The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 77

Holding On Tighter 

ELIJAH’S POV: 

He jumped up, and I laughed, lifting him into the air. “Alright, alright, you win! You’re the boss tomorrow!” 

He beamed, cheeks flushed from excitement. “I already know what I want.” 

“Should I be scared?” I asked out loud and laughed. 

“Yes,” Jacob muttered, deadpan. 

After the game, we met the players backstage, took photos, and got Andrew’s sign autographed. His happiness was pure something that made every ounce of effort worth it. 

It was so cute watching how he had Hannah and Amelia on the FaceTime call, like he wanted them there as we took pictures and he met the stars. Amelia seemed just as excited. 

“Thank you so much.” I appreciated them while Jacob associated with them. It was so ironic that some of them were so fanned out over Jacob, so that was another reason my son was given special treatment. 

We stepped outside, heading toward the nearby ice cream truck, and the night air was cool, crisp, and filled with laughter. Andrew held Jacob’s hands as we crossed the street, still talking about his “winning strategy.” And I felt jealous by that same action but his excitement speaking to someone who understood the game made me realize I need to become a flyer’s fan. 

I watched as he picked up his phone again and called Lucas. “Guess where I was just at, Uncle Lucas?” 

He showed him his shirt and Lucas exclaimed, “They had a game today?” 

“Yes, we won! And I got to meet….” He narrated all that had transpired without leaving any detail. 

We took a seat in the ice-store and for some reason, it had this eerie, familiar feeling like I had been here before. As we relaxed and ordered ice-cream, I thought to check up Hannah and asked if there was anything she wanted and needed us to pick up for her. 

She responded that they were okay, so we got our ice-cream in different flavors like the last time at the store except I had gotten mine with sprinkles, and Jacob got strawberry and Andrew got his normal flavor as we stepped out of the store. 1 

But then Jacob’s voice dropped low. “Uh… Elijah.” 

I followed his gaze and let out an exasperated sigh. 

Standing by the fountain near the parking lot were my parents. My father, still in his tailored suit, phone in hand; my mother, perfectly styled as ever, clutching her purse like it held her soul. 

She was staring right at me. 

Andrew nodded stiffly, and I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

“He looks just like you,” she said softly, her tone almost wistful but her eyes didn’t match. They flickered with something I couldn’t name. Regret? Guilt? Disapproval? 

“You’ve grown up,” my father pointed out, his tone neutral. “Looks like you’ve been… busy.” 

Jacob stepped forward slightly, protective. “We should go, Elijah.” 

But my mother wasn’t done. “We miss you,” she said suddenly. “I know you don’t believe that, but-” 

“Mom.” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “Let’s not do this here.” 

There was silence. She nodded slowly, lips pursed. “Alright, I will make sure to keep in touch.” 

They both stared at Andrew like they were in disbelief, as though they didn’t believe he existed. 

I turned away before the ache in my chest could take over. Andrew held my hand tighter as we walked off back to the car. I was happy to hold his hands, like it was a connection.