The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 35

Silent Signatures 

HANNAH’S POV: 

EARLIER THAT: 

“Can I just say that the four of you make a beautiful family?” Maya pointed out as we arrived in a small private cafe. She had gushed at how amazing their pastries were, and the amazing taste of their coffee. 

She laughed when I looked at her sideways as she already knew how I felt about this situation. I don’t know if it was due to my period near but I was stressing about everything. So I read through the comments and many tagged us a ‘beautiful family’ the words should’ve warmed me, but instead, all I could picture were the twins’ photos plastered across social media, floating around for anyone especially Elijah to see and I didn’t like it one bit. 

Their features were too telling. The shape of their eyes, their smiles, even the way Andrew’s brow furrowed when he was concentrating it was like watching Elijah’s ghost in two little bodies. 

“Maya, those pictures being everywhere isn’t a good thing,” I murmured, leaning closer as the waiter set down cappuccinos and a plate of croissants. “I don’t want people like you know who putting the pieces together. They look too much like-” I cut myself off, lowering my gaze. 

She rolled her eyes. “Girl, you worry too much. It’s not like Elijah has time to stalk I*******m.” 

“It’s literally on the celebrity news and fashion blogs. Not just on I*******m!” I pointed out trying my best not to display my frustration further and drank my cappuccino and it relaxed me. 

“You have nothing to worry about. Whether he finds out or not, you’re powerful, strong, and not even his money would help him in getting the kids. You won’t let it happen, so please don’t stress yourself out, okay?” She squeezed my hand and I let out a sigh and nodded. 

“I totally forgot to ask, what’s going on with the divorce? Has he finally responded about the divorce papers, or is he still in shock?” I didn’t miss the amusement in voice, and I just shook my head. 

I sighed, “He hasn’t responded. I served them neatly, formally, like closing a business transaction. And yet, silence. That silence screamed louder than any rejection.” 

“You need to relax,” Maya continued, tearing off a piece of croissant. “Focus on you. Focus on being free from him. He doesn’t get to hold you hostage with being indecisive.” 

“I can’t relax,” I whispered. “Not until he signs.” 

It wasn’t even weighing too heavy on me, but I needed to ensure the divorce was finalized, the company was thriving more than years before, so the kids and I could return. But I hadn’t disclosed it to Lucas nor Maya that I still had intention to return though they knew it was part of my plan. 

“I understand but I discovered he has been dating your sister for the longest time and everyone is just waiting patiently for him to pop the question. So yeah…he should be nudged incase he has completely forgotten about signing them.” She shared and sipped out of her coffee, keeping her gaze on me. 

I wasn’t surprised that they were a couple, as a matter of fact I would more appalled if they weren’t. They were made for each other and I was just a passerby in their story. 

“You’re right. I will let my lawyer do that.” I informed making a mental note in my jotter on my phone. 

Maya nodded, then leaned back with a mischievous grin. “Speaking of men holding you hostage, You remember that man I said I hung out with one time and he hasn’t asked me to a second date but continues talking to me every single day…” I nodded as I indeed recalled, “Well I think he might be married.” 

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “This is exactly why I don’t tell you things sometimes. You always make me feel like I’m making mistakes. It is my life and I have every right to make decisions whether they are right or wrong.” 

And she was totally right so I stayed quiet, because fighting wouldn’t change anything. She might be right and she might just be speculating. 

Instead, my thoughts drifted back to Elijah. His silence on the divorce papers was louder than a shout, more menacing than a slammed door. If he had screamed at me, argued, demanded to see me, at least I’d know where I stood. But his silence? That was a trap. It felt like he was just biding his time, like a predator crouched in the dark, waiting for me to let my guard down. 

And the twins. God, the twins. Every photo of them out there was like a ticking bomb. What if he saw? What if he put it together? What if- 

“Hey,” Maya’s voice snapped me back. She reached across the table, and said, “You’re just looking out for me and I’m sorry for being so harsh but you know how I can get.” 

I gave a weak smile. “I just want you to be happy girl.” 

“I want you to be happy too” she whispered. “So allow me to set you up with this cute guy and I promise I won’t mess it. I will even Lucas vet him and make sure he’s perfect. What do you say?.” Excitement filled her eyes and I could help but laugh and think for a second. 

“You know what?….Fine, do that.” I said contrary to my mind screaming ‘No’ and she squealed. 

“This is unbelievable, I’m getting to work now.” She brought out her phone and I laughed and looked outside the window, drinking and savoring it’s taste.