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.

flick over my face-my tear-streaked cheeks, my trembling

on his heel and

he leaves behind

stand there, my body

Of course.

it

back the remaining tears, I

back into the main hall, Ariana catches sight of me. Her eyes

there you two are!" she teases. "Couldn't wait until you got home,

you not to disturb them, Ariana!" Granny says and

was just worried. But after seeing them in such a.... position. Let's just say, that baby is coming pretty

words hit like a

what

must have walked

ever the perfect son, ever the flawless businessman, covered it up

to play the role of a doting

Using me. Again.

force a small, tight-lipped smile, nodding as if my

that," I murmur, swallowing the bitter taste

words literally but I know to them, my response probably sounds like I'm just shy and that makes me want to rip my hair

my arm before

Love is a beautiful thing and if not for my fibroid, I'd have shown you evidence by having

"Mum!" Alex, complains.

where do you think you came

annoyance meanwhile my heart is

to steady my breathing before a

air.

fury. "Why the hell

questions, her voice clipped showing how displeased she

as

Leah.

as

her eyes brimming with that perfect innocence that makes

Everyone except Alex's family.

me if that

know

know what she means to

before I cause a

anger.

her cause a

the mess he

arms, my nails digging into my