Chapter 209 I’ll Only Have You in My Life
Athena looked at Byron, who seemed genuinely stunned.
The last lingering feeling of doubt faded from her heart. She reached out and cupped Byron’s cheek gently. Without hesitation, Byron leaned into her touch, pressing his cheek against her palm like a giant, affectionate dog.
“I’ve taken care of the tree for five years… I deserve to enjoy the shade for the rest of my life,” Athena said softly, her voice filled with an unexpected tenderness.
Byron’s expression grew intense as he asked, “You like me too, right, Thea?”
Athena paused, meeting his gaze. Slowly, she shook her head.
Byron’s smile vanished, and a flicker of disappointment flashed across his face. But before he could say anything, Athena added, “Byron, I think… I love you.”
Byron’s breath caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat. He stared at her, wide-eyed, as if processing her words.
“You love me. Then why did you leave me before?” he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“I love you,” Athena whispered, her voice shaking slightly. “But I couldn’t be a mistress.”
She gave a small snort after speaking, a mix of sarcasm and affection. “Besides, didn’t someone set a rule for me before? That I wasn’t allowed to fall in love with you?”
Byron’s face darkened with frustration. “Someone is a jerk!” he muttered angrily.
Athena glanced at him, her eyes softening. She felt like she had conveyed everything she needed to, hoping that Byron wouldn’t betray her love, that he would take her feelings seriously.
Byron’s eyes lit up as he pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy!” he exclaimed, holding her close. After a moment, he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Athena, though overwhelmed by his affection, couldn’t help but smile helplessly.
“It’s almost two o’clock, Mr. Crawford. Do you want to sleep?” Athena asked, her voice laced with a teasing undertone.
“Wait,” Byron said urgently, pulling away. “I need to check the calendar first. We need to pick a good date for the wedding!”
Athena watched as Byron scrambled to find the right date. He flicked through the calendar on his phone, frustration mounting. After a few minutes, his excitement began to deflate.
“Why isn’t there a good date? What’s wrong with this calendar?” he muttered, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.
Athena gently took his phone from his hands, her fingers brushing his. “Marriage is a big event. It’s okay if the date doesn’t align perfectly,” she said with a calm smile. “Why are you in such a hurry?”
Byron, still holding her, looked down at her, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. “I’m afraid you’ll run away again,” he admitted. “Thea, we agreed to get married. It’s settled. You can’t leave me again.”
“Why would I run away if you don’t let me down?” Athena responded, her voice soft, but there was an underlying strength in it. She knew this was the real test.
Byron’s thoughts momentarily flickered to Freya. But now, with Athena in his arms, the guilt he felt for Freya didn’t overshadow his certainty about Athena. He had a responsibility to Freya, but he would never let that come between him and Athena.
“I’ll only have you in my life,” Byron said seriously, looking deep into her eyes.
Athena, though touched by his sincerity, stifled a yawn. “Life is a long time, Byron. Let time tell if you’re lying or not.” She stretched, her voice heavy with sleep. “Mr. Crawford, I’m sleepy…”
“Sleep,” Byron said with a smile, kissing her gently on the forehead. “I won’t bother you anymore.”
But just as Athena was about to drift off, she surprised him. She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips before quickly retreating under the covers like a shy rabbit.
Byron’s heart raced at the unexpected kiss, and when he looked at her, he saw her ears had turned pink—she was blushing, even after all their intimate moments together. It made him smile even more.
He tenderly kissed the tips of her ears, his voice a soft whisper, “Honey, good night.”
Athena felt her cheeks heat up further, and her heart fluttered. It was all so sweet, so new. “Honey…” That was the first time Byron had called her that.
The next morning, Byron woke to find the bed empty. His heart skipped a beat as panic surged through him. What if she had left?
He shot out of bed, not even bothering with slippers, and rushed into the living room. When he spotted a suitcase in the middle of the room, his breath caught in his throat.
“Athena?” he called out, his voice trembling.
“Good morning,” Athena’s voice floated in from the balcony, her phone in hand as she came inside.
Byron’s shoulders sagged with relief, though his face darkened when he saw the suitcase. “Where are you packing to go?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.
Athena smiled lightly and hung up the phone. She walked up to him, her fingers gently brushing his forehead. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.
Byron, still caught in the whirlwind of his emotions, glanced at the suitcase again, then back at her. “Where are you packing to go?” he repeated, his heart still racing.