled the room.

"Mr. Fowler, Mrs. Fowler had a miscarriage, but the doctor believes her health is otherwise fine," Theo informed.

In the lamplight, Brayden's throat moved slightly.

He sat down, half his face shadowed, his eyes partly obscured by his hair.

Brayden lit up a cigarette, the lighter's flame casting a shadow on the scar under his eye, making him look colder and more intimidating.

"When are you getting out of here?" he asked, his voice low and captivating.

But Averie didn't pick up any emotion in his words.

He seemed indifferent, even about the baby they had lost.

If she hadn't been sedated when she learned of the miscarriage, she could have broken down.

But his reaction wasn't surprising. After all, she only married Brayden as a stand-in for someone else, and he had never really cared for her.

She had given up on expecting anything from this man.

All she felt was pity for the child she had lost. His father hadn't even anticipated his arrival.

A bitter smile crossed Averie's face, catching Brayden's fleeting glance.

"The day after tomorrow," she replied.

Three years had passed by. They had been married for that long, but her love for him went back even further.

Yet this young man, who had once been her protector in the poor and chaotic town of Haeidith, seemed to have forgotten all about her.

It was time for her to let go.

"Alright." Brayden's visit felt obligatory. He stood up, opened the door, and left as if he had completed a duty.

Averie and Brayden rarely talked to each other directly. Instead, Theo was often the messenger between them. The only time they were alone together was in the quiet of their bedroom.

"Brayden Fowler," Averie called out, stopping him in his tracks.

This was the first time she used his full name. Before, she had always boldly called him "honey."

Brayden turned to look at her, pausing mid-step.

"I need to talk to you about something..." Averie began, but her words were cut off by the sound of a phone ringing.

"Brayden, where are you? I'm terrified. I had a nightmare that I was kidnapped again..." The voice on the phone was sweet and flirtatious.

Brayden didn't stay any longer. He quickly left, blending into the crowd hustling through the hospital.

The room felt a bit uncomfortable after he left.

Theo said carefully, "Mrs. Fowler, Mr. Fowler mentioned he would give you a villa in Blossom Villas and a shop as compensation. If there's anything else you need, just let us know..."

Averie snorted softly. She remembered the days when Brayden had nothing, and his business was always in trouble. She had been by his side through those tough times.

Now that the Fowler Group was thriving, Brayden seemed to think money could solve everything.

"I want a divorce," she said firmly.

It was easier than she thought to say these words she had long considered. At that moment, Averie's face showed a hint of cold resolve.

"Mrs. Fowler, please think this through. Don't make decisions when you're angry," Theo urged, sounding worried.

"It's not about anger or a ruse," Averie said, handing a sheet filled with words to Theo.

"This is the divorce agreement. Can you give it to Brayden? He should read it closely. I'm not asking for too much."

"But, Mrs. Fowler..." Theo started, but Averie closed her eyes and fell silent.

Sensing the moment, Theo quietly left the hospital room.

Before Theo's next visit, Averie had already completed her discharge process on her own.

She didn't want to return to Brayden's house, so she reached out to her friend Nolan Brooks for help in finding a new place to stay.

Nolan, who didn't see an issue with men and women living together, warmly offered her a place at his home.

However, since he was a public figure, their living arrangement would lead to rumors. After they were seen dining together previously, gossip spread about Averie being Nolan's girlfriend.

This caused Brayden to give her the cold shoulder for an entire week.

Why was she thinking of Brayden again?

Averie shook her head, trying to dismiss these thoughts.

While tidying up the apartment Nolan had arranged for her, she got a call from Theo.

"Hey, Theo," Averie said, perched on a stool, busily wiping away cobwebs from above the kitchen cabinet.

"Mrs. Fowler, I've spoken to Mr. Fowler about the divorce you mentioned. I also showed him the divorce papers."

Theo's voice sounded a bit stiff, but Averie didn't really notice.

