Chapter 98 Athena Wanted to Leave
Athena sat there, her thoughts distant. Byron’s words seemed to hang in the air, but she couldn’t fully focus on them.
“You must have offended a lot of people,” he said, glancing at her with a cold smile. “That’s not surprising.”
She didn’t react, but his words made a chill run down her spine. She had a sinking feeling he wasn’t just talking about some faceless enemy.
“But the post he wants to expose has something to do with you.” His voice softened, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
Athena stiffened, subconsciously furrowing her brow. Her stomach dropped as she processed his words. The mention of a post. It took a moment for the implications to sink in.
“The post says I’ve been forcing you and keeping you for five years, that I refuse to let you go, even now that I’m getting married. It says I torment you,” Byron continued, his smile still in place as his fingers gently stroked her cheek. “Isn’t it funny?”
Baxter’s name flashed through Athena’s mind like a lightning bolt. She clenched her fists, feeling an overwhelming urge to confront him—if he were there.
“Byron’s braver than before, but still too stupid,” Byron said, his tone almost amused, as if the whole situation was an afterthought to him.
Athena felt a dull ache in her chest. “I haven’t contacted him. I don’t even know he did this,” she murmured, her voice hollow.
“I know,” Byron said, his gaze piercing through her. “Thea, how do you think I should handle him?”
Athena didn’t know what to say. She was too tired of all of this—the drama, the manipulation, the constant tug-of-war with Byron.
“It’s up to you,” she replied, her voice flat. She pushed him gently away and added, “I’m hungry.”
Byron’s eyes lingered on her, but she ignored him as she stood up and adjusted the shirt she was wearing. Without waiting for him to speak, she walked out of the room, determined not to engage any further.
Byron followed her, his presence heavy behind her. She made her way to the dining room, picking up the breakfast with a quiet resignation. She set the Fluffernutter and coffee down, and as soon as she opened the wrapper, the sweet scent of the pastry lifted her spirits ever so slightly. It was a small comfort.
Byron sat down opposite her, his gaze intense as always.
Athena took a bite of the Fluffernutter, savoring the warmth and sweetness. She didn’t say anything for a few moments, just enjoying the calm.
“Have you checked the surveillance from last night?” she asked, her voice almost casual, though a slight edge lingered in her words.
Byron’s lips curled into a sneer. “Yes.”
Athena wasn’t surprised. She knew he would never take her word for it. His distrust was too deep for that. He needed the proof to confirm that she hadn’t been with another man.
“You’re quite the attraction at the bar,” he muttered, eyes flicking to the side as though he was trying to hide his irritation. The image of Athena on the footage had clearly affected him.
The cameras in the bar had caught everything. The men’s eyes were glued to her, one after another approaching her with intent. But there was something Byron took solace in—something that made the sting of jealousy and anger fade just a bit. Athena had never given Baxter so much as a second glance. He sat there, looking dejected, nursing his drink as Athena kept her distance.
“I’m pretty with a sexy body and a good personality. Isn’t it normal to attract attention?” Athena said, her tone more defensive than she intended. She paused, then added, her gaze flickering toward Byron, “To be honest, only you treat me like a replacement. You don’t take me seriously.”
Byron flinched at her words, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. Athena couldn’t help but feel a small rush of satisfaction at seeing him unsettled.
Before she could say more, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension in the room. Byron’s brows furrowed. He had made sure to send the servants away before he left. Who could it be?
“It’s the delivery guy. I had a tasker buy some clothes for me,” Athena said, putting down her breakfast. She was about to get up, but Byron was already walking toward the door with a deep frown.
Moments later, Byron returned with several tightly sealed paper bags. His presence in the doorway was imposing, but he said nothing as he handed them to her.
Athena took the bags, forcing a smile. She had asked a tasker to buy clothes for her through TaskRabbit. She was relieved that Byron hadn’t thrown them away like he had with the clothes before, but the thought still lingered in her mind.
“Why did you buy clothes?” Byron’s voice was cold, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer. “Are you leaving?”
Athena nodded, her eyes briefly meeting his before she looked away. She felt the weight of his stare, the unspoken question hanging between them.
“Yes,” she replied quietly. She took a slow breath before adding, “I don’t want to be here anymore.”