Semua Bab Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back: Bab 31 - Bab 40

ALEX “Alex, put Athena on the phone. I need to confirm what she wants for her graduation.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, the muscles in my jaw ticking as I lean back against the couch. Just hearing her name is making my blood boil. She didn't listen to me, went with a dress that would put her ass on display with a slight bend, and now I have to play the perfect husband who says good things about his wife. This marriage is starting to feel like torture. I would divorce her tomorrow, but Nana is not stable, and the last thing I want is to trigger her heart attack. “She’s not here,” I respond flatly. “Don't use that tone on me, young man!” Mum snaps, and I sigh.“I'm sorry.” I sigh, running my hand through my hair.“Is everything okay? You know you can always speak to me, right?” Her voice is full of concern.“Just work stress, mum. I'm okay. As for the gift, isn't it supposed to be a surprise?” I soften my voice, hoping we can change the subject. “Why do you need her opinion i

Alex“She's alive.” The nurse responds and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. “Can I see her?” I ask immediately, not wanting to waste another second. A part of me feels like I'm being pranked and can't really be relieved unless I see and touch her. “Yes, but first I suggest you speak to the doctor.” The nurse responds and I nod. “Where is the doctor?” My voice is barely steady, impatient. I don’t have time for formalities.The nurse motions toward a hallway. “Dr. Patel is in his office. Down the hall, third door on the right.”I’m already moving before she finishes speaking. My legs feel heavy, my pulse still hammering, but I push forward.When I reach it, the door is slightly ajar, so I don’t bother knocking. I push it open, stepping inside. The doctor looks up from a file, his eyes widening behind his glasses.“Mr. King, why are you here personally? Did something happen?” He stands from his seat. I don't even know the man and he already knows me. Sometimes, I detes

ATHENAThe man,no, the stranger doesn’t answer me right away. His jaw tightens, the flicker of something dark passing through his green eyes before he masks his expression into something unreadable. Just how much have I forgotten?I watch him as I wait for him to say something, but he just watches me, and I move back even further, pulling the blanket to my chest as we remain in silence. I shift uncomfortably, my body still aching, my mind swimming through thick fog. The beeping of the machines around me fills the air, but my ears focus on the sound of my own breathing—shaky, uneven. Afraid.He knows me. But I don’t know him. And that terrifies me more than the memory of drowning. His grip on my arm is firm but careful, like he’s afraid I’ll shatter. I don’t understand why. “You were in an accident,” he finally says, his voice deep and low. “You nearly drowned.” From how my body feels, it doesn't feel anywhere near what he's saying, but I don't tell him that. I just pr

ATHENAMy heart pounds too fast, too loud. The room feels smaller, the air thick. The sound of rushing fills my ears, deafening, drowning out every other noise. I squeeze my eyes shut, but the feeling doesn’t go away. I can’t move. I can’t think. I can’t…. Stand. “Breathe.” The deep voice cuts through the panic, anchoring me for a fleeting second. Then, warm hands grip my arms, steady but firm. I flinch, my entire body trembling. “Athena, please breathe.” The command is laced with a plea. I shake my head, gasping, clawing at my chest like I can force air back into my lungs. Tears prick my eyes as I try to focus my vision. “I..t….it's hard, Alex.” I croak out. His hands tighten around me, pulling me against him. “Look at me.” I can’t. The air is too thick, too heavy. The water is still there. Watching. Waiting. Wanting to swallow me whole once again. “Damn it, Athena.” His grip shifts, his palm pressing against the side of my face, forcing me to turn toward

ATHENA"I'll be on the other side as I wait for the final parade. It was a pleasure to meet you miss....." "Dawson." I respond. Unsure if it's a good idea from how Alex is staring daggers at Arnold who looks unbothered."Thank you for inviting me over, Alex." The woman speaks right after the creep walks away."You're welcome. " He responds in a tone ive never heard him use on me. My fingers curl into fists in my lap, nails pressing into my palms as the scent of vanilla wraps around me like an unwelcome embrace. She stops beside Alex, a soft, knowing smile playing on her lips, and I watch their silent exchange. “Athena.” She finally acknowledges with a smile so plastic, a Barbie doll has nothing on her. “Hello.” I respond, keeping my voice neutral in case I'm wrong about her. She knows my name while I don't, and it unsettles me. “I heard what happened to you,” she says, her voice full of concern, and I almost raise my brow. “I’m sorry about that.” I force a polite smile, even