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

Sloane is tired of my

my

fine," I whisper, forcing a small,

in front of him. And I

"Athena?"

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

asking if you want to have a baby

her, caught off guard.

have thought about, something most women

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

who genuinely

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

as she reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "That's understandable, sweetheart. But

slowly, biting the inside of my cheek.

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 anyone

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

curve my

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

you

and nod, letting her guide

feels surreal, like something meant for someone else, someone happier, someone

Ariana is trying, and for that, I'll

outside. A part of me wonders if Alex even noticed

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

me going.

has been so thrilled. I bet she's

orders for both of us,

I feel too drained to argue.

with that soft but determined look in her

sweetheart, you don't have to pretend with

blink at her,

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

see it."

throat tightens. "Mum,