Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"No killing, Luca!" I give him a side glance as he drives to whatever is our destination.

"This is why I wanted you to go to the hospital! You'll just get in the way." He complains.

Hospital.

One word.

But has the power to make my heart stop.

I don't want to go there hopelessly. I can't face Alex like that. I want to go there with hope and a solution. My only prayer is we get there on time because Rayen will never forgive me.

"Do you know what caused his heart attack? Could it have been induced by something or someone?" I ask with a pounding heart.

Truth is, guilt has been eating me and a part of me is afraid that I may have been the reason behind this.

Luca shakes his head.

"No. He knew it was coming. He even prepared a will and put some of his assets in a trust." He turns to look at me, "With you as the trustee."

"What?"

Luca doesn't repeat himself. He just keeps his eyes on the road, both hands tight on the wheel, his jaw clenched like saying those words physically hurt him.

I know he's hurting and panicking just like I am. Maybe even more. Having made a will and put things in order doesn't make any of us feel better, it scares the shit out of us.

"I'm the trustee?" My voice is barely above a whisper.

"You heard me."

"But... why?" I ask, completely stunned. "After everything? I don't understand."

He exhales sharply, a bitter kind of laugh slipping through. "Because Alex never stopped loving you. Not for a second. Doesn't matter how mad or betrayed you felt, Athena. You're it for him. Always have been."

I shake my head, my thoughts spiraling.

He made me the trustee.

Me.

I hold power over things he spent his whole life building... and I don't even know a thing about running a business.

He was telling the truth about not having used me for the formula. I should have listened to him.

Tears sting my eyes again, but I push them back this time. I've cried enough. What Alex needs isn't my guilt. It's action. It's strength.

And I won't let him down again.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I murmur after a long pause.

"Would you have believed me?" Luca glances at me. "You hated him. Hated me. You were running on pain and anger. I had to wait until you saw the truth for

yourself. Besides, I was mad at you too. Angry even."

I look away, biting down hard on my bottom lip.

"I don't hate him," I whisper. "I never really did."

Luca doesn't reply.

It's heavy, loaded with everything we've seen, heard, done

Eventually, I speak again.

to use the formula did he?" I

in danger. So he must have done something to stop you

you'll do

am." He clicks his tongue. "The fucker doesn't get to die on me. Not

insides as a small smile slips past my

good

chuckles, "Make sure to tell him that when he tries

I turn my head to look

plan? Where does

He's been hiding out there ever since he realized I was sniffing

we

with

We don't get

I supposed to do? Just stand and cheer from the

"You'll cover me."

My stethoscope and a sad

first real laugh I've heard from him

as his expression sobers

guy isn't just greedy.

Nine he won't cross. Especially with you. He has had eyes on you for many

the formula." I Finish

Getting the

head. "No.

what to do with it, but now I do. won't let sick bastards ruin what my parents sacrificed their hives for! I will launch it and use it tö save lives. Danger be damned. Let them

stares at me, something raw flickering in his eyes. Maybe admiration. Maybe disbelief. The man is so hard to

finally lets out a breath like he's been holding it

get to that

do you think he wants to sell it too? Isn't Elias also looking for

shakes his head, "I don't

of Arnold's

than life itself, messing

on't think he's

that stupid." s

I digest Luca's words.

who is his

into the city, the streetlights growing

buildings taller.

know we're coming?" I

thinks I've given up.

in

catch him off

gives a small nod.

into an underground parking lot

and reaches into the backseat, pulling out a small

there?"

unzips it, revealing a mess of wires, tools, and a sleek

need," he says, handing me a small

touch while

thought I was

outside. If anything

"Luca-"