My Ex- Husband Wants A Second Chance

The next morning, I sat on my bedgazing at the half-packed luggage in front of me.

I was visiting my dad's new apartment and possibly run into Liam once again, something I wasn't sure I was ready for.

The prospect of seeing him, of perhaps running into him in the corridor or the elevator, wrenched my stomach into knots.

My phone rang on the nightstand, drawing me out of my thoughts. I looked at the computer and saw a message from Ethan.

Hey, how are you holding up?

A little grin pulled at the edges of my mouth.

Ethan had been so wonderful to me over the last several weeks, had a way of making me feel like I wasn’t alone, even when everything around me seemed overpowering.

Me: I’m good, just packing.

His reaction came very instantly.

Ethan: Packing? Are you leaving New York or something?

I grinned and answered.

Me: Lol. No, visiting my dad.

Again, his reaction arrived nearly instantly.

Ethan: Want some company? I can come over if you need assistance or simply someone to chat to.

I paused for a bit, looked around my flat. It was a chaos of clothing, cartons, and half-opened drawers. But the prospect of having Ethan here, of not being alone with my thoughts, was too enticing to pass up.

Me: Sure, it would be nice. I could need the distraction.

Ethan: Be there in 20.

I laid my phone down and glanced around the room again.

It wasn’t just the trash, it was the memories that clung to every nook. I couldn’t help but think of the last time I’d packed up my life like this.. when I left Liam.

A tap at the door shocked me.

I checked the time.. Ethan was early. I hastily brushed a hand through my hair, hoping I didn’t seem as frantic as I felt, and went to open the door.

Ethan was there with a pleasant grin, carrying a tiny bag in his hand.

“I brought snacks,” he added, holding the bag as if it were a peace gift. “Thought you might need a break from all the packing.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, the strain in my chest relaxing somewhat. “You know me too well.”

His words, so simple but so real, made something within me hurt.

I wasn’t accustomed to this type of support, this kind of kindness.

Liam had never been the soothing kind.. he’d always been aloof, disconnected. But Ethan… he was different. He made me feel secure.

“I appreciate it, really,” I responded, trying to keep my voice calm.

Ethan’s grin was comforting, and he clasped my hand gently. “Of course you do, Soph. You know you can always depend on me.”

We sat in quiet for a minute, our fingers still interlaced, and the air seemed heavy with unspoken words.

Ethan took a big breath as he turned around to face me, his eyes exploring my face as if attempting to judge my response.

"Sophie...I..." he continued, his voice quiet. "Don't you think we should...go out? Officially?"

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

"Since you are divorced, can I pursue you?"Ethan leaned forward, his face sincere.