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."

to square one. Something is always up. He goes for work before I wake up and returns home when I'm asleep. I've been so depressed I haven't even had a chance to finish

Sloane is

Ariana grips my wrist gently, holding me back. "Athena

fine," I whisper, forcing a small, tired

stay any longer, I might break right in front of him. And

"Athena?"

did you say?" I

smiles warmly before speaking, "I was asking

at her, caught off guard. A baby

thought about, something most women probably

getting through the day. The idea of celebrating, of pretending everything

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

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

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

the inside of my cheek. "I guess it

something together. Nothing too big, just close family. Is there anyone you'd

only send her money without speaking to her. Honestly, i'm still kind of angry at her. She almost

my friend Mira." I curve my lips into a

rest of the baby clothes into the boot. Normally, she wouldn't touch a thing. This family has someone for everything, but today, she insisted on doing everything herself, including carrying

one honey, let's go feed you

force a smile and nod, letting

a baby shower still feels surreal, like something meant for someone else, someone happier, someone with a husband who actually

and for that, I'll try

and as we drive to a small, quiet café she likes, I watch the world blur past outside. A part of me wonders if Alex even noticed I was gone if he thinks

our child. Sometimes, it's his love for our

me going.

and she, too, has been so thrilled. I

for both of us, insisting

feel too drained

turns to me with that soft but determined

you don't have to pretend with

at

the table, taking my hand in hers. "You're hurting. And I

see it."

throat tightens. "Mum,