"Alright, so when is Brayden going to sign and get the divorce process moving?"

"Mr. Fowler wants to discuss the divorce papers face-to-face. He's asking you to come to the office."

"No need for that. I'm fine with whatever he decides, as long as he either hands over the properties he gave me or pays me in cash. I just want to be divorced as soon as possible."

Hearing Averie talk about a quick divorce, Brayden, standing near Theo, couldn't hide his gloomy look.

For Averie, once her decision was made, she was eager to sever ties quickly.

Having stood by him for years without winning his heart, she was ready to let go.

Before Theo could respond, a familiar, icy voice came through the phone.

"Come to my office, now."

With that, the call ended abruptly. Averie calmly put her phone away. But then, the stool wobbled, and she fell, wincing as her ankle started to swell. Through gritted teeth, Averie decided to deal with the divorce first.

Upon Averie's arrival at the Fowler Group, Theo courteously led the way, saying, "Mrs. Fowler, Mr. Fowler has been expecting you for some time."

Averie gave a nod and followed Theo into the elevator.

As they reached the CEO's office, Theo knocked and opened the door.

Averie, already nursing a swollen ankle from an earlier fall, stumbled as she entered. Losing her balance, she unexpectedly fell against a broad chest.

Looking up, she saw Brayden, his face showing a mix of annoyance and concern.

Knowing Brayden's particular dislike for untidiness, she realized he must detest the lingering smell from her recent cleaning.

"I'm sorry," she muttered, stepping back. She didn't notice Brayden's frown deepening as he saw her swollen ankle.

Averie then watched Brayden quietly instruct Theo, who nodded in understanding.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss about the divorce?" Averie asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Despite her faded feelings, Brayden's commanding presence was hard to ignore.

"Let's talk inside," Brayden said, turning to enter his office.

Averie shot him a cold glance. Brayden's demeanor was unchanged. He was confident, composed, and unyielding.

The moment she stepped into the office, Theo shut the door.

"Have a seat."

As usual, Averie sat down in front of Brayden.

Looking at the property transfer contract before her, she felt a hint of surprise.

"Did you forget to print the divorce papers? Don't worry, I've got them right here." She reached into her bag, pulling out the already prepared documents.

As she offered one copy to Brayden, his large, distinctly jointed hand halted her.

Averie paused, momentarily taken aback, and then firmly placed the divorce papers back in front of Brayden.

Brayden, with a squint and a mocking tone, questioned, "Divorce?"

He observed his usually docile wife, sensing an unfamiliar change in her.

The emotions hidden in her eyes were a mystery to him, leaving Brayden feeling unexpectedly out of his depth.

"I didn't call you here to talk about divorce," Brayden said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"And what then?" Averie asked, her eyes narrowing slightly, a coldness touching her beautiful features.

"You want a divorce? Who said I agreed?" Brayden retorted, arching an eyebrow.

"Mr. Fowler, you must be joking. It's my right to seek a divorce, isn't it?" Averie replied, her smile hiding the absence of any real warmth toward Brayden.

Brayden's frown deepened, a sense of irritation washing over him.

He had never imagined his marriage with Averie would reach such a point.

He spent years coming to terms with Averie being a part of his life, even letting her have his child.

After the kidnapping, he wanted to make things right with his wife and had picked out several properties for her to choose from.

But he was shocked when his usually quiet wife boldly threw a divorce agreement at him.

"You really want a divorce?"

"I'd rather we wrap up the divorce today." Averie couldn't take it anymore.

"Fine." Brayden, looking at her clenched fists, wondered what was bothering him.

He was clueless.

"So, you're agreeing to the divorce? Or just to get the paperwork done now?" Averie couldn't tell if it was just her imagination, but she sensed the man's hostility fading.

"We can get divorced, but not sign the papers yet." He glanced at Averie with a frown. "The Fowler Group is just getting back on its feet. I can't risk its future."

Averie said with a hint of detachment, "The Fowler Group's problems don't really involve me, right?"

