Chapter 199 Cancel the Engagement
Athena smiled at the question, feeling a warmth in her chest. Byron’s tone, though still laced with the usual hints of seriousness, had softened when he asked about her happiness. She could sense his concern, despite his earlier brusque demeanor.
“I am,” she said honestly, her voice light. “It’s been a lot to process, but… I am happy.”
Byron’s quiet chuckle echoed through the phone. “Good,” he said, his voice tender. “I did what I said I would. But, Athena… it’s not just about the engagement, you know? It’s about how we move forward from here. About us, about you and me.”
Athena’s heart skipped a beat. His words felt more like a promise than just casual talk. She lay back on the bed, the gentle weight of the quilt feeling like a comforting embrace as she let his words sink in.
“Byron,” she said softly, her hand instinctively resting on her belly again, “Are you sure you’re doing this for the right reasons?”
A pause, followed by his voice, smooth and reassuring. “I’m sure, Athena. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
The sincerity in his voice made her heart flutter.
“Okay,” she whispered, her thoughts swirling. It was all happening so fast. She had been uncertain about many things, especially about how Byron would react to her pregnancy. But now, with everything changing, it was hard to deny that he was showing her a side of him she hadn’t expected. She could sense he was trying—really trying—to be the man she needed him to be.
“Can we talk more when I get back to Girard City?” she asked, her voice low and warm with a hint of excitement. She needed time to think, but she also wanted to see where this new path would lead them.
Byron’s voice softened again, a slight teasing undertone. “I’ll hold you to that. Don’t take too long.”
She smiled, picturing his face, his teasing smile, and the way his eyes always softened when he looked at her. “I won’t. I promise.”
Before she could say more, he added, “And, Athena… thank you for trusting me. For everything. I know I haven’t been perfect, but I’m trying. I’m trying for you.”
Athena’s breath hitched slightly at his words, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else—the scandals, the complications, even the uncertainty about their future. All that mattered was this moment, and Byron’s voice on the other end of the phone, full of hope.
“I know,” she whispered back. “And I’m trying, too.”
The line went quiet for a brief moment, both of them lost in the weight of the unspoken promises hanging in the air.
“Okay,” Byron said, his voice calm and reassuring once more. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon,” Athena echoed, her heart full. The future suddenly seemed less daunting, and for the first time in a while, she felt like maybe, just maybe, they could make it work.
As the call ended, she leaned back against the pillows, her thoughts returning to the videos Evie had sent her. She hadn’t yet figured out how to tell Byron about the baby, but she felt a little more confident now. She would find a way. They would navigate this together.
And when the time was right, she would surprise him—just like Evie had suggested. But for now, she let herself enjoy this moment, the quiet excitement that buzzed under her skin.
Byron had canceled the engagement, and that was just the beginning of something new. Something she could believe in.