The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 184

HANNAH’S POV:

Amelia never stopped waving the entire ride, blowing kisses to everyone, absolutely loving every second of the attention. Every time I looked at her happy, glowing face, I remembered that horrible moment in the burning building when I'd thought I'd never see her again. When I'd been so terrified I would die and she'd grow up without a mother.

But I hadn't died. I'd survived. We'd all survived.

And now here we were, riding in a fairy tale carriage, surrounded by love and joy and celebration.

My multi-talented princess, so full of life and light.

And as those beautiful white horses carried us forward under the star-filled night sky, surrounded by everyone we loved most in the world, I knew something with absolute certainty deep in my heart.

This was our happily ever after.

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SIX MONTHS LATER:

"It's been how many days now? Like five? And after a series of explanations and demonstrations, I still don't understand this stupid UNO game!"

Cherry's frustrated declaration was punctuated by her literally throwing her entire hand of cards onto the table like she was having a tantrum. The colorful cards scattered everywhere, some landing on the floor, some fluttering off the edge of the porch.

We couldn't help ourselves. We all burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"I genuinely hate all of you," Cherry announced dramatically, pushing her chair back and standing up. "You're all terrible people who enjoy watching me suffer."

None of us had heard from Maya for the past five months. Not a single word. She'd completely ghosted all of us.

She'd even quit her job at my company via email, which had been shocking and completely unlike her. We'd immediately gone to her apartment to check on her, worried something terrible had happened.

But when we'd arrived, we'd discovered she'd moved out entirely. No forwarding address. No explanation. Just nothing.

We'd all been so worried, genuinely frightened that something bad had happened to her. Lucas had been ready to hire a private investigator. Jacob had suggested calling the police to file a missing person report.

Then, just when we were about to take serious action, we'd gotten a call from Maya herself. She'd told us in a flat, emotionless voice that she was fine. That she just needed space. That she didn't need us in her life right now.

And then she'd hung up.

Lucas had been absolutely pissed, hurt and angry in equal measure. But honestly, he'd been dealing with his own serious problems, so he hadn't had much energy to spare worrying about Maya.

Because Lucas and Martin had called off their engagement.

They'd broken up.