Chapter 169 She Might Lose Her Baby
Athena’s mind raced as she gripped the edge of the vanity, steadying herself. Her heart thudded in her chest, not just from the shock of being drugged and abducted, but from the mounting realization of how dire her situation was. Every single thing in this room, from the maids to the box with the ridiculous dress, felt like a reminder that she was nothing more than a pawn in Erik’s twisted game.
The words from the maid echoed in her ears. “Mr. Lawson said if you don’t want to put it on, we can help you…”
The offer was laced with veiled menace. Athena clenched her fists, trying not to let the nausea rise again. She wasn’t going to let them break her. She wasn’t going to let Erik win.
With a steadying breath, she shot the maid a glare sharp enough to freeze anyone in their tracks.
“I have all four limbs. I don’t need your help.”
The maid flushed deeper, her hands trembling as she held the box. Athena could see the hesitation in her eyes—maybe a small flicker of pity or regret—but it didn’t matter. Athena was determined to keep her composure, even if it meant playing their game for a while.
Taking the box from the maid, she glanced at it one last time, letting her gaze linger on the skimpy red dress. This was what Erik wanted her to wear? She imagined what he was planning to do next, and it made her stomach turn. But instead of giving in, Athena forced herself to walk calmly toward the window, glancing out at the night sky. The cool air outside offered a slight comfort, but not nearly enough to chase away the heavy dread that clung to her.
She had to think. She had to stay sharp.
“I’ll change in here,” Athena said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. “Go get Erik. I’ll be ready for him.”
The maid exchanged a brief look with the others, and, seemingly satisfied with Athena’s agreement, they left the room. Athena’s mind spun with possibilities. She still had the small scissors she had seen earlier—she could use them, if the opportunity arose. But there was something more important than that right now.
She had to buy time. She had to make sure Erik didn’t touch her, didn’t lay a finger on her, until she figured out how to escape.
Athena quickly glanced around, confirming the room’s layout in her mind. There was no easy way out, but maybe…just maybe, she could use the bathroom window. It wasn’t much, but it was all she had.
Minutes passed, stretching into what felt like hours. Athena’s heart beat faster as she heard footsteps approaching again. Her chance was slipping away, but she couldn’t show fear. Not now.
The door opened, and Erik walked in, his eyes gleaming with something dark and unsettling.
“Are you ready, Athena?” he asked, voice dripping with condescension.
She looked him in the eye, her expression unreadable. “I’ll put it on when I’m good and ready,” she said coldly.
Erik’s lips curled into a smile, as though her resistance only made him more intrigued. He didn’t know what she was planning, but he seemed to enjoy the tension.
“Well, take your time,” he purred. “I have all the time in the world.”
Athena’s pulse raced as he stepped closer. She had to act fast. As he turned to look at the room again, his back momentarily turned, she quickly picked up the small scissors, hiding them in the folds of her bathrobe.
This was it. She had to hold on a little longer. And if things went south, she was ready.