Chapter 137 Go to the Hospital
Athena leaned against Byron as he held her, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability. His touch was gentle, a stark contrast to the cold, detached man he had once been toward her. His concern, though real, left her feeling conflicted. She wasn’t sure if she wanted his care or if she preferred the distance he once kept between them.
She could feel his hand on her back, soothing her, but her mind was elsewhere. The memories of their past together, the bitterness of their relationship, and the unexpected tenderness he showed now—everything was a mix of emotions she wasn’t sure how to navigate.
“I don’t need to go to the hospital,” Athena whispered, pulling away slightly to look up at him. Her voice was hoarse, barely audible, but it carried a firmness she wasn’t sure she felt.
Byron’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion, but he didn’t argue. He simply nodded, his expression unreadable. “You’re sure?”
Athena took a deep breath, leaning against the bathroom sink, gathering the last bit of strength she had left. “I’ll be fine. It’s just the pregnancy… It’s making me feel like this.”
Byron looked at her, eyes softening. Despite everything between them, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. He had never expected to find himself in a position where he cared this much for her. It was as if her strength, her independence, and even her refusal to ask for help were wearing down the walls he had built around himself.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low, carrying an apology she hadn’t expected.
Athena glanced up at him, slightly taken aback. She had heard the coldness in his voice earlier, but now there was something different—genuine concern mixed with a hint of regret. It wasn’t the apology she thought she would get from him, nor the one she wanted, but it was something.
“Don’t be,” she muttered, her words soft as she turned back toward the sink, avoiding his gaze. “It’s not your fault.”
Byron stayed silent for a moment, still unsure of how to respond. His hand twitched, wanting to reach out to her, but he held back. The distance between them felt too great for any kind of closeness, but at the same time, the space between them had never felt so fragile.
“Then let’s at least get you some rest,” Byron suggested, his tone returning to its usual commanding nature, though there was a gentleness to it now. He walked over to the bed and began to make it up, as if this small act of service was the only way he knew how to show his care.
Athena sat down on the edge of the bed, still exhausted, her stomach uneasy. She could feel the weight of his presence beside her, but she didn’t know how to bridge the gap between them. Not now, not after everything that had happened.
Byron came over with a glass of water and handed it to her. She took it gratefully, sipping it slowly. She could feel his eyes on her, but she chose not to acknowledge them, afraid that if she did, she would have to confront the emotions that were swirling inside her.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, still avoiding his gaze. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like too much for her to handle at once.
Byron nodded and then stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say or do. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than usual. “I’ll be in the office if you need anything.”
Athena nodded but didn’t say anything more. She was too tired to engage in another conversation, and part of her appreciated the fact that he was willing to give her space.
As Byron left the room, she lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She wasn’t sure what was happening between them. Was it genuine concern, or was it something else? The complexity of their relationship—filled with love, resentment, hurt, and unspoken words—felt overwhelming at times.
But for now, all she wanted was peace, even if it was fleeting. She closed her eyes, trying to quiet the storm in her mind, and hoped that in the quiet moments ahead, she could find some clarity.