Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"I am safe," I say, forcing a weak smile, trying to play it off. I don't like worrying people. Zayan has become someone special to me over the years. He is one of the few people who actually cares about me, and it hurts me seeing him like this.

His mother is not my biggest fan but Rose, his sister inlaw always tells me it's not just me she's like that with everyone.

So I guess I no longer felt bad whenever we hang out. But truly, I am grateful to Zayan, without him, I don't know if I would have found the strength to meet Anna and uncover the truth about my son.

"I mean, technically I'm breathing, so that counts, right?" I try to lighten the mood, but fail miserably because his glare only increases.

His jaw is clenched, his brows drawn so tightly they almost touch. He stares at me like he can't decide if he wants to hug me tighter or scream until the walls shake.

"You almost died," he says. "Again."

Speaking of which, I need to investigate who was powerful enough to back Leah up.

"I didn't, though," I reply quickly, trying to lighten the mood again. "And hey, now I get unlimited hospital Jell-O. Win-win?"

He doesn't even blink. "If that's you trying to be funny, then know that I don't find it amusing."

I sigh, my smile slipping.

“Zayan, I'm okay. Really."

"No, you're not." His voice breaks a little. "You just don't want anyone to see it. I don't blame you, I would never do that, but I just hope you can now put it all behind you and focus on bonding with your son."

I bite my lip.

I still have so many questions. Will I be able to sweep everything under the rag and move on?

"I just have to find out one more thing." My eyes plead.

"Which is?" Zayan studies me.

need to know who was

mean there is someone else?" He asks and

us whenever we went out? Who was following me around? I never

around and was looking for a way to slander your name." Zayan explains and

makes sense but why

Am I overthinking things?

I can respond, or even figure out what to say to that, the

once more.

And everything goes still.

Noah.

Ariana.

Eli.

lan.

Izzy

room instantly. No words, no movement, just the suffocating weight of unspoken blame,

be the reunion of

Ariana keeps her gaze on the floor, which is odd because my ex-mother-in-law is always all over me. If I can dare to, I must say she

it because of

at that thought. I don't even have the strength to

to Eli, who, as usual, is unreadable. My heart beats faster and faster as I wait for green to ground me, but it doesn't

do I

around me like

before offering

dryly, pushing

Ariana says quietly, placing a small bag

me a smile, but doesn't sit next to

"Thanks."

lapse into silence