The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 62

The Ones Who Protect Me 

HANNAH’S POV: 

After all, it was going to be our first dinner in this new house, and though I couldn’t shake off the unease of how we’d ended up here, I didn’t want to leave in discomfort and constant worrying. I was going to let things play qut. 

The dining room looked like something out of a magazine. The long mahogany table was set for eight, glistening under a crystal chandelier that scattered diamond light across the polished wood. Mr. Dean had outdone himself; there were platters of roast lamb drizzled in rosemary sauce, seafood pasta, mashed potatoes with truffle butter, and a colorful array of salads, fruits, and desserts that could tempt even the most disciplined eater. At the far end of the table, a bottle of aged red wine waited, unopened, though I doubted Elijah had placed it there for me. 

Andrew and Amelia came running down the stairs, laughing in their matching semi-formal outfits Andrew in a navy shirt and pants, Amelia in a pink dress with tiny flowers sewn across the hem. They looked so radiant, so innocent, I couldn’t help but compliment how adorable they looked. 

“Thank you mummy.” They both chorused and stood next to me. 

But as I adjusted my necklace and glanced toward the front door, the familiar sound of Elijah’s footsteps approached. 

He looked immaculate in a tailored black suit, crisp and effortless as always. He stopped when he saw me, his gaze softening just slightly. “You look… nice,” he said, the compliment hesitant but genuine. 

“Thank you,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. 

He turned to the twins, who looked away before retreating toward the living room. 

“Jacob and Cherry are running a bit late.” He informed me and I nodded awkwardly. 

I felt a spark of relief and excitement already knowing who it was. 

“Lucas!” I called as I hurried to the door, smiling the moment I saw him. 

He looked dashing as always, in a green jacket over a black turtleneck. His grin widened as he swept me into a hug. “Darling! Look at this place…it’s like a royal residence!” 

He stepped back dramatically, taking in the décor. “You’re glowing. Domestic life suits you. Or at least the lighting does,” he teased, winking. 

I chuckled, my tension easing instantly. “You’re impossible.” 

Behind me, Elijah cleared his throat. “You’re Lucas?,” he greeted stiffly. 

“The one and only who was there when your kids were born,” Lucas said, turning toward him with mock enthusiasm. “I have heard so much about you and they are not good.” 

“It is nice to officially meet you.” Elijah replied, forcing a small smile. 

Lucas nodded. “Can’t say the same.” he muttered under his breath, then shot me a mischievous look. 

We moved into the living room to wait for dinner. Lucas made himself at home immediately, sinking into the couch beside me. He threw one arm across the back of my seat, leaning close to whisper about his latest project, about fabrics and chaos and his new intern’s tragic haircut. His laughter filled the room, and the twins giggled at his expressions. 

Elijah sat across from us, silent but visibly uncomfortable. His jaw clenched each time Lucas’s hand brushed my 

shoulder, or when I laughed too freely. Lucas grabbed my face to admiring how clear my skin was and it was the finally straw for Elijah. 

Finally, Elijah spoke. “Ummm…don’t..” he said slowly, “don’t you think that’s a bit… inappropriate?” 

Lucas paused mid-sentence, then turned toward him with exaggerated curiosity. “What is?” 

Elijah froze, his face pale but calm. His throat moved as he swallowed, then he nodded. “Noted.” 

Lucas smiled sweetly. “Good. Then we’ll get along just fine.” 

He leaned back with an air of victory and dropped onto the couch beside Matteo, who shook his head with amusement. 

Elijah hesitated, then stepped forward slightly. “For what it’s worth, I owe you an apology,” he said, extending his hand. “For… earlier.” 

Lucas looked down at the offered hand for a long moment then ignored it. 

Instead, he turned to me with a bright grin. “Darling, I think I smell dessert.” 

I tried not to laugh but failed. The tension broke slightly when the chef appeared at the door, announcing that dinner was ready. 

The twins scrambled up, excitement lighting their faces. As we moved toward the dining table, I caught Elijah’s expression quiet, thoughtful, perhaps even remorseful. For once, he didn’t look like the man who had all the power. 

He looked like someone trying not to lose what little ground he’d regained. 

Just as we trooped in, we heard the doorbell ring and it was Elijah’s friend, Jacob and I heard Elijah mutter a ‘ Thank you for arriving’ making me chuckle. 

We all introduced ourselves and soon, we were acquainted. 

Unbeknownst to us, Jacob and Cherry were followed here.