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

bet Sloane is tired of

turn to leave, but Ariana grips my

a small,

I might break right in front of him.

"Athena?"

I'm sorry, what did you say?" I turn to face my mother

before speaking, "I was asking if you want to have

caught off

something I should have thought about,

just getting through the day. The idea of celebrating, of pretending everything is fine when my husband won't even look

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

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

gentle squeeze. "That's understandable, sweetheart. But you deserve

of my

her face. That's the spirit! I'll talk to Sloane we'll put something together. Nothing too

at her. She almost took everything my parents left for me. If I

friend Mira." I curve

boot. Normally, she wouldn't touch a thing. This family has someone for everything, but today, she

let's go feed you while we talk

a smile and nod, letting her guide me toward the

thought of a baby shower still feels surreal, like something meant for someone else, someone happier,

Ariana is trying, and for that, I'll

past outside. A part of me wonders if Alex even noticed I was gone

child. Sometimes, it's

me going.

two days ago, and she, too, has

orders for both of us, insisting

I feel too drained to argue. The

to me with that soft

don't have to pretend

at

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

see it."

tightens. "Mum,