Dear Ex Wife Please take me back novel Chapter 64

ATHENA

“We failed him at one point. And honestly, I'd do anything to turn back time and reverse it. It's my biggest regret.” Ariana begins, but I don't interrupt her.

“Eli and I were trying so hard to keep the legacy of the King family was going. So you know this life, meetings after meetings and trip after trip. He was the decision maker and the enforcer.

I was the strategist. We went everywhere together because we worked best together. But after I had Alexander, I didn't slow down. I gave birth to him and let Giana and Raymond raise him with the help of the nannies.

Time flew so fast, I didn't even realize my son was growing up without his mother's presence. In a blink of an eye, he turned eighteen, and I missed his birthday. But you know what breaks my heart?”

Tears are now falling as she looks at me, and I don't know what to say. Ariana has always been so strong, she has never been the type to show weakness and I admire that about her but I'm also moved that she trusts me enough to put aside her shield and let me see her raw emotions.

“The fact that when I came back home a month later, he wasn't even angry with me. He didn't put up a tantrum. He simply hugged me and kissed me, telling me he missed me. Athena, imagine how I was broken when the nanny told me all that I missed.

I was so ashamed I couldn't face him, so I went on like it didn't happen, not knowing deep down I was creating a cold heart. Giana insisted I drop my position and focus on being a present mother, but it was too late. He had already decided to shut everyone out and face the world alone.

I failed him, Athena. We failed him. So every time I see him hurting but he can't talk to me about it, it breaks my heart so much. But I can't push because I caused this. I turned my beautiful boy into a cold man who feels emotions are overrated.

You're about to be a mother. Don't make the mistakes I made. As for Alex, I honestly don't know what to say to you. I know we arranged this marriage, but that was because we knew how compatible you two are. But I'll always be here for you whatever you may need. Please don't shut me out, too. Give me a chance to be a mother in your life.”

I look at her, and I'm at a loss for words.

“He loves you more than anything.” I finally say.

And it's the truth. He may not say it, but I know how much he loves his family, and honestly, that's one of the things I love about him.

Love.

Four letters yet so powerful.

Ariana sniffs, “I'm so sorry. I'm usually more composed-”

I don't let her finnish when I pull her into a hug. My head rests on her shoulder as she holds back a sob.

I can imagine how much this has been eating her. Having to pretend they were fine when certain things remained unanswered. It makes me wonder how much Alex has buried deep under that cold mask of his.

Pushing the thought aside, I hold my mother-in-law tightly as we try to heal each other's scars with a tight, warm hug.

It doesn't work.

But it certainly helps.

………….

“Are you serious?” Sloane looks like her eyes will pop out of her head.

I nod sadly, knowing it took so much courage for me to do this.

“I don't want the baby shower. Let's just finish setting up the crib and the playroom instead.”

Sloane nods. “Fine. I guess we can do that. But are you sure I should cancel?” She eyes me, and I can't help but laugh.

Her clients have traumatized her so much that she thinks I'll change my mind and stress her last minute.