Once, Brayden and the company were everything to her. But now, they meant nothing.

"I'll make it up to you," Brayden said, his expression turning serious.

"Fine, I want three million," Averie blurted out, thinking of her mother's hefty medical bills. Despite the company's recent stabilization, this was a reasonable request for the Fowler Group.

"Alright. You have three months," Brayden declared, setting a deadline. "To the outside world, we'll still act as a married couple. After three months, we'll divorce."

"Okay," Averie agreed, a bit surprised.

She had expected Brayden to be in a hurry for a divorce, not to ask for another three months.

But what was three more months, after waiting three years for him? Besides, this would help pay for her mother's treatment.

On her way out, Averie bumped into Theo, who was just about to knock.

"Mrs. Fowler, are you leaving already?"

"Yes." She nodded and continued on her way.

"Mrs. Fowler, please take this," Theo said, offering her a sprain ointment.

"What's this?" Averie asked, accepting it.

Taking a glance at the man seated in the office, Theo gestured toward Averie's ankle.

"It's... It's for you. I noticed you were hurt. Please use it," he explained.

"Thanks," she replied gratefully.

After leaving the office, Averie headed back to her apartment for some rest. She planned to visit Brayden's residence the next day to collect her things.

Her intention was also to retrieve the savings she had amassed as a makeup artist, stored in her bedside table.

Her mother, who was recovering in Haeidith, had no source of income. That was why Averie felt compelled to handle property matters at the company, despite wishing to avoid Brayden.

The next day, Averie arrived at Brayden's home where the butler welcomed her respectfully.

She moved upstairs to the guest bedroom without a word.

During their marriage, Brayden and she rarely shared a bed, spending most nights apart.

She packed only a suitcase in the guest bedroom, taking a few clothes and bank cards, and leaving behind anything that reminded her of Brayden.

As she passed the master bedroom with her suitcase, something she left there came to mind.

After a moment's hesitation, she opened the door to the master bedroom.

Brayden had no idea that Averie had been tidying his room all these years.

She knew about his strong need for cleanliness.

Every time, she meticulously washed his clothes several times and sterilized the tables and cabinets until she felt at ease.

She did this because she fell in love with him when she first saw him injured for protecting her in Haeidith.

When the Briggs family took her to Nolens and she saw Brayden, she immediately recognized the young man she had been through tough times with in Haeidith.

When the opportunity arose to marry him as a substitute for her elder sister, she agreed without hesitation.

Sadly, Brayden didn't remember her.

Their marriage ended after three years.

"Who's in my room?" Brayden's voice echoed from outside the door.

Why was he home at this time? He was usually at work.

Averie's expression turned somber. She quickly opened the door to leave but found herself face-to-face with Brayden.

Confronted with Brayden's stern look, she felt like she was caught in the act.

"I'm sorry. I was just gathering my things. I'll leave immediately," Averie explained, trying to step past him.

But in the next moment, Brayden grabbed her forearm.

In the dim light of dusk, their close proximity felt strangely intimate.

"Are you that eager to leave?" Brayden's eyes dropped, a hint of recognition in his gaze.

"Yes, I am," Averie replied calmly.

Brayden's grip on her arm tightened.

"Mr. Fowler..." Averie resisted his approach.

She found this man puzzling.

When she was in love with him, he remained distant and silent. Now, when her feelings had faded, he was clinging to her.

"You really want to leave?" Brayden whispered near Averie's ear, his breath warm. "Wouldn't you worry about me letting your sister stay here?"

"It's your house. You can invite anyone you like," Averie retorted with a sneer.

As she picked up her suitcase to leave, Brayden's voice followed her. "I don't force people out. As long as you're Mrs. Fowler, you're welcome here."

She didn't respond, and just quickened her steps.

Reaching the gate, she noticed Brayden coming after her.

"Need a ride?" He glanced from her suitcase to the Maybach parked nearby.

