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."

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 had a chance to finish

Sloane is tired

Ariana grips my

I whisper, forcing a small, tired

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

"Athena?"

Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?" I

"I was asking if you want to have a

caught off guard.

have thought about, something most women probably

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

few people who

I admit honestly, placing a hand on my belly.

hand a gentle squeeze. "That's

the inside of my cheek.

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,

still kind of angry at her. She almost took

curve my

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

honey, let's go feed you while

force a smile and nod, letting her

meant for someone else, someone happier, someone with

and

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

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

me going.

and she, too, has been so thrilled.

orders for both of us, insisting I need to

too drained to argue.

to me with that soft but determined look in her

don't have to pretend

at her, startled.

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

see it."

throat tightens. "Mum,