Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 95 ~ A drug

ATHENA

We're standing by the SUV, the chill of the parking lot wrapping around us as I try to steady my breathing. My heart is still racing from the awkwardness with Alex and Rayen, and honestly, I'm more than ready to put some distance between myself and the whole embarrassing scene. But Isabelle isn't letting me off the hook.

"You'll be forgiven as soon as you tell me what the hell is going on between you two."

I glance over at her, my hands fidgeting with the strap of my purse. How do I even begin?

"What do you mean?" I try to play it off, but I know she can see right through me.

She doesn't say anything at first. She just raises an eyebrow, like I'm the most obvious person in the world. Isabelle isn't dumb, and she's no stranger to uncomfortable situations.

"I mean," she leans against the SUV, crossing her arms, "you two obviously have some history. And you don't go from being... whatever that was just now, to not having some serious unresolved stuff going on."

I sigh, glancing around the lot like the cars will suddenly offer me an escape. The truth is, I've been running from it for so long, but with Isabelle here, suddenly, it feels like talking about it is not such a bad idea.

Isabelle sighs, "He's not really insane is he?"

I laugh.

"Oh he is insane alright."

me

broke up?" She grabs a bottle of water while waiting for

all I

I gather the

marriage stuff, right?" I start, my voice soft. Isabelle's eyes widen in surprise, and she

though only in Kdramas, to be honest. What? Were you guys married for some business reason?" she asks, still trying to piece it

I remember the beginning of all of

started, yeah. Alex and I... we weren't exactly in love. I mean, I loved him, and he loves someone else. But his

everything to her, and honestly, the more I speak, the lighter my chest feels. Like I've been carrying a burden for

with understanding, and I can see the gears turning in her head as she processes everything. "I

And after everything that

"That's... that's a lot to go through, Athena. I'm sorry you

on my arm. "I'm not saying you need to figure it aft out right now. But you do need to take care of yourself. Whatever happens with him, whether it's fixing things or walking away, you deserve to be okay. You deserve to

her words settle on my shoulders. "I don't know if I'll ever be okay with everything. But I'm trying to figure it out.

there, Athena. And in the meantime, I'm here. For whatever you need. You

genuinely. "I know. Thank you, Isabelle.

my

Mr. Hot & and cold over there start getting all weird again." She winks at me, and for the first time

my heart a little lighter