Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 31 ~ Where is She?

ALEX

"Alex, put Athena on the phone. I need to confirm what she wants for her graduation."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, the muscles in my jaw ticking as I lean back against the couch.

Just hearing her name is making my blood boil. She didn't listen to me, went with a dress that would put her ass on display with a slight bend, and now I have to play the perfect husband who says good things about his wife.

This marriage is starting to feel like torture. I would divorce her tomorrow, but Nana is not stable, and the last thing I want is to trigger her heart attack.

"She's not here," I respond flatly.

"Don't use that tone on me, young man!" Mum snaps, and I sigh.

"I'm sorry." I sigh, running my hand through my hair.

"Is everything okay? You know you can always speak to me, right?" Her voice is full of concern.

"Just work stress, mum. I'm okay. As for the gift, isn't it supposed to be a surprise?"

I soften my voice, hoping we can change the subject. "Why do you need her opinion if you're just going to plan something?" I add.

"Good. I love you! So, now back to the gift, that's for her to worry about," she chuckles, knowing well i'm probably rolling my eyes. "Put her on, Alex. Or did you forget how you had me buy you an entire company on a whim? It's not a curse to ask what my daughter-in-law wants for her own graduation."

I stand in the living room, phone pressed to my ear, my other hand curled into a fist at my side.

How do I explain she's not home when it's past 10PM?

It's been three hours since I last saw her.

When I dropped off Leah, I was sure I'd find her in the living room. On her knees, begging for forgiveness for the little stunt she pulled. Imagine the disappointment when an empty house welcomed me.

Every minute that passes feels like gasoline pouring onto the fire in my chest.

"I'll tell her to call you when she gets back.," I finally give in.

My mother sighs, exasperated. "It's pretty late, I'm sure they have a party to celebrate their exams, but make sure you pick her up. It's not safe for her, especially with the lunatic who pushed her still on the loose."

"How do you know she went to a party?" The question slips out before I can stop myself.

"She called me. Noah is with her. But he's reckless, that's why you should pick her."

Noah's name alone sends a fresh wave of fury crashing over me.

Is she with him even right now?

What if that bastard is looking at her the way only I'm allowed to?

What if she's laughing at his jokes, letting him get too close - so close that he thinks he has a chance with her?

weak with

blur at the edges, and my grip tightens around the phone,

usually strict about

any harm and besides, she married you young. She can be a wife and still live her life. Go pick

mother is under Athena's love spell.

go check on her then," I

find her. Maybe we should

Mum suggests as I

trial?" I ask as I walk towards

having lunch with my kids. Call me when you're with her." She

I cut the call before she starts talking about something else. On the way, my mind keeps going back to The

it flashes Leah. I ignore

in my right state, I'll

up in front of the stupid house, my jaw

party is still going - loud music, flashing lights, and a swarm of people standing around like they don't have a care in the damn world. But it's not the

sight of the flashing blue and red lights parked along the

The police.

the hell is going

kill the engine and shove the door open, the cool night air doing

fire burning

still ringing in my ears — Noah is

looking out for his

beautiful. With curves

man

hair

for. Her long

I imagine

on it

do unspeakable

me gets to break and have thoughts

hope he doesn't do anything stupid because

came sooner even

police, who are probably here because of the

walk back to the pool but

my pocket, scrolling to Noah's

doesn't go

curse under my breath, trying again, but the line is

Fucking typical.

front, my eyes sweep

that left nothing

I spot

Mira.

had her face in it. As the

damn party.