Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 150

ATHENA

“So you're a doctor,” Hudson, Zayan’s father, says as a matter of factly while cutting into his steak like it personally offended him.

“Yes, I am,” I respond, offering a polite smile.

And then… nothing.

I take a slow sip of water, praying someone fills the silence before I melt into the floor and become part of their expensive rug.

His mother, dressed like she walked out of a country club catalog, gives me a once-over so sharp I almost check to see if I’m bleeding.

Zayan, seated beside me, casually places a hand on my thigh under the table. It’s warm, grounding and probably the only thing keeping me from crawling out the window.

“They say medicine is a noble profession,” Hudson continues.

“They also say med students are clinically insane for choosing it,” I mutter, trying to laugh it off.

He chuckles, thank God.

“That’s true. My niece is a nurse and yet she still thinks caffeine counts as a meal.”

“Relatable,” I say. “Some days, I think coffee has done more for me than therapy.”

That earns me a smile.

I guess this ice is breaking after all.

Zayan’s mother, Emmy clears her throat. “Do you enjoy working so many… long hours?”

“I do,” I respond with a nod. “It’s exhausting, but it’s what I’ve always wanted.”

“Someone inspired you?” Hudson asks, looking more intrigued into my answer like I'm about to give him information worth diamond's.

“Yes, actually my parents were both doctors.” I answer proudly.

I hear a gasp.

“Are you serious? You must come from a very smart family line. I wouldn't be shocked to hear you found the cure of AIDS.!” He ends it with a laugh and we all join in.

“So, Athena. How do you manage work and… family life? I hear you have a son?”

Zayan starts to speak, but I place my hand on his.

“I think balance looks different for everyone,” I say gently. “But if both people support each other, it works. I do have a son. Incredibly intelligent and very understanding of my work hours.”

His mother sips her wine like I just gave her a migraine.

“What about his father?” She asks.

“Mum!” Zayan warns.

“Oh dear, I don't mean to offend you. Since you two plan on getting married, isn't it only fair that we know who the father is. He will be a part of our grandson after all.”

I open my mouth.

Then close it.

Then open it again.

Then close it.

I swear I'm out of words.

Wedding?

Grandson?

“Are you trying to scare off my girlfriend?” Zayan glares at his mother.

I blink.

Did she just say wedding?

And grandson?

Ma’am, I just met you and your steak knife tonight.

“I’m not trying to scare her,” Emmy replies, setting her wine glass down. “I’m just saying, these are important things. Family is important.”

Zayan huffs. “So is basic privacy, Mum.”

“No, it’s okay,” I say, surprising even myself. “I don’t mind answering.”

“You didn’t. I was actually skeptical when they insisited that we have dinner together but now I'm glad we did.”

We laugh quietly together, his thumb brushing circles on my arm.

Eventually, I check the time and sigh. “I should head home. It’s getting late, and Rayen will be expecting his goodnight call.”

Zayan grabs his keys. “I’ll drive you.”

“You drank wine,” I point out.

“I had two sips.”

“You had four glasses.” I counter, raising a brow. “And I have a child to get home to. I can drive myself just fine.”

He sighs, clearly not thrilled, but doesn’t argue further. “Text me when you get home, okay?”

I smile. “Always.”

He walks me to the front door Where I parked my car.

We stand by my front car door and stare at each other not knowing what comes next.

Zayan steps closer, one hand brushing a stray hair behind my ear.

Then, slowly moves towards me. His lips meet mine in a soft, light kiss.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he murmurs.

“Yeah,” I breathe. “Tomorrow.”

He holds my door open and I step in.

“Goodnight.” I smile.

“Goodnight, Athena.” Zayan responds and I start my ignition.

A smile tugs on my mouth when I realize that,

Tonight didn’t just go okay

It actually went well.