All Chapters of Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

AlexAthena’s head snaps in my direction, and for a second, I think she’s about to fire off some smartass comment — tell me I’m imagining things, that I’m overreacting again — but she doesn’t. Instead, she swallows hard, her hand gripping the thin hospital blanket like it’s the only thing keeping her anchored."I'm fine," she says, but her voice lacks the bite I’m used to. It’s flat.I step closer, ignoring the doctor now. He’s just an annoying blur in the corner of my vision."What did he do?" My voice is lower this time.Her eyes widen just a fraction. "Nothing. He did his job, Alex. That's it."But I see it — the slight tremble in her fingers, the way her throat bobs when she swallows again. She’s not okay."I need to speak to the nurse's station," the doctor interjects, clearly uncomfortable with the tension swirling in the room. He’s already edging toward the hallway like he can feel the noose tightening around his neck.I let him go. For now.The door shuts again, leaving us a

Alex“You’re not paying attention to me.” Leah’s voice cuts through the silence. I don’t respond. Just swirl the amber liquid in my glass, watching the way the light catches it. “You’re distracted,” she presses. “Is everything okay?” I take a slow breath. Exhale. “Fine.”One word. That’s all she gets. She sighs and picks up a second glass, pouring a drink before handing it to me. I don’t move to take it. Because she touched it. The thought sends an uncomfortable itch crawling up my spine. My fingers twitch, resisting the urge to shove it away. She notices my hesitation, her lips parting slightly before she sets the glass down on the table instead. I don’t miss the flicker of pain concealed in her eyes. I reach for the bottle and pour myself a new drink. One untouched. One clean. Leah crosses her arms. “Still the same, huh?” I don’t answer. She sighs, her shoulders slumping as she sits next to me and tries to hook her arm into mine but thinks twice about it.

Athena“Come on Athena! You missed every party we've had. We need to celebrate our final paper!” Mira hooks her hand Into mine and I wince. “Careful, I'm still in pain.” It has been two weeks since my accident and my body has healed but when too much pressure is applied, it stings. After I was discharged, officers came home and asked if I had anyone who would target me and honestly, I couldn't think of anyone. Ariana suggested they get me a bodyguard but I declined. It was going to just cause unnecessary attention. They were reluctant at first but I managed to convince them and now here I am. Mira has been my friend since my first year and although I wouldn't call her my best friend, she's the closest I have to one. Her face reddens. “Oh I'm so sorry. I thought you were better.” I laugh, “I am. We can talk about the party once I write my exams, okay? I'm anxious and I'm not sure they'll let me sit for them.”One thing about this school is that they don't compromise and reputat

AthenaLater that evening,I keep my eyes closed, my breathing slow and even, pretending to be asleep. I hear my bedroom door open slightly before clicking shut. A few seconds later, I hear the soft click of the main door locking. I wait. Then another click. .The door closes. He's gone. I sit up immediately, my heart pounding from the rush of victory.Sleep in, my ass!I practically launch myself out of the bed and rush into my bathroom, kicking off my shoes as I rush to the shower. Stripping off my exam-day outfit, I take a quick shower and search my wardrobe for the shortest, tightest dress I own—black, sleek, and sinful. I try on the one I bought on my birthday last year. I got it to seduce Alex, but he took one look at me and walked out. Let's just say my ego was bruised but that's why I'm doing this! I'm taking back everything he has stolen from me. Starting from my confidence. Standing on the mirror, I slick my hair into a high ponytail, the style giving me an e

ATHENAI've read so many articles about drowning, but no one has ever given it justice. No one ever explained what it really feels like. They wrote about the silence, the stillness—but not the agony. No one warned us how the cold water would punch the air from your lungs the second you hit the surface. The first thought that comes to my mind is that i can't swim. I open my mouth to scream, but all I taste is water. Panic explodes in my chest. I thrash wildly—arms flailing, legs kicking—but the dress clings to my skin like a vice, dragging me down. My hair fans out around me, floating like a dark halo as I sink deeper. The muffled sounds of the party above me fade. With how loud the music is, no one will find me. If only Alex would change his mind and look back, turn to look for me. Maybe I'll get a chance to live. But every second that passes is a cruel reminder. He's with Leah. He won’t notice. No one will see me. My lungs burn, a searing pain growing with every se