Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 212

ATHENA

Six weeks later…..

“I got you some coffee.” I smile at Sloane, who looks lost in thought.

“Thank you.” She whispers as she takes the coffee, and then I proceed to sit next to her.

After my aunt got arrested six weeks ago, I cried myself to sleep, but the next morning, we received even worse news. Katelyn had been shot.

It was a very hard time for Ian, who looked ruined by the news, and I understood his loss. Everyone was there for him and his father even though there was nothing much we could say or do to make him feel better.

Sloane has been looking even more depressed since then.

“We had just gotten engaged, Athena. We even planned to meet her and uncle Elias the next day to tell them in person.” She whispers as she stares at the wall.

“It's going to be okay. Alex and Luca are looking for whoever did this, and they won't let him get away with it.” I hold her shaking hand in mine.

“You need to be strong, babe. Ian needs you now more than ever.”

She nods, wiping a tear.

“You're right. I've been mopping for over a month, not knowing how to approach or what to say around him.”

“You don't need to talk. Just be there for him.”

She places her cup on the side table and hugs me.

“Thank you, Athena. For everything!” We pull apart, then she gives me a smile,

“Now, I think you need to tell my brother about the baby. Before he finds out accidentally.” She says, and I laugh.

“I'll be so upset if my cute surprise is ruined.” I pout.

I found out I was pregnant two weeks after Katelyn’s funeral, and I couldn't bring myself to speak about it during such a time. So, I've been waiting for the perfect moment.

“Ian just texted me. He wants to go on a trip.”

“ A trip? That's a good idea.”

She smiles, standing.

My heart warms because this is the first time I've seen her real smile since that bomb dropped. It must have been devastating walking into such a scene. According to Alex, they were on a date when they received a call. But he also mentioned it's deeper than that and needs time to figure it out before he can tell me everything.

I didn't hesitate and told him if it's hard, he doesn't need to tell me. I know it hit him as a blow, too.

“Where does he want to go?” I ask, curious.

“He said he hasn’t decided yet,” she replies, tucking her silver blonde hair behind her ear. “But he just wants to drive. Maybe disappear for a while.”

“That sounds exactly like something Ian would say.”

We both laugh quietly. It’s strange how grief can make laughter feel like rebellion, like you’re not allowed to have it.

But we are.

“Promise me something?” I ask, nudging her gently.

She raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“Don’t shut him out while you’re gone. Let him feel whatever he needs to feel. You don’t have to fix it. Just… let him know you’re there.”

“I will,” she says, softer now. “And you… promise me you’ll tell Alex soon?”

I groan, leaning back against the couch dramatically. “You sound just like Isabelle.”

“Good. Because she’s right.”

“I just… want it to be perfect. This baby came at a strange time, but it's still a miracle. I want Alex to look at me and see hope, not just someone who’s survived chaos.”

Sloane places a hand on my knee.

“Athena, you are hope. You’ve been his light since the beginning, even when everything around you was dark. This baby? It's just another reason for him to love you even more.”

I blink back unexpected tears, then laugh. “You’re going to make me cry, and if I start, I won't stop.”

She grins and winks. “Then cry later. Right now, go find my brother and tell him before he figures it out himself.”

Just as she says that, the front door opens, and in walks Alex, with a jacket slung over his arm, sleeves rolled, and that cocky little smirk he always wears when he sees me.

His eyes flick between us.

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