The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 54

A Man Reborn in Ashes 

ELIJAH’S POV: 

I had so many questions, I wondered when I’d be able to ask. 

“Guess the great Elijah Martinez finally lost his charm,” I heard a voice say as I sat outside by the pool just staring into the water as I pictured things. 

I turned, watching Jacob stroll into the room with his usual careless ease. He wore a grey hoodie and jeans, his hair tousled as if he’d just rolled out of bed. He didn’t even knock anymore not like he ever had to. 

“I heard the shrieking from halfway down the street,” he said, eyeing the empty glasses and half-opened bottle of Macallan. “I thought about running, but then I remembered you’re too stubborn to get killed by anyone except yourself.” 

“Funny,” I muttered, sinking into the armchair. “Your timing is terrible.” 

“On the contrary,” he said, plopping onto the chsir opposite me. “I’m just in time for the emotional aftermath. So,” he nodded toward the door, “they’re gone?” 

“Yeah,” I exhaled, rubbing my temples. “All of them.” 

He smirked. “Including Janet?” He never ever liked her, and I understood his reasons. 

I looked up. “Including Janet.” 

Jacob whistled low. “Finally.” Then his grin faded slightly. “What did she say?” 

I leaned back, letting out a humorless laugh. “That Hannah and I should watch our backs. And that she’ll make sure I never find peace as long as she’s humiliated and in pain.” 

Jacob’s brows shot up. “Wow. That’s… dramatic. Even for her. 

“She meant it,” I said flatly. “The way she looked at me with an emotion thst wasn’t even anger. It was… something darker.” 

Jacob leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Elijah, you can’t just brush that off. Janet’s always been intense, but this is different. You just embarrassed her publicly in front of the Governor, his wife, and half the city’s elite. She’s not the kind to let that go quietly. You know that.” 

“I know.” I took another sip of scotch, letting the warmth steady my nerves. “But I’m done letting fear dictate my life. I’m done living for other people’s expectations.” 

He studied me for a long moment, then let out a short laugh. “You know, I’ve waited years to hear you say something like that.” 

“Don’t get used to it.” 

Jacob leaned back, arms crossed. “Then you go get them. But you be smart about it. Janet’s not going to stay quiet, and neither will her parents. You think Mrs. Jones is going to sit back while you run off into the sunset with the daughter she despises? No. She’s going to make noise. Big noise.” 

“I’ll deal with it.” 

“But for now, let’s just see if Hannah even shows up tomorrow or she disappears but if she doesn’t, you are going to do a lot of butt kissing.” We both laughed at the last part but I understood. 

“I know…I’m going to stop at the mall to get a few gifts before going. Not a lot to make her thing I’m trying to buy their love but just a nice gestured one.” Jacob nodded in agreement pouring himself a drink as the blue light of the pool hit our face. 

“Great and you should wear something colorful, not black please. This is not funeral, this is new beginnings, okay?” He pointed out and I laughed out loud. 

“Also get the movers to pack everything belonging to Janet out and the cleaners need to a spotless job as you remember the next phase of the plan right?” He reminded and I nodded mentslly preparing myself to face Hannah, the twins and that man who is always by her side. 

“Cheers to tomorrow.” We clicked our glasses and I added, “Yeah and I’m going to throw out all the alcohol and would you like to have them?” 

“I will take it.” He answered excitedly making me frown and we both chuckled. 

Unto the next phase.