Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 63

ATHENA

“He doesn’t mean it” Ariana says, and I almost laugh at that.

She had come to pick me up so we could go shopping, but I thought it would be nice for the men to tag along. What a stupid idea this was.

We had just reached the door when I heard Alex talk about how I was shoved down his throat. The pain that I feel is not new, but it doesn't hurt any less.

“I know he loves her. It's not news to me.” I look at my mother inlaw before knocking on the door.

Ariana sighs as she opens Alex's door and walks in.

“Mum.” Alex sits upright.

“Hi Sweetheart, I was about to come to you.” Eli says, and Ariana smiles, placing a kiss on his lips.

“We haven't done much, we thought we could join you, but I'm not sure today is a good day.” Ariana says as Alex stands to give her a kiss.

This is the only time you'll ever get to see his soft eyes. When he’s looking at his mother and grandmother,

“Hi.” I say slowly. Not knowing what else to say to him.

“Hi.” He responds, “You can sit on the couch. It's more comfortable.”

I nod and take a seat as Ariana tells Eli about how excited she is to be a grandma.

Alex barely acknowledges me. His gaze flickers in my direction, but there’s no warmth, no recognition anymore.

The soft man he was three months ago seems to have disappeared into thin air, and I can't help but wonder if there is something wrong.

“Mum and I are going shopping for the baby. I wanted to see if you'd like to come." I suggest not knowing how else to break the ice.

"Not today.” He responds after a beat.

Ariana exhales sharply, clearly displeased.

"Alex-"

"I have work to do, mum.” he cuts in, already turning back to his desk like being here is not only wasting his time but also evading his space.

I nod slowly, swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth.

"Of course. I understand.”

It's like we are back to square one. Something is always up. He goes for work before I wake up and returns home when I'm asleep. I've been so depressed I haven't even had a chance to finish decorating our new home.

I bet Sloane is tired of my excuses.

I turn to leave, but Ariana grips my wrist gently, holding me back. "Athena -"

“It’s fine," I whisper, forcing a small, tired smile. "Let's just go."

Because if I stay any longer, I might break right in front of him. And I refuse to give

Alex King that satisfaction.

…………

“Athena?”

“Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?” I turn to face my mother in law.

She smiles warmly before speaking, “I was asking if you want to have a baby shower.”

I blink at her, caught off guard. A baby shower?

It’s something I should have thought about, something most women probably look forward to.

But lately, all my energy has gone into just getting through the day. The idea of celebrating, of pretending everything is fine when my husband won’t even look at me properly feels almost foreign.

Still, Ariana is trying. She’s one of the few people who genuinely cares about me, and I don’t want to disappoint her.

“I… I don’t know,” I admit honestly, placing a hand on my belly. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

Ariana’s eyes soften as she reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “That’s understandable, sweetheart. But you deserve to be celebrated. This baby deserves to be celebrated.”

I nod slowly, biting the inside of my cheek. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

I clench my jaw. “Well, he’s doing a damn good job.”

Her eyes search mine, “You love him, don’t you?”

I swallow hard. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does.” She squeezes my hand. “Because I know he loves you too.”

I laugh.

An actual laugh I haven't released in a while.

“We were together when he said-”

“I know what he said, but I also know how he truly feels. Call it a mother's intuition.”

“He loves Leah.”

“I wouldn't call it love. I don't know why he's so fond of her. They grew up in the same circle but were never friends. He never even said hi to her until suddenly, he introduced her as a woman he wanted to marry.

I've tried to ask why, but he had never opened up to me. I'm not giving excuses on his behalf, I'm just hoping you'll understand the confusion going on in his head.”

“I just don't understand why he's so uptight when he was raised by both parents with a grandmother who loves him more than life itself.”

I see a look of guilt on Ariana’s face, and it makes me curious.

Did I miss something.

As if to answer my question, she runs a hand through her hair.

“We are partly to blame.”

I lean forward, so there is a reason why?

“What do you mean?” I ask.

Ariana sighs, “Well, you see..”