Her Ex-husband

Chapter 19

Alec watched from across the room as Joy checked her gun multiple times. Her form tensed as her hands repeatedly slid the magazine in and out, pulling back the slide, and releasing it with a sharp click. The rhythmic sound of her actions filled the silence, each click punctuating the anxiety that hung in the air. Alec could see the strain in her movements, the way her jaw clenched tighter with each pass. She was focused, almost obsessively so, as if the act of checking her weapon was the only thing keeping her together.

"Joy," he said softly, his voice calm and steady. She paused, her eyes still trained on her gun.

"What is it, Alec?"

He approached her, keeping a respectful distance. "You're not alone in this," he said gently. "I'm with you, but I need you to relax a bit. The more tense you are, the more likely you are to make mistakes."

Joy snapped her head towards him, her eyes wide with determination. "I can't. Her life depends on it," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I understand," Alec said, his voice steady. "But being tense won't help us. The calmer you are," he said, reaching out to touch her shoulders, "the clearer your mind will be."

Joy's gaze softened slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to absorb his words. "I'll try," she said, her voice steadier now.

Alec gave her a reassuring smile. "That's all I ask. Let's finish getting ready. We're going to bring her home." He kissed her temple and began to walk away.

Before he could fully leave, Joy gripped his arm. "Whatever happens in there," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "I just want you to know that I love you. More than you could ever know."

Alec looked into her eyes, his own reflecting the depth of her emotions. "I love you too," he said softly. "And we'll get through this together." He leaned down and kissed her lips gently before leaving her alone in their shared room.

Joy sat there for a moment, enveloped by the room's quiet. Her thoughts were focused on Milana, the one certainty amidst her swirling fears. She wasn't sure of many things, but bringing Milana back was a promise she intended to keep. It was a vow to her daughter, and to herself, a commitment she would honor, no matter what lay ahead.