The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 79

The Past Sat Across From Me 

HANNAH’S POV: 

“Good afternoon.” I greeted professionally and returned a small polite smile, walking over and taking the seat across from her. 

“You look beautiful,” she said, her voice calm, warm even and I couldn’t even pretend like I was taken aback by her compliment. 

I cleared my throat and placed my bag on the table and said trying to find words to say:, “Thank you. You look… well.” 

She let out a soft laugh. “That’s kind of you to say.” 

Okay… Who was this and what have you done to Mrs Martinez? 

For a while, silence sat between us and it was an awkward yet loud one. The waiter arrived, took our orders, and left quietly. Then she folded her hands on the table and sighed. 

“I imagine you must be wondering why I asked to see you.” She broke the silence and I nodded, letting out a breath I had no idea I was even holding. 

“I was, actually and hoping it was not you, or just for business reasons.” I retorted, looking into her eyes so she doesn’t think she could intimidate me. 

She nodded, her gaze steady. “I wanted to see you because well, obviously you are such a fantastic designer and truly hope to work with you one day as I have already purchased some of your phenomenal dresses. However, first of because I owe you an apology from the bottom of my heart.” 

That made me blink. I hadn’t expected that. In the slightest. 

“I treated you terribly, Hannah,” she continued, her voice shaking slightly. “From the moment Elijah brought you home, and your parents uttered those lies about you, I couldn’t look past the obvious lie and taunted you and turned a blind eye to everything I could see you were going through. I saw your humility as a lack of ambition and just saw you as a gold digger. I’m deeply sorry..” 

Her eyes softened. “You didn’t deserve any of it. You were young, kind, and patient. And I should have protected you. Instead, I looked away.” 1 

The sincerity in her tone caught me off guard. I didn’t know what to say, so I just stared at the water glass in front of me. 

“As you should be,” she said softly. Then her smile wavered. “But there’s another reason I wanted to meet. I haven’t told Elijah yet, and I don’t intend to not until I have to and I’m sure what it is, but… I’m not well, Hannah.” 

So she was sick and that was what made her this soft and kind? I should have known, 

I let out a shaky breath and asked,. “Not well?” 

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “The doctors are still running tests, but there’s a possibility it’s serious. I don’t want Elijah to worry until I know for certain. He’s finally in a good place with you, with the children. I don’t want to disrupt that peace.’ 

I sat back, stunned. “Mrs. Martinez…” 

No matter what had happened in the past, she was still the grandmother to my kids, it would be too hurtful for everyone if something happened to her. 

“Flora,” she corrected gently. “You can call me Flora now.”