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.

us isn't awkward. It's heavy, loaded with

Eventually, I speak again.

asking us not to use the formula did he?" I ask with

put you in danger. So he must have

you'll do

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

a small smile slips

a good friend,

tell him that when he

the headrest, I turn my head to look at

plan? Where does lan's brother

private lab. He's been hiding out there ever since he realized

we

smirks, his eyes gleaming with mischief that

get in. I

"And what am I supposed to do? Just stand and cheer from

"You'll cover me."

My stethoscope and a

it's the first real laugh

though, as his expression sobers

guy isn't just

like Alex. There's nolin Nine he won't cross. Especially with you. He has had eyes on you for many years now. I've always wondered why, but I thought it was to just provoke

the formula." I Finish the sentence for

you regret it? Getting the formula

head.

their hives for! I will launch it and use it tö save

something raw flickering in his eyes. Maybe admiration. Maybe disbelief.

breath like he's been holding

that

you think he wants to sell it too? Isn't Elias also looking for it?" I ask,

head, "I

aware of

Elias loves lan more than life itself, messing with you indirectly messes with him.

on't think he's

that stupid." s

I digest Luca's words.

who is

into the city,

buildings taller.

coming?" I ask,

it. He probably thinks I've given up. Or that I'm too busy to

is in

we catch him

a

an underground parking lot beneath a run-down

the backseat, pulling out

there?" I

unzips it, revealing a mess of

says, handing me

touch while

thought I was covering

If anything

"Luca-"