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."

and returns home when I'm asleep. I've been so depressed I haven't even had a chance to finish

Sloane is tired of my

grips my wrist gently, holding me

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

right in front of him.

"Athena?"

did you say?" I turn to face my mother in

before speaking, "I was asking if you

her, caught off guard. A baby

should have thought about, something most women probably look forward

energy has gone into just getting through the day. The idea of celebrating, of pretending everything is fine when my husband won't

She's one of the few people who genuinely cares about me,

placing a hand on my belly. "I

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

nod slowly, biting the inside of my cheek.

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

money without speaking to her. Honestly, i'm still kind of angry at her. She almost took everything my parents left for me. If I hadn't acted fast.

Mira." I curve my lips into

touch a thing. This family has someone

you while we talk about

a smile and nod, letting

shower still feels surreal, like something meant for someone else, someone

and for that, I'll

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

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

me going.

and she, too, has been so thrilled. I

us, insisting I need to eat

feel too drained to argue.

soft but

know, sweetheart, you don't have

blink at her,

my hand in hers.

see it."

tightens. "Mum,