Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 4 ~ Not taking the Fall

ATHENA

The cool wall presses into my back, but it's nothing compared to the icy words Alex hurls at me.

We arrived too early and more people are yet to come. We always do this

because it gives us enough time to catch up as a family.

I used to love it but tonight, I wish I didn't have to come.

"You should enjoy playing the part while you still can," he says, his voice devoid of warmth. His green eyes gleam with something cruel, something calculated. Something cold. This man must not be human.

"Because the title was never yours to begin with." He goes on.

My heart clenches.

I should be used to it by now.

The sharp edges of his words, the way he wields them like knives, cutting me down without hesitation. But somehow, each one still manages to pierce deeper than the last.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, refusing to let him see how much it hurts. How much it breaks me to pieces with every word he says.

"I never wanted your damn title," I whisper the lie, my voice tight.

Alex chuckles darkly, stepping closer, his presence suffocating.

"Didn't you?" He tilts his head, mock curiosity in his expression. "Is that why you cling so desperately to this charade? Because deep down, you love pretending to be my wife?"

My nails dig into my palms. "You don't—"

But before I can finish, his lips crash against mine.

My breath falters, my mind blanking as warmth floods through me. His hands grip my waist, pulling me flush against him, and for a brief, foolish moment, I let myself believe it's real.

Tears slip down my cheeks, hot and traitorous, but I don't pull away.

I melt into him.

Because I love him. Because no matter how much he tries to break me, I'm still his.

I tilt my head, about to kiss him back-

And then, he rips himself away.

His gaze burns with disgust as he wipes his lips with the back of his hand as if my touch was something vile.

"Fix yourself," he mutters coldly, straightening his jacket.

over my face-my tear-streaked

heel and

he leaves

body trembling, my

Of course.

course, it

I lift my chin and smooth down my dress, gathering the broken pieces of myself before

into the main hall, Ariana catches sight of me. Her eyes twinkle with amusement, and she

you two are!" she teases. "Couldn't wait

not to disturb them,

just worried. But after seeing them in such a....

like a

what

must have walked

son, ever the flawless businessman, covered it

kiss to play the role of a

Using me. Again.

small, tight-lipped smile, nodding as if

I murmur, swallowing the bitter taste of humiliation.

probably sounds like I'm just shy and that makes me

arm before turning back

be shy of your love my baby. Love is a beautiful thing and if not

"Mum!" Alex, complains.

where do you think

Granny making Alex groan in annoyance meanwhile my heart is still bleeding and I'm here trying

my breathing before a

air.

drips with fury. "Why the hell is

Nana questions, her voice clipped showing how

as I follow her

Leah.

breathtaking as always

golden hair falling over her shoulders, her eyes brimming with that perfect innocence

Everyone except Alex's family.

if

know

she

cause a scene,"

anger.

her cause a

see the

into my skin, waiting for