Averie simply shook her head and walked away quickly, suitcase in hand.

She didn't see the intense look Brayden gave her as she left.

Averie had just returned to her apartment building when the evening darkness enveloped the city. She was about to step into the elevator, her suitcase in tow, when she suddenly found herself face-to-face with Nolan. He stood there, a bouquet of lollipop flowers in hand, his face beaming.

"Hey Averie, congrats on the divorce! Here's to a happier future," Nolan said, his voice filled with genuine joy.

"You know, you've got a real gift for makeup, Averie. It's been under wraps since you were with that loser. Now, you've got a shot at making it big. I'm sure you're going to be famous worldwide," he added, barely containing his excitement.

He couldn't hide his happiness about Averie's divorce. He had been waiting for Averie to divorce that bastard!

"Thanks, Nolan," Averie replied, her smile breaking through for the first time in days.

But she quickly became anxious, glancing around before hurriedly pulling Nolan into the elevator. They went up to her apartment.

"Hey, why are you here? Aren't you worried about the paparazzi catching you?" she asked, peering out and carefully drawing the curtains.

Nolan shrugged off her concern as he plopped down on the sofa. "Oh, well. I've got a new acting gig. I was hoping you'd do my makeup for some promo shots. I'll pay you the usual rate. What do you say?"

He seemed to have a sudden realization and added, "I'll pay you upfront. You must be struggling with your mom's medical bills and the cost of her caregiver, right?"

She had almost forgotten about it until Nolan mentioned it!

She had been in the hospital due to the miscarriage and hadn't checked her mom's recent emails.

"Does the Briggs family really refuse to help with any medical costs?" Nolan was puzzled.

Averie gave a half-hearted smile.

She was a Briggs by name, but not the biological child of her father's current wife, Rosalie Briggs.

She had an older half-brother and half-sister raised by the Briggs family, while she was born in Haeidith.

Her mom was merely a servant for the Briggs family.

When her mother got pregnant with her, Rosalie wanted nothing to do with her. Her mother had to escape to Haeidith to find refuge and start anew.

The Fowler Group was in chaos a few years ago, and Brayden returned to Nolens with no real power or influence. Rosalie feared her own daughter, Corinna Briggs, would suffer if she married Brayden, so she sent her back to marry Brayden as a stand-in for Corinna.

Brayden didn't care. He just needed a tie with the Briggs family, and it didn't matter who he married.

But once he realized Corinna had saved him in the past, Brayden started to see her differently, and they grew close.

The Briggs family agreed that if Averie behaved, her mom could return to the Briggs family.

That was her mother's deepest desire.

Averie remembered Brayden as the man who had once saved her, and that was partly why she had agreed to this arranged marriage.

Averie opened her suitcase, planning to use her laptop to check up on her mother's recent condition.

But as soon as she opened it, she was shocked.

"What's the matter?" Nolan asked, leaning his head to see.

"It's nothing. I just forgot my laptop. I'll go get it tomorrow," she replied, hoping she wouldn't run into Brayden.

The next day came quickly.

She left early for Brayden's house since she had to be at the studio by the afternoon to assist Nolan with his makeup. The money from the makeup job would cover her mother's medical bills for the month.

In the past, to be a good wife for Brayden, she only worked occasionally.

After the divorce, she could pursue her career as a full-time makeup artist.

She took a taxi, but halfway through the ride, her phone rang.

It was Jeffrey Briggs, her eldest brother from the Briggs family.

"Hello, Jeffrey," she answered, her face clouding over at the sight of the Briggs family name on the caller ID, but she felt she had no choice but to answer.

As Jeffrey spoke, the wind outside the taxi seemed to carry away his words, changing her expression.

His voice was stern. "Have you signed the divorce papers yet? If you delay, there won't be a place for your mom in the Briggs family."

Midway, the taxi turned around, heading toward the Briggs family mansion instead.

