"Athena! Open the door!"
"I'll be right there! Please, Just give me a moment. " Athena hurriedly responded, her hands moving double quick as she reached for a tissue from the side of the mirror. The voice of her mother-in-law momentarily disrupted her focus."No, no...Not this time, please. " she said to herself, casting a displeased glance at her reflection in the mirror. With the tissue in hand, she diligently tried to wipe away the coffee stain on her pristine white sleeveless top and perfectly tailored pencil skirt. The skirt hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her hourglass silhouette, but the stain was now a distracting blemish on her otherwise immaculate attire."Athena! I warned you, open the door!"With shaking hands, she reached for the handkerchief in her pocket and gently wiped away the tears that had welled up in her right eye. Trying to compose herself, she then delved into her purse, searching for her foundation to quickly touch up her face and mask the signs of her emotional turmoil.Feeling a sense of urgency, she grabbed her phone and attempted to call her friend, Elaine. "Please, Elaine, answer this," she pleaded, pacing back and forth anxiously. But to her dismay, there was no response. She dialed again, hoping for a different outcome, yet the phone remained silent."Oh, my goodness….Tell me what to do please" she whispered to herself, the weight of her responsibilities pressing upon her. As the newly appointed head of the operation, her absence from the important medical conference created a sense of uncertainty and concern."I've told you time and again that I hate being kept waiting!" Mrs. Chrushvan exclaimed, gripping the doorknob, and trying to open the door."I'm coming, " Athena sighed."Why did you have to lock the door?" Mrs. Chrusvan felt irritated.Athena stood by the door, her gaze fixed on the moving doorknob, filled with hesitation. She knew all too well that her disheveled appearance would only provoke the anger of her mother-in-law. Yet, despite her overwhelming reluctance, she summoned the strength within her and forced herself to open the door."I'm sorry. I truly apologize for making you wait, Mrs. Chrushvan." Athena sighed, her voice filled with a genuine sense of remorse and shame."Oh my gosh, what's that messy?" Mrs. Chrushvan exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Athena's stained and scruffy appearance."Forgive my appearance. Someone accidentally spilled coffee on me." Athena explained, her voice tinged with a mix of awkwardness and frustration. She hurriedly used her purse to cover the stain that had ruined her white formal attire."Ugh! Why do you always find a way to get on my nerves?! So why are you still standing there? Figure something out. They're waiting for you." Mrs. Chrushvan frowned, her impatience evident in her tone."I can't attend the conference, Mrs. Chrushvan. I don't have another dress to wear. " Athena confessed, her tone revealing her discomposure and her gaze lowered in a display of her vulnerability."Damn it! How could they appoint such a careless and messy woman as the head of the operation? You don't even know how to fix simple things. " Mrs. Chrushvan exclaimed in distress, her right hand reaching up to touch her own forehead.Athena's phone began to ring, providing a brief moment of relief. "Oh, thank God," she whispered, swiftly retrieving her phone from her purse. "Excuse me, Mrs. Chrushvan, it's Elaine," Athena quickly interjected, glancing at the screen. In reality, it was just an alarm she had set to remind herself of the medical conference. Nevertheless, she had no choice but to pretend she was speaking with Elaine."Oh, really? You're coming here? Did you read my messages? Thank God, you're my savior," Athena acted, maintaining her composure.She turned her attention back to Mrs. Chrushvan, a smile gracing her lips. "Elaine is coming. She'll send me a dress," she reassured, hoping to alleviate the tension."Seriously? You're calling a friend for such a simple problem? Athena, you're supposed to be mature enough not to waste anyone's time. Use your common sense. I'm so disappointed. You've made me question your capabilities. " Mrs. Chrushvan scolded her."I'm sorry, Mrs. Chrushvan, " Athena apologized, her head lowered."You've already ruined my day! Get outta this building before my temper explodes. " Mrs. Chrushvan demanded, her frustration reaching its peak."But... Mrs. Chrushvan, I'm gonna fix this, " Athena attempted to touch her left hand."Don't you dare to touch me! Don't give me any nonsense! I saw your phone—it was your alarm clock. Don't treat me like a fool, Athena! You're such a crazy woman. " Mrs. Chrushvan snapped and sighed."Gosh! you made me more stressed thinking why would Orion pick up such a pest instead of a neat, competent, and professional woman! I wish you will disappear and never come back! ""Get outta here. Now!" she added, her words pierced Athena's heart which sent psychic tears to her eyes."I'm sorry.." Athena said, lowering herself as she