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

Is all I say

I gather the strength

about the contract marriage stuff, right?" I start, my voice soft. Isabelle's

you guys married for some business reason?" she

chest tightening as I remember the beginning of all

weren't exactly in love. I mean, I loved him, and he loves someone else. But his family didn't accept her, so he ended

honestly, the more I speak, the lighter

in her head as she processes everything. "I

swallowing hard. "Yeah, only the family knows. And after everything that happened... I'm so glad it was a

through,

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. 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.

of her words settle on my shoulders. "I don't know if I'll ever be okay

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

"I know. Thank you, Isabelle. I'm really

pats my arm before

cold over there start getting all weird again."

agree, my heart a little