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."

are back to square one. Something is always up. He goes for work before I wake up and returns

bet Sloane is tired of

grips my wrist gently, holding me

I whisper, forcing a small, tired smile. "Let's

stay any longer, I might break right in front of him. And I refuse to give Alex

"Athena?"

say?"

before speaking, "I was asking if you want

her, caught off guard.

have thought about, something most

energy has gone into just getting through the day. The idea of celebrating, of pretending

is trying. She's one of the few people who genuinely

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

reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "That's understandable,

biting the inside of my cheek. "I

excitement lighting up her face. That's the spirit! I'll talk to Sloane we'll put something together. Nothing too big, just close family. Is there

Honestly, i'm still kind of angry at her. She almost took everything my parents left for me. If I hadn't acted fast. I

Mira." I curve my

the 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

go feed you while we

letting her

like something meant for someone else, someone happier,

Ariana is trying, and for

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 about me the

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

me going.

she, too, has been so

us, insisting

I feel too drained to argue. The

to me with that soft but determined look

don't have

at

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

see it."

tightens.