"Jeffrey, I..." Averie's words were cut short as she entered the Briggs family mansion. The next thing she knew, she was struck and sent sprawling to the floor.

Her hair fell over her face, hiding her icy expression.

No one in the Briggs family would dare to think of her as weak if they saw her expression.

The person who struck her was the Briggs family's housekeeper, closely allied with her stepmother, Rosalie.

Rosalie, middle-aged and dressed extravagantly, looked down at Averie with disdain. "Such a bitch! I feel disgusted to even look at you. The Fowler Group is thriving now. Why haven't you divorced as you promised? Are you planning to use the Fowler Group and Brayden to save yourself and your mother?"

Rosalie's anger didn't subside. She grabbed Averie by the hair, yanking her up.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Jeffrey and their father observed coldly. Jeffrey didn't seem to recognize Averie as his sister.

"Averie, do you honestly think Brayden cares about you? You're fooling yourself," Rosalie sneered.

"Listen to Rosalie, Averie," their father interjected. "Get the divorce done quickly. We'll take care of your mother after that."

Jeffrey fueled the conflict, asserting, "Averie, you better listen. Remember, if we hadn't taken you in, you'd still be stuck in Haeidith's most chaotic district!"

"You got to live like a rich girl because of us, and we even promised to bring your mother over. Is this how you repay us?" Angered, Rosalie showed her teeth and growled, "Listen up! Unless Corinna marries Brayden, your mother won't be joining the Briggs family!"

Rosalie had thought the stabilization of the Fowler Group would lead Brayden to marry Corinna quickly. But to her astonishment, Brayden didn't bring it up.

He didn't even talk about divorcing Averie.

"That bitch! Just like her mother!" Rosalie was itching to scratch Averie's face.

Averie looked up, her voice cold with warning. "You can insult me, but leave my mother out of it."

"What? You gonna hit me? What's that look in your eyes?"

The intensity in Averie's gaze sent a shiver through Rosalie. She realized she was actually scared of the stare from a so-called lowlife's daughter.

The housekeeper by her side lifted her arm in a threatening gesture.

"What's happening here?" Brayden asked, his casual tone immediately quieting the noisy living room.

The members of the Briggs family exchanged surprised glances, while the housekeeper quickly lowered her arm, which she had raised a moment ago.

As Brayden walked past her, he shot her a chilling look that made her shiver.

From the moment Brayden entered the Briggs' residence, his presence alone seemed to instill a sense of fear in everyone, even when he remained silent.

Averie slowly lifted her head.

"Get up," Brayden instructed, looking down at Averie who was on the floor.

This caused a stir among the Briggs family members, who quickly masked their shock with flattering smiles.

"Brayden, what brings you here so unexpectedly?" Rosalie asked.

"I've come to take Averie with me," Brayden replied, his face showing no emotion and indicating a reluctance to converse further.

The sunlight poured in behind him, casting his figure in a soft glow. He lowered his gaze and extended his hand toward Averie.

As she gazed at him, Averie's mind flashed back to the Brayden of the past.

In her memory, Brayden was a resolute young man with piercing eyes.

He too had once reached out to her in the light, offering her reassurance with his words. "In Haeidith, to survive, you can't afford to be too kind. But it's okay if you are. Because you have me by your side."

Averie shook her head, clearing away the rush of memories that flooded her mind.

She sidestepped Brayden's extended hand, got up, and brushed off her clothes.

"Well, Brayden, about our joint project in the new district next month..." Rosalie said with a sly smile, her face creased with wrinkles.

"Right. Will the funds be transferred on time?" Jeffrey gave an awkward smile in response.

Brayden glanced at his outstretched hand, and his brow furrowed slightly.

"Don't forget, she's Mrs. Fowler." Brayden surveyed the crowd, his gaze icy and inscrutable.

He ignored the Briggs family's remarks, took Averie's hand, and walked away.

His hand was warm, yet Averie quickly pulled away, keeping a courteous distance between them.