The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 100

I’d Do It Again. Anytime. 

HANNAH’S POV: 1 

I froze. Of all the things to say, that was the last I expected. A flush rose to my face, and I stared at him like he’d lost his mind. “Elijah, you were shot, and that’s what you’re thinking about?” 

“Can’t help it,” he whispered, his voice raspy but amused. “Your beauty was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. I think I’m allowed to say it.” 

That gentle teasing. I let out a shaky laugh that turned into a sob, and he reached out, weakly, but still managing to cup my cheek. His palm was warm, solid. I leaned into it instinctively. 

“I would have been in that bed or worse the kids would have been in that bed if you weren’t there. I’m so sorry…for 

“You don’t have to thank me for anything. You are my wife and they are my children.” he murmured cut me off. I’d do it again. Anytime.” 

My heart clenched painfully at his words. “Don’t say that,” I whispered, gripping his wrist. “Don’t ever say that again. You almost died, Elijah.” 

“I’d rather it be me than you,” he said simply, no hesitation in his tone. “Or them.” 

He didn’t need to say who “them” was. We both knew. The image of Amelia’s terrified face flashed in my mind, and fresh tears gathered in my eyes. 

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “I should’ve never let it get that far. I should’ve noticed something was wrong earlier.” 1 

“Stop blaming yourself,” he said softly. “You’ve done enough protecting everyone. Let someone protect you for once.” 

The sincerity in his eyes made it impossible to speak. I just nodded, pressing my lips together. He brushed his thumb across my cheek one last time before lowering his hand back to the bed, exhausted. 

We sat in silence for a moment, him breathing carefully, me holding onto every small movement that proved he was still here. 

Then, in that quiet, he asked something that made my heart skip. 

Cherry and Maya….did they speak? 

Elijah’s entire expression changed, his eyes widened, his lips parted, and something in his chest seemed to crack open. This was the first time I had heard them call him, ‘Daddy’, so was it also the first time he was hearing it too? 

“Come here,” he said, his voice breaking as he extended his arms. 

Amelia climbed up carefully on the bed while Andrew clung to the side, unsure if he should touch him. Elijah’s eyes were already glistening as Amelia wrapped her tiny arms around him. “Daddy, I was so scared!” she cried into his chest. 

He let out a choked laugh, pulling her closer with one arm. “I’m okay, baby. I’m right here. I’m sorry I scared you.” 1 

Andrew hesitated, clutching the blanket tightly, his lip trembling. Elijah reached out his other arm. “Come here, champ.” 

Then he finally climbed up and pressed against his side, and Elijah just held them there, both of them, like he was afraid they’d disappear.