Chapter 210 The Ritual in the Morning
Athena was momentarily taken aback, her gaze flicking between Byron’s intense expression and the suitcase in the living room. Before she could explain, Byron held her shoulders, his voice laced with urgency. “Are you going to run again? You said you loved me last night, and now you regret it?”
“Stop shaking me! You’re making me dizzy!” Athena slapped his hands away, irritation flickering in her eyes.
“Are you a fool?” she continued, frustration tinged with disbelief. “That luggage was the one I brought when I came back yesterday. I still haven’t unpacked it!”
Byron blinked, his eyes widening in realization. The tension in his shoulders eased, his anger dissipating as confusion settled in.
He fell silent for a moment, his mind catching up with reality. Finally, he muttered, “…Okay…”
Athena shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as she observed his flustered state. “Why are you so weird?” she asked, her tone softer now. “Is breakfast still the same?”
Byron sighed, his lips curling into a reluctant smile. “Fine…”
Athena chuckled lightly, moving toward the kitchen as she added, “Put on your shoes, Byron.”
She didn’t notice the grin that spread across his face as he watched her walk away. The moment she turned to face him again, however, a bright, uncontrollable smile danced on her lips.
Byron’s breakfast was simple yet comforting: two slices of whole wheat toast, crisped to perfection, slathered with unsalted peanut butter, and a cup of black coffee to complement the morning. Today, Athena had added a fried egg for a little extra energy boost.
Byron emerged from the bedroom dressed in his usual sharp attire, exuding the poise and confidence of a social elite. He joined Athena at the table, his posture flawless as he began to eat.
“You’re going out with Evie?” Byron asked between bites, glancing over at her with curiosity.
“Yes, we’re going shopping.” Athena rested her cheek in her hand, watching him with an affectionate gaze as he ate. There was something about watching him that pleased her, even in such an ordinary moment. He looked like a model in a commercial.
“I’ll give you the black card later. Buy whatever you want.” Byron paused, his eyes narrowing playfully. “Do I look good?”
Athena smiled warmly. “Of course.”
Byron set his coffee cup down with a decisive motion. He leaned over and, without warning, squeezed Athena’s chin before planting a quick kiss on her lips. Then, he casually sat back down, picking up his fork once more. “Childish!” Athena muttered, shaking her head in mock disapproval.
“Honey, you’ll have to get used to it,” Byron replied with a grin. “From now on, I’ll be this childish every day.”
Athena’s heart fluttered slightly at the endearment, though she tried to hide it. She couldn’t deny that being with him made her feel more alive than she had in a long time. Even when they were just eating breakfast together, everything felt right.
Byron finished his breakfast, preparing to head to the company. Liam had been waiting for some time. “Honey, which tie goes with this suit?” Byron asked as he stood in front of the cloakroom, unsure which one to choose.
Athena trotted over, her fingers deftly pulling out the perfect tie without even needing to look. Byron bent down, presenting his neck to her. In the past, Athena had always stood on tiptoe to help him tie it.
A pang of sadness tugged at Athena’s chest as she realized that he had never truly noticed her before, never fully appreciated her presence in his life.
“We’re not married yet, Byron, so don’t call me honey,” she said, tying the knot, her voice tinged with quiet frustration. “What if someone hears you outside?”
Byron, sensing the shift in her mood, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her gently into his chest. “Don’t worry. You deserve it,” he murmured, his voice full of sincerity.
Athena’s heart softened, a quiet warmth spreading through her chest.
“Okay, let’s go downstairs quickly. Liam’s still waiting,” she said, taking his hand and leading him toward the door.
At the threshold, Byron paused, suddenly still. Athena turned to look at him, understanding flickering in her eyes.
Without a word, she stood on tiptoe and kissed the corner of his mouth. “Be careful on the road,” she whispered, a tender smile gracing her lips.
“Just the corner of the mouth?” Byron’s voice held a hint of teasing dissatisfaction as he held her waist, not letting her go. “You can do better than that.”
Athena gritted her teeth, then leaned in and kissed him four or five times, each kiss more deliberate than the last. When she finally pulled away, she saw the satisfaction in his eyes.
Byron grinned. “That’s more like it.”