Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 23 ~ A perfect future doesn't exist

Chapter 23 - A perfect future doesn't exist

Athena

2

"Ohhh, I'm so glad you're better, my baby. I'm sorry I couldn't be with you as you checked out. Something came up,” Giana says from her hospital bed, her warm smile easing some of the tension in my chest. I laugh softly. "I can see that."

She looks tired but still elegant, her silver hair neatly pinned back, her frail hands resting on the blanket. The monitors beep steadily beside her and my heart aches for her.

I sit beside her, reaching for her hand. She squeezes mine gently.

"I was worried about you," she says.

I glance down, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I'm fine, granny."

Her green eyes study me, the way only she can. "Liar."

I force a smile. "I learned from the best."

She chuckles, but there's sadness in it.

"That boy of mine... he loves you in his own way, you know. I know you two feel like

we had to force it upon you, but I trust my instinct. And it says you two make a perfect match."

I don't answer.

My heart swells as the

words from yesterday echo. He wished I had split my skull open just so I could save him the trouble and

time for him to marry the love of his life.

That doesn't sound like a perfect match to me.

After a little while, I

help adjust her pillows, making sure she's comfortable. She tries to keep me there longer, but Alex enters.

"How's my favourite lady?" He walks over to her with a smile on his face.

It's not the first time I've seen him smile. He always pulls his walls down around his mother and grandmother. How can someone who loves his mama and Nana so much be so cold?

Or is it me that repels him?

I watch as he

leans forward and places a soft kiss on her forehead. She smiles at him while placing her weak hands on each side of

his face.

"You're going to be okay. I've made some calls. You'll get a transplant soon."

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"I'm 70, Alex. I'm tired. I don't want a transplant."

Alex's eyes are filled with fear and it's the first time I've seen

that feeling in his eyes.

"Nana." He warns.

"I want to see you two become parents. If you want me to get a transplant, then have a baby." She argues and Alex locks his jaw.

I hold my breath.

seeing me tied to him. I know that but it doesn't hurt any

how I feel about that. That's not fair."

at me, "My dear Athena, can you

out, but as I close the door, her next

meeting that Leah girl in

focus on your wife. Alex." Her

is now hard.

Athena. We make a perfect match. I simply met Leah

look stupid?" Giana

love you more

there. I'm married to

He places

I want to

she mentioned that once she is

bastard is lying with

never had this

better not be lying,

don't wait to

myself away from the

metal, my

It shouldn't hurt.

know-that I mean nothing to him.

sealed with ink

not love.

like we're so in

a straight face all

B 2/5

A child?

me? I laugh at the

weak moments

But it was

next morning. He never used a condom but he always pulled out. No matter

he was. That told me exactly what

don't stop

area, my breaths shallow. The walls feel like they're closing in, the weight of pretending

the waiting area, my fingers digging

pale hospital walls. The scent

the ache hollowing

A child?

I laugh again—

glances from nurses passing by. The absurdity of Alex's lie still echoes in my mind. He spoke so smoothly, so effortlessly,

was second nature to him. To weave a fantasy of a perfect marriage, a plan for

that doesn't

eyes finally snap to reality and I notice Ryan

phone. He glances up

ready to go, Mrs King?"

Mrs King.

name sends a bitter

I can answer, footsteps echo

Alex.

don't look at him,

he moves closer. His presence is

even without a

single word.

"We're leaving," he says.

respond, just let him wheel me forward. But as we reach the main doors, his phone

his posture,

just like that, he

"Ryan, take her home."

Three words. Dismissive. Detached.

to look at him, but he's already walking

hesitation.