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 backing up

else?"

was following me

she was around and was looking for a way

why is my

Am I overthinking things?

respond, or even figure out what to say to that,

once more.

And everything goes still.

Noah.

Ariana.

Eli.

lan.

Izzy

room instantly. No words, no movement, just the suffocating weight of unspoken blame, unfinished fights, and wounds

must be the reunion of the

my ex-mother-in-law is always all over me. If I can

it because

thought. I don't

unreadable. My heart beats faster and faster as I

do I feel

from around me like

to speak, he glares at Zayan before offering me a small smile,

reply dryly, pushing myself up

the house," Ariana says quietly, placing

"Figured you might want them." She offers me a smile,

"Thanks."

lapse into