Chapter 123 Spread Her Wings and Soar
Byron’s gaze hardened, his voice carrying an edge. “What do you mean by caring about my woman so much?”
Gideon’s expression faltered slightly, his brow furrowing as if considering the question carefully. The tension in the air thickened.
“The day you left Salin City in a hurry and went back to Girard City because of Heather, I talked with Athena.” Gideon’s words were measured, each one falling like a weight in the stillness between them. Byron didn’t respond, his silence urging Gideon to continue.
“She is very determined to leave.” The statement hung in the air, almost like an accusation, but also a revelation.
Byron’s eyes grew colder, his jaw tightening, but he said nothing. His expression was unreadable, yet his mind was racing.
Gideon paused for a moment before continuing, the sincerity in his tone cutting through the tension. “I didn’t know her well before. I always thought she was greedy for money, that she played Freya to stay by your side for that. But this time in Salin City, I realized I misunderstood her. Athena is a falcon that can spread its wings and soar in the sky.”
Byron’s heart sank. Soar? How high and far did she want to fly? The thought sent a chill down his spine. It wasn’t just about keeping her close; it was about her aspirations, her freedom. How much space would she need to feel fulfilled? And was he willing to give it to her?
“I will give her space to spread her wings and fly high,” Byron replied, his voice cold and resolute. But there was an undertone of possessiveness. She would spread her wings, but in his airspace.
Gideon’s lips tightened. “What space? Isn’t it a bigger, gorgeous cage?” He let the words sink in before adding, “I won’t ask you if you can protect her wholeheartedly, but I wonder if she’s willing to stay in your cage.”
Byron felt the heat of his anger flare again. Two people, in one night, questioning his authority and intentions. He stopped, turning to face Gideon, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Even if she is unwilling to, she has to stay!” His voice was a low growl.
Gideon blinked, taken aback by the raw intensity of Byron’s words. “Are you crazy?”
Byron’s gaze shifted, looking through the glass showcase of the dessert shop at Athena. She was smiling, picking up a dessert as if the world outside didn’t exist. The warmth of her smile only seemed to intensify the coldness of Byron’s heart.
“Yes,” Byron replied, his voice thick with emotion, “I’m crazy. I can’t do without Athena.”
Gideon frowned, the weight of Byron’s words settling heavily in his chest. There was a long pause before he spoke again, his voice softer, yet still carrying the weight of advice.
“I remember what you taught me when I was a child,” Gideon began. “We can’t get everything. We can only get while giving. Otherwise, we get nothing in the end.”
He patted Byron on the shoulder, his expression mixed with concern and resignation. “Since you can’t do without her and can’t let her go, at least you should prevent her from getting hurt. There are slap marks on her delicate face today. What will she suffer tomorrow?”
Gideon turned and walked back toward the restaurant, leaving Byron to contemplate his words. He couldn’t help Athena much, not directly. Her future was in her own hands, and her fate was yet to be written.
Meanwhile, Athena was busy picking out sweets for Rose. She carefully selected an assortment of treats, her hands moving with purpose. “You need to eat the cake within 24 hours. As for the rest, you can enjoy them slowly. The shelf life is three months. Don’t eat too much at once,” she said, reminding Rose gently, her voice warm with concern. Athena’s grandfather had passed away due to complications from diabetes, and she was always cautious about such things.
Rose smiled, clearly appreciative. “Understood.” She nodded, her eyes softening. “Athena, I wasn’t joking in the car when I said I hope you come work with me. I mean it.”
Athena smiled back, her eyes twinkling with understanding. “I see.”
Rose’s voice softened further, as she spoke more candidly. “Men are the most unreliable. Women have to rely on themselves for everything, understand?”
Athena was quick to catch the implication. Rose didn’t need to say much for Athena to understand the deeper meaning behind her words. She knew about Athena’s relationship with Byron, but she didn’t press it. Instead, she conveyed a message of independence.
“I’ve always understood this truth,” Athena replied softly, her smile a little wistful. It was true; Athena had always been aware of the need to stand on her own, no matter what circumstances life threw her way.
Just then, Byron walked up to them. His face was as stoic as ever, but there was an underlying tension in his steps.
“Madam Stella, where do you live? I’ll arrange a car for you,” he said, his tone polite but direct.
Rose, still a little frosty from their earlier exchange, glanced at him with a cool expression. “No need. The car to pick me up has already arrived.”
She turned back to Athena, her demeanor softening once more. “Come and visit me when you have time, okay?”
Athena smiled, her tone playful as she responded. “Okay.”
Byron watched them, his gaze narrowed. It seemed like he wasn’t getting anywhere tonight, but he wouldn’t give up so easily.