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.

my face-my tear-streaked

turns on his heel and walks

leaves behind

body trembling, my

Of course.

it was

Blinking back the remaining tears, I lift my chin and smooth down my

step back into the main hall, Ariana catches sight of

she teases. "Couldn't wait until you got home,

not to disturb them, Ariana!" Granny says

after seeing them in such a.... position. Let's just say,

words hit like a blade

what it

must have

ever the perfect son, ever the flawless businessman, covered

the role

Using me. Again.

small, tight-lipped smile, nodding as

wasn't like that," I murmur, swallowing the bitter taste of

but I know to them, my response probably sounds like I'm just shy and that makes me

before turning back to

thing and if not for

"Mum!" Alex, complains.

you think you came from?"

in annoyance meanwhile my heart is still bleeding

time to steady my breathing before a sharp gasp cuts through

air.

Ariana's voice drips with fury. "Why the hell is that girl walking in with

Nana questions, her voice clipped showing how displeased she

as I follow

Leah.

breathtaking as always delicate features,

shoulders, her eyes brimming with that perfect innocence that

Everyone except Alex's family.

me if that

I know what she

what she

a

anger.

Let her cause a

everyone see the

nails digging into my skin, waiting for