Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 139

ALEX

I find myself drawn to say something, something for my mother, for my Nonna. But mostly… mostly for the mother of my son.

Athena.

As I rise, glass in hand, I feel all eyes shift toward me. But none of them matter except hers.

My gaze finds her.

She’s already crying, smiling, and beautiful in that way that makes my chest tighten. And yet, I know I’ve been the cause of so many of her tears before.

The wrong kind. Not the ones she has on right now. Those tears are for what my mum and Nonna said.

When she looks at me, her eyes are full of hatred.

My heart aches when I think about the terrible things I said to her. The unforgivable things. The look in her eyes when I told her she meant nothing. She killed her own child and forced her to sign the divorce papers. That day will forever haunt me.

Honestly, she must be an angel to even look me in the eye now. To be civil. To laugh. To sit at the same table as me after everything.

It must be tough, having to see my face and be reminded of my harsh words.

And yet… she’s still here.

Despite it all.

I don’t deserve her forgiveness. But that won’t stop me from trying to earn it.

I don’t know why, but I’ve made up my mind. I’ve decided to make it my mission to make her happy again. To see her smile like she used to six years ago. The way she’d light up a whole room without even trying.

I owe her that much. No. I owe her more.

My throat tightens as I raise my glass.

“I uhm…” I clear my throat.

Why the hell am I nervous?

It’s just a speech.

I’ve stood in front of presidents and powerful men without flinching. But now, my palms are sweating, and my heart is thudding so loudly that I swear it echoes in my ears.

Maybe because for the first time, I'm about to speak from my heart.

It's a foreign feeling and it makes me uneasy but I have to do it

I glance at Nonna. She gives me the tiniest nod.

Mum watches me, shock filled in her eyes. Dad has a small smile on his lips, which I can't seem to place.

I quickly move my gaze and hold Athena’s gaze, tuning everyone out.

“Thank you all for joining us on such short notice,” I begin, my voice low but audible.

My fingers clench around the glass.

“I did everything wrong. I was cruel. Cold. I judged you when I should’ve supported you. I saw the worst in you when all you ever showed me was your best. I never believed in who you are when I should have”

I take a deep breath, looking directly into her eyes.

“You don’t owe me forgiveness. You never will. But I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know just how much I see you now. Really see you. As the incredible woman, mother, and person you are. I'm truly sorry for all the pain I put you through.”

I search her eyes, trying to read how she is taking my words, but she has a perfect mask on that gives nothing away.

My throat tightens again.

“To the mother of my son and the strongest women I know, Happy Mother’s Day.”

I slowly step off the stage and take my seat as Dad gives a speech next, followed by others, but I'm too zoned out to hear what they're saying.

People are surrounding Athena and giving her gifts and hugs so I don't get a chance to get a glimpse of what she's feeling.

It used to be so easy to read her. But that was before I fucked up.

I don't know how far she has gone with Zayan, but something tells me they're not together.

Not yet at least.

“Next time I need a heartwarming speech, I know who to call.” Luca chuckles as he takes a seat next to me.