Chapter 217 Sleep in the Corridor
Athena was held tightly by Byron, feeling both helpless and amused. She couldn’t help but wonder: Why was Byron becoming clingier and clingier with each passing day?
“Have you had dinner?” she asked, lifting her gaze to meet his.
Byron nodded, then shook his head. “I had a little, but now I’m hungry again.”
“I made soup for dinner. Should I cook some spaghetti for you?” Athena offered, already thinking ahead.
“And fried eggs too!” Byron added with a playful grin.
A short while later, Byron sat at the dining table while Athena remained seated across from him. She rested her chin on her hand, watching him eat with a fond smile.
“Oh, by the way,” Byron said casually between bites, “I bought the commercial building across from the company.”
Athena froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She hadn’t expected him to bring that up so nonchalantly. “That place? The one in the city center? That’s pretty expensive.”
Byron just shrugged, as though it was no big deal. “The space at Imbe Group is fine, but it’s not enough for another energy company.”
“Wait… Are you planning to set up the new energy company there?” Athena’s eyes widened in surprise. During the previous meeting, they had discussed keeping costs low and choosing a location with policy support, far from the city center.
“Exactly.” Byron nodded, looking satisfied with his decision. “Even though you can’t work right by my side, I don’t want us to be too far apart. We should be able to commute together, have lunch together, and go home together. That’s non-negotiable.”
Athena was taken aback. She had thought Byron had given up on appointing her to Imbe Group Energy, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.
“Are there any conflicts between the executives of the Crawford Group and Imbe Group?” she asked, concern lacing her tone.
Byron waved her off dismissively. “I don’t care about them. They’re nothing to me. Honestly, if they make a fuss, it’ll save me the trouble of kicking them out one by one.”
Athena smiled softly, reassured by his confidence. “I’ll make sure Imbe Group Energy succeeds, Byron. I’ll bring you all the honor you deserve.”
Byron’s lips curled into a smile. “I know you will.”
After dinner, Byron excused himself to take a shower, and Athena returned to her study to finish the letter she had started earlier. She thought for a moment, then added one more line before sealing the two envelopes—one blue, one pink—and placing them carefully in the drawer.
By the time Byron finished showering, Athena had closed the door to the study behind her. She knew Byron had been cautious around her since Erik’s incident, careful not to cause any emotional distress, but tonight was different.
Byron emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair tousled, and found Athena waiting for him with a hairdryer in hand. She moved behind him, gently drying his hair as she had done many times before. The comfort of routine, the warmth of the gesture—it all felt right.
Without warning, Byron turned and pulled her into his arms, pressing her onto the bed. “Baby, I missed you…” His voice was low, filled with longing.
Blushing, Athena didn’t resist but met his lips with a soft kiss. Byron’s eyes sparkled with a hunger that couldn’t be hidden.
“Byron…” Athena whispered, her heart racing. She was worried—she was carrying their child, after all, and she didn’t want anything to hurt the baby.
She cupped his hand gently, her voice strained but firm. “Make love slowly. Be very gentle. Otherwise, you’ll be sleeping in the hallway tomorrow!”
Byron’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “I understand. I will, I promise.”
And so, he did. Byron was careful, tender, his every move measured to ensure her comfort. Yet, even with the gentleness, Athena couldn’t help but feel exhausted afterward.
Once they were finished, Byron wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, savoring the quiet moments of peace between them. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, lost in the warmth of her presence.
In the quiet of the night, with nothing but the sound of their breathing, they found a sense of calm—a brief escape from the chaos of the world outside.