Chater 37:Rebuilding Bridges Elizabeth Pov

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Chapter 37 Rebuilding Bridges"

The last two weeks had been a strange yet welcome turn in Elizabeth's life. After years of distance, reconnecting with Y/N felt both nostalgic and refreshing. It wasn't just about seeing her ex-wife again-it was about the small moments that seemed to stitch together a new kind of relationship between them. And, of course, there was River, the energetic little boy who had unexpectedly pulled them back into each other's orbit.

Elizabeth still remembered that first meeting in the park when River, with his big, curious eyes, had toddled over to her, excitedly pointing at his shirt and exclaiming that she had given him his name. It had floored her. That moment was unexpected, but hearing Y/N confirm that she had chosen Atlas-the name they'd once picked out together-made it even more meaningful. Elizabeth had never thought Y/N would hold onto that name after all they'd been through. It was a bittersweet gesture, but it showed just how much of their past still lingered in the present.

Since then, their encounters had become more frequent. They texted casually, arranged to meet at the park, and had even fallen into the routine of bringing their dogs, Blue and Lucky, along. River's excitement was always contagious. He'd run around with a burst of energy, his tiny legs pumping as he called out for "Wizze" and played with Lucky. And though Elizabeth had never been much for children before, she found herself drawn to River's innocent charm. He was so much like Y/N in little ways-the way he laughed, the mischievous sparkle in his eye.

One day at the park, after River had tired himself out and sat down to munch on his snack, Elizabeth decided to bring up something that had been on her mind.

"So," she began carefully, glancing at Y/N, who was watching River with a soft smile. "I've been thinking... about River's middle name. Atlas."

Y/N's smile faltered for a moment as she met Elizabeth's gaze, and then she nodded slowly. "Yeah. It was the name we chose together."

Elizabeth felt her breath catch in her throat. She hadn't expected Y/N to say it so plainly. "I didn't think you'd keep it," she admitted, her voice soft. "Not after... everything."

Y/N turned toward her, her eyes filled with a sincerity that made Elizabeth's heart squeeze. "I kept it because you were such a big part of my life, Liz. You helped me through so much. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. You supported me when I needed it the most, and I wanted to keep that part of you with me-no matter what happened between us."

Elizabeth looked down, her hands fiddling with the leash in her lap. "I... didn't handle things well back then. I'm sorry for how I left, for the way I handled the divorce. It wasn't fair to you."

Y/N's hand reached out, brushing lightly against Elizabeth's. "We both needed space, Liz. I get it. It was a hard time for both of us. But I've never stopped caring about you."

There was a long pause, the sound of River's laughter filling the space between them. Elizabeth felt a strange warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of relief and sadness. "I cared too," she whispered. "I still do. You'll always be important to me, Y/N."

They shared a look, one filled with unspoken understanding. The past wasn't something they could change, but maybe the future held something new for them-a friendship, a fresh start.

Before Elizabeth could say more, her phone buzzed. It was Dua. Y/N noticed the name on the screen and immediately smiled, as if she had been expecting this interruption.

"Is Dua okay with all of this?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly, her eyes flicking between the phone and Y/N.

"Yeah, she is," Y/N replied, her voice soft but assured. "Dua's been really supportive. She understands that this... us... it's important for healing. She trusts me, and she knows there's nothing more to it than just that. I think she's just glad I'm finding some peace."

Elizabeth nodded, feeling a slight weight lift off her shoulders. The last thing she wanted was to cause tension in Y/N's relationship. "I'm glad. She seems like a good person."

"She is," Y/N said, smiling warmly. "And she gets it. We've talked a lot about you... about everything. She knows it's part of my past, and she's okay with that."

Elizabeth exhaled softly, relieved. She had been worried, unsure if her presence would be an issue. But hearing Y/N speak with such clarity and reassurance, Elizabeth felt more at ease.

The sound of River's giggles interrupted their moment as he ran back toward them, holding up his snack with a proud grin. "Mama, wizze! Ice cream, pwease!"

Both women laughed, the tension easing between them as they shifted back to the present. They promised River ice cream as they packed up, walking together as they talked more about the small things-life, work, and all the moments they had missed in each other's lives.

Elizabeth found herself smiling more with every passing moment. These meetings with Y/N and River were healing something inside her, and it felt good. Like maybe, after all this time, they really could be friends again.

The next morning, she sent River some more Hattie Harmony merch, smiling to herself at the thought of his excited face when he'd open the package.

As for Y/N, Elizabeth knew things between them weren't perfect-there were still old wounds, still memories that tugged at her heart-but they were rebuilding something. Maybe it wasn't the love they once shared, but it was something real. Something that felt right.

And that, Elizabeth thought, was enough for now.

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