Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"I didn't mean to-"

"Murder them? Take everything away from me? What didn't you mean to? Because from the looks of things, you've been living a pretty good life using my trust fund."

I look around before my eyes fall on hers. And to think I loved this woman when I was a child.

Honestly, I don't care about the money, and I would have left her alone had she not turned out to be my parents' murderer.

"I was desperate," she whimpers, tears now streaking through the smeared mascara. "I didn't know they'd actually die. I thought they'd just be scared and give into what I wanted, I swear to you!"

"Wrong answer." I stand, the cold water dripping from her clothes onto the floor like guilt refusing to disappear.

"Please, Athena-"

"I wanted to believe you were just heartless. Maybe you abandoned me out of pride or resentment. But you made sure they never came back. You made sure I never had a family again."

I toss the knife onto the table beside her with a loud clang, watching her flinch.

"You want the truth you little bitch? Fine! Your whore of a mother took Marcus from me, lived my life, and I had to watch! I was going to marry him because I saw him first. But Elena being a whore she was, went and slept with him, trapping him with pregnancy! That's why I hate you and your mother! I took nothing because it was all mine to begin with! But hearing Leah's story," She laughs, "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She and her parents were also searching for information. So we traded and everything would have been perfect had you minded your own business!"

I don't remember reaching for the scalpel again.

But suddenly, it's in my hand.

The sharp edge gleams under the flickering ceiling light, the tip pressed against the soft flesh beneath her jawline.

My breaths come out ragged, like every inhale is dragged through broken glass and all I see is red.

except the blood roaring in my ears, and the sound of

sitting here,

should she be allowed

"That little flutter under your skin? That's where I'll start. I'll cut just

a word I

I smile,

I did. That's why I'll reward

The ache in my chest. The scream in my soul. The little girl inside me begging

her, making her cry

is loud, piercing the silence like

as blood seeps through the gash

her thigh making her cry even louder. Then

want her to

like I

whispering my parents' names into the dark. The way was bullied and made fun of

background as rage takes over

pull the scalpel back again, ready to go deeper. This time to

next cut, warm hands

Not rough or forceful.

Just... grounding.

Alex whispers in my ear, and something about the way he says my name makes the scalpel slip

notice the tears on my cheeks until he brushes

me, shielding

rises and falls like I've been running a marathon. My throat feels raw and

My voice breaks.

cupping my face, bringing my forehead to his. "But you didn't. You're

blood on my hands. The