Chapter 57 I Have Resigned
The car hummed steadily as it sped along the highway, and Athena leaned back in her seat, the exhaustion from the past few days weighing heavily on her. She wasn’t sure what she was seeking by visiting Logan, but she needed to get away from everything—Byron, Ruby, and the looming engagement.
Juliana’s voice broke through her thoughts. “You’re really going to cut ties with Byron, aren’t you?”
Athena glanced out the window, watching the scenery blur past. “I’ve already done it. The engagement… everything he’s doing, it’s his choice. It’s time I focus on myself.”
Juliana was quiet for a moment, then spoke again, more carefully. “I get it. But don’t let him make you feel like you’ve failed. You’re stronger than that.”
Athena smiled faintly, appreciating Juliana’s attempt to comfort her. “I don’t feel like a failure, just… done. And as for him, Byron’s always been a part of my life, but I can’t keep living for someone else’s decisions. It’s time to take control.” Juliana gave her a supportive nod, but Athena could tell that her friend was holding back something. She always did that, hiding her true feelings behind that big, warm personality. Athena decided not to press it, though. For now, she needed the silence, the peace that came with knowing she was doing what was right for her, even if it meant stepping away from people she’d once cared about deeply. The drive stretched on, and after a few hours, Juliana finally spoke again, her voice light but full of curiosity. “So, what’s the plan now? You’re really just going to disappear for a while?” Athena glanced over at her. “I’m not disappearing. Just taking a break from everything. I’ve been thinking a lot… maybe I’ll start something of my own. I’ve always wanted to do something more than just work a corporate job.” “Something of your own?” Juliana’s eyes brightened. “That sounds amazing. What are you thinking? A business? A creative project?” Athena shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I need time to figure it out. Maybe I’ll travel a little, see where inspiration hits. But it’s not going to be easy.” “Nothing worth doing ever is,” Juliana agreed with a grin. “You’ve got the brains and the drive to do whatever you set your mind to. I’m sure you’ll find your way.” Athena was grateful for the encouragement. It wasn’t always easy to believe in herself, especially when so much of her past seemed like it had been dictated by the whims of others. But Juliana’s words helped. Maybe she didn’t need to know exactly what she was doing right now, as long as she was doing it for herself. As they neared Logan’s house, the conversation shifted to more casual topics, and Athena found herself feeling a little lighter. She wasn’t sure what the future would bring, but for the first time in a long while, she wasn’t afraid of it. When they finally arrived, Logan was there to greet them with a big smile, though it faded slightly when he saw the weariness in Athena’s eyes. “You look like you’ve been through a storm,” he said, concern lacing his voice. “More like a tornado,” Athena replied with a faint chuckle. “But I’m alright now.” “Good,” Logan said, giving her a warm hug before stepping back. “Come on in. Dinner’s ready, and I know you need to eat something.” The warmth of the home, the smell of food, and the gentle hum of conversation helped Athena relax. She couldn’t quite forget everything that had happened, but she was beginning to feel the pull of something new, something just for her. As they sat down to eat, Athena felt a renewed sense of clarity. There was so much ahead of her—so many choices to be made. And for once, the fear of the unknown didn’t seem so overwhelming. She could do this. She would do this. Her phone buzzed again, but this time, Athena didn’t feel the rush of anxiety that had always accompanied Byron’s messages. Instead, she set it aside, focusing on the moment in front of her. Whatever came next, she was ready.