The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 119

Waking into the Light 

Walking Into the Light 

HANNAH’S POV: 

“I might,” Andrew said thoughtfully. “When I grow up, I want to have an office with a big desk and one of those chairs that spins around.” 

“That’s a solid plan,” Elijah said, lifting him briefly into his arms before setting him down again. “Very solid.” 

My heart felt so full watching them together. After everything we’d been through, after all the pain and the fighting and the years of separation, seeing Elijah with our children like this was like watching a miracle unfold in real time. 

He’d taken to fatherhood with a dedication that still amazed me. He helped with homework, attended every school event, listened patiently to their endless stories about their day. He was present in a way my own father never had been. 

And the kids adored him. They’d taken to calling him “Daddy” within a week of him being in their lives, and every time I heard it, something in my chest tightened with emotion. 

“Ready?” Elijah asked, straightening up and turning to me. He held out his hand, and I noticed he was looking at me with such open admiration that it made me blush like a teenager. 

“Almost,” I said, grabbing my clutch from the dresser. “Let me just check that I have everything.” 

“You look gorgeous, Hannah,” Elijah said softly, coming up behind me. He placed his hands on my waist, pulling me back against him gently. “I mean it. You’re going to be the most beautiful woman there tonight.” 

I leaned back into him, letting myself enjoy the moment. “You’re biased.” 

“Maybe. But I’m also right.” He kissed the side of my neck, just below my ear. “I’m the luckiest man alive, you know that?” 

“Stop,” I said, laughing. “You’re going to make me cry and ruin my makeup.” 

“Can’t have that.” He turned me around to face him, his hands still on my waist. “But seriously, thank you.” 

“For what?” 

“For giving me another chance. For letting me be part of this family. For being here with me tonight.” His voice was soft, vulnerable in a way that Elijah rarely allowed himself to be. “I know I don’t deserve it. But I’m grateful every single day.” 

I reached up and cupped his face in my hands. “We both deserve this. We both deserve to be happy.” 

He smiled, that genuine smile that transformed his entire face, and kissed me softly. 

“Ew, they’re kissing again!” Andrew announced loudly from across the room. 

We broke apart, laughing. 

“Come on,” I said, grabbing Elijah’s hand. “We should go before we’re late.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

We gathered the kids and made our way downstairs. The driver was already waiting outside with the car, a sleek black SUV that could comfortably fit all of us. 

Or maybe a Jones-Martinez. I was still figuring out the name situation. 

Elijah seemed to sense my moment of uncertainty because he squeezed my hand gently. “You okay?” he asked quietly. 

“Yeah,” I said, and I meant it. “I’m good.” 

The twins walked between us, both trying very hard to look grown up and sophisticated. Andrew had his hands in his pockets, trying to look casual but mostly looking adorable. Amelia was doing her best “princess walk,” which involved a lot of careful steps and perfect posture. 

As we stepped through the entrance into the ballroom, I took a moment to appreciate just how stunning the space was. The ceiling was impossibly high, with crystal chandeliers hanging like frozen waterfalls. The walls were decorated with elaborate floral arrangements, white roses and orchids and something else I couldn’t name. Round tables covered in black tablecloths were arranged throughout the room, each one set with gold cutlery and crystal glasses that sparkled in the light. 

“This is fancy,” Andrew whispered to me. 

“Very fancy,” I agreed. 

I was expecting the usual cold reception from Elijah’s parents. A stiff smile, maybe a polite handshake, the kind of distant pleasantness that had defined our relationship for years. 

But instead, the moment Mrs. Martinez spotted us, her face broke into a genuine smile. A real one, not the fake, tight smile I was used to seeing. 

“There you are!” she called out, hurrying toward us. 

She was dressed in an elegant champagne-colored silk dress that complemented her still-dark hair, which was styled in soft waves. She looked beautiful and happy, genuinely happy to see us.