approached the elevator.Athena Mckinward had been married to Orion Chrushvan, the only son of Mr. Chrushvan, for two years. At the start of their marriage, Athena was twenty-three-year-old, while Orion had an age gap of fifteen years with his wife. Today, at twenty-five years old, Athena was appointed as the new Head of Operations Officer because the previous incumbent of the position was involved in a tragic vehicular accident that resulted in his death. The board believes in Athena's capabilities and chose her for the role. This decision received support from Orion, who held the position of the Medical Chief Officer, and Mr. Chrushvan, the owner of The Anthon Chrushvan's Hospital, a well-known medical facility in New York. The hospital was named in honor of Mr. Chrushvan's late grandfather.As Athena walked rushing towards the exit, a heavy sense of shame weighed on her heart. She kept her head lowered, feeling the weight of the bad circumstances that lay ahead. However, her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling out her name. It was Necky Koshiba, the owner and CEO of Koshiba Beauty Inc. Dressed in fancy clothes and holding a pink handbag, Necky's fashion sense clearly displayed her fondness for the color pink.Athena mumbled to herself, "Sh*t," and continued walking, hoping to avoid any confrontation."Hey, Athena, are you avoiding me?" Necky persisted, grabbing Athena's shoulder. She spoke with higher a high-rising terminal that many people describe as Valley Girl Accent.Every time Athena saw Necky's face, it reminded her of all Necky had done to her from the beginning of her marriage with Orion. Athena knew she had to avoid Necky as quickly as possible, as Necky always found a way to embarrass her in front of everyone. Whenever their paths crossed, Athena had to think wisely and She had to prepare herself both Physically and Emotionally ready to help herself out on the coming disaster."Necky, please, enough. I don't want to fight. Don't ruin my day," Athena pleaded."Excuse me? Nah nah…" Necky shook her head.Necky chuckled. "I'm not the one ruining your day, Athena. It's all on you. If you hadn't accepted the position, maybe none of this would have happened to you, Anyway, what's with the new style? I like it. It suits you perfectly, the style of a gold digger. " Necky taunted, dripping with sarcasm..."Necky, please. Is that the only reason you called me? It's nonsense. " Athena said, trying to maintain her composure."Yeah, what's wrong? I just wanna give you a warm greeting and really wanna see your new style very closely. Maybe my stylist did a great job. Isn't it? " Necky smirked.Athena's blood began to boil as she realized that it was Necky's idea to pour coffee on her. Her right palm clenched, but her left hand was ready to engage with Necky's face."Go ahead, slap me. Let everyone see who you truly are. Try it. Do you want that?" Necky stepping closer to Athena."Damn it, " Athena muttered under her breath, deciding it was best to withdraw and leave the building."Rag! Please remind yourself where you belong!" Necky called out after her, hurling an insult as Athena walked away.Athena sat in her car, overwhelmed by a rage emotion coursing through her body. Gripping the wheel tightly, she let out a deep sigh, "Stupid, crazy, freaking wretched woman... Ahhhhh!""Why were you not present at the conference, Athena?"Orion questioned. He set his blue jacket on the couch, his expression reflecting his disbelief. "It was such an important day for you, and you missed it. I'm at a loss for words trying to explain your absence, and…You've managed to disappoint all the board members. " "How can I continue to attend the conference when your so-called best friend paid someone to spill coffee on me? " Athena explained, taking a seat on the couch."Here we go again. Why do you always blame Necky for your own mistakes? If you just used your mind and were more careful, this wouldn't have happened. And why won't you call me for help instead? " Orion said, unbuttoning his white long sleeve."Well…You just answered your own question. I'm your wife, Orion. Please, listen to me and believe me, even if it's a small seed of trust in your heart. Because now I'm starting to question again if I'm your wife or just an ordinary woman in your eyes. Your mother and your
In the morning, as Athena drove back to their house, she noticed unfamiliar cars parked in the parking area. She parked her car on the side and stepped out, making her way towards the door. Just as she reached the hallway, someone grabbed her right hand, startling her."Where were you last night?" Orion whispered. "You don't realize that the Mayor and other important people are here. Please, don't cause any trouble, understand?"Athena looked at him in surprise."Oh, I went to Elaine's place, to help myself to forget the memory of what you put me through.""What brings them here?" she asked."Listen. My parents and Necky will be having a business with them today. That's why I'm asking you to go inside and greet them warmly. " Orion explained, releasing her hand.Athena continued her way inside, but Orion noticed a wound on her lips. He grabbed her hand again, "Nevermind, use the back door instead. You might say something that could ruin the day. ""Why? Are you afraid they'll discover
