Dear Ex Wife Please take me back (Athena and Alex) novel Chapter 168

ALEX

"I just got a call from Mr. King Snr. Your grandmother just had a heart attack."

Ryan whispers the words that knock the air out of me.

Everything around me fades. The smoke from the grill, the laughter, the kids shouting, all of it gone.

Muted.

Like someone hits mute on the whole damn world, and all I hear is the rush of blood in my ears.

My grip tightens around the spatula until the metal bites into my palm.

Not again.

My chest constricts, the same way it did the last time she collapsed. I force myself to breathe, but it’s shallow and useless.

What if I actually lose her this time?

Fear settles in my chest like a cancer cell and spreads in my entire body.

“Where is she?” I ask, my voice low.

“Quinn’s Medical Center.” Ryan answers quickly. “She was admitted ten minutes ago. The family is already there, and Dr. Quinn snr is attending to her.”

I nod once. My body moves before my mind catches up. I shove the spatula into Ethan’s hand.

“Take over,” I mutter.

He looks confused for half a second, but one glances at my face, and he knows better than to ask.

I turn, and my eyes start searching instinctively.

It's crazy how long ago I would have just rushed out without a second thought. But now, whenever something happens, I first have to check on Athena and Rayen and see that they're okay, then I move.

It all happens, so naturally, I hadn't even noticed.

We lock eyes, and from her expression, I can tell she saw the exchange and is curious.

She’s squatting near the playhouse, her hands covered in paint, her brows pinched in concern. Her lips part slightly like she wants to call out to me.

I force a small smile to my lips as she stands to meet me halfway.

“Is something wrong?” she asks.

I nod and grab her hand as we walk out so I can tell her in private.

“Giana just had another heart attack.” I run a hand through my hair.

She gasps, covering her hand to her mouth, “How bad is she?”

“I don't know, baby. But I hope it's not so bad.”

Athena’s face falls. Her eyes soften with worry, and without a second thought, she wraps her arms around me.

It’s not tight. It’s gentle, like she’s trying to hold me together when everything inside me feels like it’s breaking apart.

“She’ll be okay,” she whispers, even though she doesn’t know for sure. “Giana’s strong.”

I close my eyes for a second and let myself breathe her in. The scent of paint and sweetness. The calm in her voice. It grounds me more than I’ll ever admit.

“I have to go now,” I murmur into her hair.

She pulls back slightly, her beautiful eyes finding mine, “I'll get Rayen we go together.”

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