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.

face-my tear-streaked

turns on his heel and walks away without

silence he leaves

body trembling, my

Of course.

it

to sting, forcing myself to breathe. Blinking back the remaining tears, I lift my chin and smooth down my dress,

hall, Ariana catches sight of me. Her eyes twinkle with amusement, and

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

disturb them, Ariana!" Granny says and Ariana

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

words hit like a blade to the

that's what

have walked

perfect son, ever the

play the

Using me. Again.

tight-lipped smile, nodding

wasn't like that," I murmur, swallowing the

probably sounds like

my arm before turning

beautiful thing and if not for my fibroid, I'd have

"Mum!" Alex, complains.

think you

father laughs. So does Granny making Alex groan in annoyance meanwhile my heart is still bleeding and I'm

time to steady my breathing

air.

God," Ariana's voice drips with fury. "Why the hell is that girl

questions, her voice clipped

stomach knots as I follow

Leah.

breathtaking as always

her shoulders, her eyes brimming with that perfect innocence that

Everyone except Alex's family.

if that

know what

she

I cause a scene," Ariana seethes, her face twisted

anger.

Let her cause a

see the mess he has

my arms, my nails digging into my