Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 63 ~ Is there a reason?

ATHENA

"He doesn't mean it" Ariana says, and I almost laugh at that.

She had come to pick me up so we could go shopping, but I thought it would be nice for the men to tag along. What a stupid idea this was.

We had just reached the door when I heard Alex talk about how I was shoved down his throat. The pain that I feel is not new, but it doesn't hurt any less.

"I know he loves her. It's not news to me." I look at my mother inlaw before knocking on the door.

Ariana sighs as she opens Alex's door and walks in.

"Mum." Alex sits upright.

"Hi Sweetheart, I was about to come to you." Eli says, and Ariana smiles, placing a kiss on his lips.

"We haven't done much, we thought we could join you, but I'm not sure today is a good day." Ariana says as Alex stands to give her a kiss.

This is the only time you'll ever get to see his soft eyes. When he's looking at his mother and grandmother,

"Hi." I say slowly. Not knowing what else to say to him.

"Hi." He responds, "You can sit on the couch. It's more comfortable."

I nod and take a seat as Ariana tells Eli about how excited she is to be a grandma.

Alex barely acknowledges me. His gaze flickers in my direction, but there's no warmth, no recognition anymore.

The soft man he was three months ago seems to have disappeared into thin air, and I can't help but wonder if there is something wrong.

"Mum and I are going shopping for the baby. I wanted to see if you'd like to come." I suggest not knowing how else to break the ice.

"Not today." He responds after a beat.

Ariana exhales sharply, clearly displeased.

"Alex-"

"I have work to do, mum." he cuts in, already turning back to his desk like being here is not only wasting his time but also evading his space.

I nod slowly, swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth.

"Of course. I understand."

up and returns home when I'm asleep. I've been so depressed I haven't even

Sloane is tired

turn to leave, but Ariana grips my wrist gently, holding me back. "Athena

whisper, forcing a small, tired smile.

right in front of him. And

"Athena?"

you say?" I turn to face

speaking, "I was asking if you want to have

blink at her, caught off

about, something most

celebrating, of pretending everything is fine when my husband won't

of the few people who genuinely cares about me, and I don't

placing a hand on my belly. "I haven't really

my hand a gentle squeeze. "That's understandable, sweetheart. But you deserve to be celebrated.

of my cheek. "I guess

we'll put something together. Nothing too big, just close family. Is there anyone you'd want to invite?"

Honestly, i'm still kind of angry at her. She almost

Mira." I curve

a thing. This family has someone for everything, but today,

go feed you while we talk about that baby

and nod, letting

like something meant for someone else,

Ariana is trying, and for

and as we drive to a small, quiet café she likes, I watch the world blur past outside. A part of me

Sometimes, it's his

me going.

she, too, has been so thrilled. I bet she's been counting

orders for both of us, insisting I need

drained to argue.

with that soft but determined look

sweetheart, you don't have to pretend with

blink at

taking my hand

see it."

tightens.