Dear Ex Wife Please take me back

ATHENA

A small baby bump.

My mind repeats over and over again.

"Athena!" Leah walks towards me and hugs me.

I stiffen not knowing what to do with this affection. I'm wearing a lose Tshirt and

jeans so I'm pretty sure I'm not showing unless you touch me, Leah however, is in

a tight-fitting dress with her bump right on display for everyone to see.

My heart stops, feeling like the world is suddenly spinning.

"Congratulations. Didn't know you were married." Sloane points out not missing the sarcasm in her tone.

Leah laughs, as she turns to Sloane and tries to hug her but the eye she gives her makes her think otherwise.

"I didn't know you were back, Sloane. It's good to see you."

My mouth is dry and I'm speechless. Who is the father of the child she's carrying? She didn't deny not being married either.

Am I missing something?

Suddenly I feel anger Start to brew inside me. Did Alex play me?

I wouldn't even call it playing since I've known he's always loved her. Bile rises in my throat.

I think I'm going to be sick.

Tears sting in my eyes as I mumble, "Excuse me." And bolt out the door.

I can hear Sloane calling after me but blood is rushing to my ears so fast I can't stop.

I barely make it outside before my legs threaten to give out. My hands grip the cold railing, nails digging into the metal as I gasp for air. My chest aches, my stomach is in knots, and the lump in my throat refuses to go away.

Leah is pregnant. And if Alex is the father... Oh God!

The thought alone makes my head spin. A sharp pain stabs through my heart, the kind that makes it hard to breathe. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping to block out the image of her glowing, happy, carrying his child.

Did he lie to me? Did I mean nothing?

Just when I thought things had changed!

He told me he'd handle the issue all I have to do is wait and focus on the health of the baby. How stupid I've been.

A strangled sob escapes my lips, and I cover my mouth with both hands, shaking violently. I'm at a damn mall but I don't care. I rush towards the parking lot as my body feels too small to hold all this pain.

I want to scream.

I want to disappear.

Footsteps echo behind me. I don't have to turn around to know it's Sloane.

"Athena," she calls, her voice softer now.

I shake my head, backing away. "I... I need to be alone." My voice cracks.

I feel arms around me as she pulls me towards the car, "Come on let me take you home."

"No. I can't see him right now." I dig my heels in the ground.

Sloane pauses as if contemplating something, "Fine, let's go to my place."

I nod as I sit in the passenger seat.

The ride is quiet and she doesn't say anything and honestly I'm grateful for that The last thing I need is encouraging that he only has eyes for me and stuff when the truth is right in my face.

I'm three months pregnant, I should have my shit together but I just feel like my

world just turned upside down.

My phone vibrates and I ignore it.

When it Vibrates for the tenth time I put it on silent.

"He's not going to stop, just answer and tell him we're planning from my place,"

Sloane says and it sounds easy.

But not when your heart is being squeezed by an iron fist.

I can't seem to find the strength to speak to Alex. So I turn my phone off.

Shortly after, Sloane's phone rings.

"Don't pick up." I plead and she smiles.

"I'm sorry babe. He might let you get away with anything but I can't say the same

for me." She says to me before she picks up.

"Yes." She says.

She's silent as she listens to whatever he is saying.

"Her phone must be in the bag. We are going to my place." She responds after a second.

She looks at me before turning her eyes back on the road, "She's asleep. But I'll tell her to call when she wakes up."

Sloane waits a few more seconds before tapping her earpiece and disconnecting The call.

The moment Sloane hangs up, I exhale, releasing a breath I didn't even realize I was holding.

I don't ask what he said. I don't want

to know. My chest still feels tightnoveldrama

my stomach still churns with

nausea, and my hands are still

shaking in my lap.

"You don't have to talk," she says gently, "but I need you to breathe, Athena."

I swallow, nodding as I focus on inhaling, exhaling, and trying to hold myself together.

She steps out and comes around to my side, opening my door. "Come on, let's get you inside."

I don't argue. My body feels heavy as I step out, and the second I enter her apartment, I collapse onto her couch, curling into myself.

Sloane disappears into the kitchen, returning moments later with a glass of water.

"Drink."

I take it, though my hands tremble as I bring it to my lips. The cool liquid soothes my dry throat, but it doesn't ease the ache in my chest.

Sloane sits beside me, tucking her legs under herself. "I know you're hurting," she says softly, "but are you going to let him explain?"

I let out a hollow laugh. "Explain what? That he's having a baby with the woman

he's been in love with for years?"

She sighs. "You don't know that for sure."

I scoff, staring at the ceiling, trying to

blink

way the fresh wave of tears." don't think it from him, Sloane. I really don't."

I can handle w p

The silence stretches between us.

I know I can't avoid him forever. But right now?

Right now, all I want is to disappear into the safety of this couch and pretend my

heart isn't breaking into a thousand tiny, irreparable pieces.

I wish I knew loving someone was this painful, I would have done all I could not to

fall for anyone.

Especially Alexander King.