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."

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

bet Sloane is tired of

Ariana grips my

fine," I whisper, forcing a

in front of him. And I refuse to give Alex King that

"Athena?"

did you say?" I turn

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

blink at her, caught off guard.

something I should have thought about, something most

of celebrating, of pretending everything is fine when my husband won't even look at me properly

the few people who genuinely cares about me, and

placing a hand on

soften as she reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "That's understandable, sweetheart. But you deserve to be celebrated. This

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 you'd want to invite?" She asks, and

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

Mira." I curve my

wouldn't touch a thing. This family has someone for everything, but today, she insisted on doing everything herself, including

feed you while we talk about

letting her

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

Ariana is trying, and for

watch the world blur past outside. A part of me wonders if Alex even noticed I

know he loves our child. Sometimes, it's

me going.

ago, and she, too, has been so thrilled. I bet she's been counting down every

for both of us, insisting

too drained to argue.

me with that soft

know, sweetheart, you don't have to pretend

at

my hand in hers.

see it."

tightens. "Mum,