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

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

Is all I say

the

right?" I start, my voice soft. Isabelle's eyes widen in

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

tightening as I remember the beginning of all

I loved him, and he loves someone else. But his family didn't

more I speak, the lighter my chest feels. Like I've been carrying a burden for

and I can see the gears turning in her head as

hard. "Yeah, only the family knows. And after everything that happened...

a lot to go through, Athena. I'm sorry you had to deal

small smile, grateful for her empathy. Isabelle steps closer to me, placing a hand on my arm. "I'm not saying you need to figure it aft out right now.

know if I'll ever be okay with everything. But I'm trying to

me a knowing smile. "You'll get there, Athena. And in the meantime, I'm here. For whatever

this time more genuinely. "I know. Thank you, Isabelle. I'm really lucky to have

pats my arm

and cold over there start getting all weird again." She winks at me, and for

I agree, my heart a little