Chapter 191 You Are Not Their Daughter
As Tyler and his companions stormed out, the room seemed to exhale a collective breath. The tension that had thickened the air finally began to dissipate, but Athena’s mind was still spinning. Byron’s words echoed in her ears—“My woman.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She turned to look at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. She had expected him to be protective, but this felt different. The way he had said it… it wasn’t just about protecting her—it was as if he was staking a claim.
“Byron…” Athena started, but her voice faltered. “What do you mean by that?”
Byron’s expression softened as he met her gaze. “What do you mean by ‘what’? That you’re my woman?”
Athena nodded, still a little dazed. She had always known he cared for her, but she hadn’t expected him to make such a bold statement. She wasn’t sure whether to be happy, confused, or maybe even a bit scared.
Byron let out a slow breath, his tone steady and serious. “I meant exactly what I said, Thea. I’ve been there for you through everything, and I’ll continue to be, no matter what. I… I want to be there with you, for you.” His voice dropped to a whisper, almost as if he were sharing something personal. “No more pretending or dancing around it. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Athena felt a rush of emotions—part of her wanted to run, to escape the vulnerability of the situation. But another part of her… wanted to embrace it. She’d never been one to lean on others, and yet, with Byron, something felt different. She wanted to trust him. She wanted to let him in.
Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. The female researcher, who had been quietly observing the exchange, gave Athena a small nod. “The results are final, Miss Newton,” she said, her voice professional and curt. “If you need anything else, you can contact us later.”
Athena nodded absently, her mind still processing Byron’s words. She felt a sudden weight of responsibility, the knowledge of the decisions that lay ahead. There were so many things she had to face, things she hadn’t fully come to terms with yet. But for now, she turned her attention back to the task at hand.
Byron stepped closer, his hand gently brushing against hers. “Let’s go,” he said softly. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
As they walked out of the paternity testing center, Athena couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of relief. The confrontation with Tyler was over, and the truth had come to light. But with Byron’s presence beside her, she felt like maybe, just maybe, things were beginning to fall into place.
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