Rise of the Formidable Ex-wife (Lucia and Alex) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140

Chapter 140

The dining room was warm, filled with the gentle sound of silverware against plates. Candles flickered on the table, throwing dancing shadows on the walls. Steam rose from bowls of soup, and the smell of fresh bread made the air feel cozy and safe

Monica sat between Lucia and Lena, her posture more relaxed than it had been in months. She had put on a little weight in the past three days, and her cheeks were starting to show hints of color again. The dark circles under her eyes were fading. and she had eaten most of her dinner without being reminded.

“oup is really good.” Lena took another spoonful. “Mrs. Chen is amazing”

with the bread earlier.” Lena announced proudly. “Monica showed me how to knead the dough right. She’s really

king.”

miled, shy but real. “My mom taught me when I was little. We used to bake cookies every Sunday.”

her throat get tight. “You remembered that.”

bered lots of things this week. Good things. Things I forgot when everything got so dark.”

in comfortable quiet for a while, the kind of peaceful silence that comes when people feer safe with each other. had been sleeping better since starting therapy, and the nightmares that used to wake her screaming had become

equent.

atterson says I’m making good progress.” Monica looked up from her soup suddenly. “She says my healing is Opening faster than she expected.”

That’s wonderful, sweetheart.” Lucia’s voice came warm. “How do you feel about that?”

Hopeful, I think. Like maybe I won’t always feel so broken inside.”

Alexander reached over and squeezed Monica’s hand gently. “You were never broken, Monica. You were just hurt. And hurt things can heal with the right care and love.”

“I know that now. But sometimes I still feel guilty about how bad things got. About all the worrying I caused everyone.”

Lena set down her spoon and looked at her sister. “You don’t have to feel guilty about being in pain. Pain isn’t your fault. It’s just something that happened to you.”

“Dr. Patterson says the same thing. She says trauma isn’t something we choose or deserve.”

Lucia watched her daughter speak about her therapy with such understanding. Three days ago, Monica could barely talk without crying. Now she was working through her feelings and sharing her thoughts.

“Are you comfortable with Dr. Patterson?” Lucia asked. “Do you feel like she understands what you’ve been through?”

“She gets it. She doesn’t make me feel crazy or weak for cutting myself. She just helps me understand why I did it and how to handle those feelings differently.”

“What kind of things does she teach you?”

Monica thought about it while reaching for more bread. “Breathing exercises when I start to panic. Ways to notice when my thoughts are getting too dark. How to ask for help before things get really bad.”

“And you feel like those things are working?”

“Most of the time. Sometimes I still get scared or sad, but now I know it won’t last forever. And I know I’m not alone anymore.”

The warmth in place, and

Monica

ia’s eyes fill with tears. Her daughter was finding her way back from a very dark

e a miracle.

ss her face. Worry. Fear. Something that made Lucia’s protective instincts

flares

ng at her napkin. “There’s something I’ve been thinking about. Something I’d like to ask, ems or make anyone uncomfortable.”

ept her voice gentle. “You can ask us anything.”

ork and looked around the table at the three faces watching her with love. “I was wondering if Ria

ne over tomorrow. To spend time with me here.”

In the air, delicate and beautiful and needing careful handling..

Chapter 140

Lucia felt her heart skip “You want to see your brother and sister?”

niles them’ Mesica’s voice came small and open. “I know things have been complicated with our family, and I know they hurt you by choosing Dad at first. But they helped bring you to get me. They saved my life by telling you how bad things

had gotten

“They did.” Lucia agreed softly.

“And I keep thinking about how scared they must be, living in that house with Dad so angry all the time and Margaret drinking so much. I worry about them.”

Alexander leaned forward, understanding in his expression. “You want to make sure they’re okay”

“Yes. And I want them to see that I’m okay too. I want them to know that you’re taking good care of me, that this is a safe place, that maybe…” Monica’s voice went quiet.

“Maybe what?” Lena asked gently.

“Maybe they could come here sometimes when things get too hard at home. I know you can’t adept them or anything, but maybe they could know they have somewhere to go if they need it.”

Lucia felt tears sliding down her cheeks. Her daughter, who had been so broken and lost just three days ago, was now thinking about protecting her siblings. The love and care in Monica’s request took her breath away,

“Of course they can come over.” Lucia spoke without hesitation. “They’re your brother and sister. They’re always welcome in our home.”

“Really?” Monica’s face lit up with hope. “You’re not angry with them anymore?”

“I was never angry with them for very long. I was hurt, yes. But anger fades when you understand that children sometimes make mistakes when they’re scared and confused.”

“They were scared.” Monica confirmed. “When Dad told us you didn’t want us anymore, when he said you chose Alexander over your own kids, we didn’t know what to believe. We were just trying to survive.”

Alexander nodded. “Children shouldn’t have to choose sides in their parents’ problems. That’s not fair to put on anyone, especially teenagers.”

“Dr. Patterson says that too. She says kids naturally want to believe their parents are telling the truth, so when parents lie or manipulate, it’s not the kids’ fault for believing them.”

“Your therapist is very wise.” Lucia smiled through her tears. “And so are you for wanting to reconnect with Ria and Lucas.” Lena bounced slightly in her seat. “I’d love to meet them properly! I mean, I saw them when they came to get you, but we didn’t really get to talk.”

“You’ll like them.” Monica assured her. “Ria is really creative and smart, and Lucas is funny and kind. They’re good people who got caught up in a bad situation.”

“Just like you.” Lucia observed.

“Just like all of us, I think.”

The conversation continued as they finished dinner, with Monica sharing memories of her siblings and talking about her hopes for rebuilding their relationship. Her excitement was catching, and soon the whole table was planning things for the next day’s visit.

“We could order pizza.” Lena suggested. “And maybe watch movies in the media room.”

“Ria loves art.” Monica’s eyes brightened. “Maybe I could show her that studio you set up for me.”

“And Lucas might enjoy seeing the library.” Alexander added. “He’s always been interested in books.”

As Mrs. Chen quietly cleared the dishes, Monica seemed lighter somehow, as if thinking about seeing her siblings had lifted a weight from her shoulders. She hummed softly, a sound Lucia hadn’t heard in months.

“Mom?” Monica caught Lucia’s hand as they stood to leave the table.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

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