The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 44

A Family I Ran From 

HANNAH’S POV: 

He looked casual in a white shirt and jeans, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hair a little tousled like he’d just run a hand through it. And of all places to run into him..Victoria’s Secret. I had completely forgetten about him and his invite to join his for dinner. 

“Oh, wow,” I managed, half-laughing, half-mortified. “Of all the stores in this mall, you had to walk into this one.” 

He grinned sheepishly, holding up a small pink shopping bag. “In my defense, I’m here with my niece. She insisted I come in because apparently, I ‘don’t know what a real gift for a girl looks like.”” 

I raised a brow, smirking despite myself. “And you’re the obedient uncle, I see.” 

He chuckled. “You try saying no to a thirteen-year-old who threatens to tell your mom you ‘hate women.”” 

I laughed, genuinely this time raising my hand in agreement,. “Fair enough.” 

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “You don’t strike me as the type who shops for lingerie impulsively.” 

I shrugged turning my attention back to the lingerie, feeling my cheeks warm. “I don’t. I just… saw something nice.” 

“Wine red,” he noted, nodding at the piece in my hand. “Bold choice. I think it would look perfect on you.” 

“Maybe I’m trying to feel bold and I think it will too.” I replied before realizing how that sounded. His eyes glinted with amusement, and I quickly changed the topic. “So, how’s your niece? Done shopping yet?” 

“She’s at the register paying for something sparkly and overpriced,” he said, leaning against a display. “We’re grabbing dinner after this. You should join us.” 

“Dinner?” I blinked repeatedly. “You mean… you, your niece, and me?” 

“Or just me, after I drop her off,” he offered with a small smile. “Nothing formal. Just food, conversation. You seem like you could use both.” 

I hesitated, fingers brushing the fabric in my hand. For a brief second, I imagined what it would be like to sit across from him, talk, maybe even laugh freely without the weight of my past pressing down on my chest. 

But then I saw Amelia’s pale face in the hospital bed. Andrew’s small hand clutching mine. Elijah’s eyes darkening with realization. The bubble burst instantly. 

“I can’t,” I amswered softly looking away from him. 

Rowan frowned slightly. “Can’t, or won’t?” 

“Both.” I forced a smile, but my voice trembled. “It’s not that you’re not… nice. You are. But I have kids, Rowan. Two. And my life doesn’t leave much room for anyone else right now.” 

His eyes widened a little, though there was no judgment there jusr quiet surprise. “You have kids?” 

And then he was gone. 

I stood there for a moment longer, staring at the lingerie in my hand before setting it back on the rack. Whatever fantasy had crept into my chest was better left where it belonged. There was so much to be done and focus on. 

I left the store, trying to shake off the strange heaviness that had settled over me, and wandered into a kids’ clothing store and picked out a few gowns and shirts for the kids. I stopped to get a new Chanel purse because it was too cute especially since there was a matching little pink one for Amelia. I got some glasses as well for the kids, Lucas and I. 

But all that shopping made me hungry so I stopped at the food court. I got a call from Maya but since it was work, I didn’t pick it up as this was just a few minutes of relaxing. As I was debating between sushi and a smoothie when I heard a familiar voice while sipping out of delicious tall glass of Oreo milkshake. 

I pause in my sip as my heart raced. 

“Hannah?” 

My stomach dropped. 

I turned slowly to find my mother and Janet standing by one of the tables, both of them had shopping bags hanging from their wrist, Janet’s long red hair was straightened and let down and my mother’s perfectly coiffed hair unmoved despite the humidity. 

“Mother.” My voice came out tighter than I intended and I couldn’t even dare call my sister’s name as her stare made me uncomfortable. 

So much for relaxing.