Chapter 183 Twins
Athena looked at Rose, concern etched on her face. “What happened, Madam Stella?”
Rose took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s about my granddaughter, Emily. She… she’s been struggling with her health for the past few months. We’ve been trying to keep it under wraps, but it seems the situation is more serious than we thought. I only just received the full medical report today.”
Athena’s heart sank. She had heard bits and pieces of Emily’s struggles in the past, but she hadn’t realized how dire things had become. “Is it… is it bad?” Athena asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Rose nodded solemnly. “The doctors are doing everything they can, but they’re not sure how much time she has left. It’s difficult for a grandmother to face something like this… to know that you might lose someone you love so much.”
Athena reached out, gently holding Rose’s hand. “I’m so sorry, Madam Stella. I can’t imagine what you must be going through.”
Rose squeezed her hand in return. “Thank you, my dear. You’ve always been so kind. I just… I didn’t want to keep this from you, but I needed a moment to process it all. Emily has always been such a bright light in this family, and now, it feels like everything is slipping away.”
Athena sat quietly for a moment, her thoughts swirling. It was clear that Rose was devastated, and Athena couldn’t help but feel her own heart aching for the family she had come to care for so deeply.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Athena asked softly, her voice filled with compassion.
Rose smiled faintly, though it was clear the sadness weighed heavily on her. “Just being here for me is enough, Athena. And perhaps, once things settle down, you could help me with some of the responsibilities that Emily won’t be able to fulfill. She’s always been so involved in the family’s work. I fear the burden will be on me soon.”
Athena nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She had always admired Rose’s strength, but seeing the older woman so vulnerable was a reminder of just how fragile life could be.
“I’ll do whatever I can,” Athena promised.
Rose gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you. You know, it’s strange. I’ve spent so much time worrying about other things—about the company, about my family’s legacy—and I’ve neglected the people I care about the most. Sometimes, it takes something like this to remind you of what really matters.”
Athena’s thoughts returned to her own situation—her pregnancy, her relationship with Byron, and all the uncertainties surrounding her future. Life, it seemed, had a way of throwing challenges at people when they least expected it. But she couldn’t help but wonder if, in the end, everything would work out as it was meant to.
“Maybe things will work out for both of us,” Athena thought to herself. “Maybe this is just a turning point.”
But for now, she knew the most important thing was to be there for Rose, just as she had been there for her.