She gratefully hugged the tall man who had opened the door for her." Are you okay, ma'am? Should we tell the Mayor about it ?" the man inquired."No, not this time. I know I can't win against my husband without strong evidence. Take this and consider it as a gift," she gave him money, the man refused but Athena insisted. " Please return to your duties and act as if nothing has happened. Thank you once again. " Athena replied, her mind made up as she swiftly descended the stairs.Heading towards her car, Athena noticed Necky's getting something inside the car, but she maintained her composure and walked briskly towards her Lexus RX."Hey, hey, wait," Necky called out.Athena took a deep breath before turning to face her."Hello, May I help you, Ms.Necky Koshiba?" Athena greeted her with a smile."Where the hell are you going? Did Orion allow his poor dog to leave?" Necky inquired as she approached her."Yeah…yeah. " Athena nodded. "Actually, he asked me to return to the hospital as ne
Inside the taxi, she leaned her shoulder against the window, her gaze secured on the blurry city lights passing by. Sadness consumed her, and her thoughts oscillated between the shocking revelation she had just witnessed and memories of her relationship with Orion, and She recalled the early days when Orion would bring her bouquets of flowers and Necky seemed to be nothing more than his childhood friend. There were moments when she would spot Orion and Necky sharing affectionate gestures, a kiss on the cheek, or an intimate conversation, but she dismissed them as signs of their deep friendship. Athena recalled the occasion when Necky was tearful and Orion offered her comfort, claiming it was a joy for their upcoming marriage.Despite the physical abuse she endured, Athena had loved Orion with all her soul. She held onto the hope that he would change and return to the days when she felt his genuine love. However, the painful truth had been revealed. Behind the love and sacrifice she ha
Two months after…..Athena reveled in the picturesque scenery and the sight of sailing yachts gliding along the river, relishing the freedom she had never experienced during her marriage to Orion. Her red spaghetti strap dress hugged her body perfectly, accentuating her newfound confidence."Looks like you're all set. " a voice came from behind. Athena turned around and saw Mr. Weltons approaching her with a wheelchair."Yeah, of course! Who wouldn't be excited to celebrate my dad's birthday?" Athena replied, planting a loving kiss on his cheek.Mr. Weltons had lived a solitary life without a spouse or children, but everything changed when Athena came into his life. He experienced his first birthday celebration, something that had never happened before. Mr. Weltons treated her as a real daughter, especially after learning about Athena's traumatic past and her background growing up in an orphanage."So, shall we?" Athena asked, beaming at him with a genuine smile.They proceeded to the
Elaine stood up with a bright smile on her face, clapping her hands as she observed her friend walking towards her. " Wow...You look absolutely adorable! I'm stunned! How could you keep this a secret from me? It's such a surprise to find out that I have a wealthy friend all this time, and not just wealthy, but one of the richest in the country. I must admit, I'm feeling a bit envious right now. " she said as Athena took her seat."Don't be. Mr. Weltons is not my real father," Athena said."It doesn't matter who your biological father was …Look at yourself now But, Really? No joking?" Elaine's smile faded slightly."Hm-mmm, Yeah." Athena nodded.Elaine took a seat, "But how? He publicly announced earlier, in front of all those wealthy people, that you're his only daughter. I'm confused.""Do you remember the big vehicular accident that happened in New York seven months ago?" Athena asked."Yes, I saw it on the news. It was a shocking disaster, with so many people involved..." Elaine tr
"Excuse us!" Miss Mylda urgently requested, creating a path for Mr. Weltons to navigate through the gathering crowd."What's happening here?" Mr. Weltons emerged from the crowd, his presence commanding attention as he approached the commotion.Mrs. Chrushvan's eyes opened wide in disbelief as she followed closely behind Mr. Weltons.Athena was astounded, witnessing Elaine gripping an empty glass in her hand while Necky lay sprawled on the ground, her appearance wet, and disarrayed. Athena noticed that Necky's dusty pink dress was now ruined and stained."What's going on, Elaine?" Athena inquired, holding Elaine's hand and noticing the anger on her friend's face, still fixed on Necky.Orion hastily moved to support Necky, helping her to stand up.Necky looked at her ruined dress and exclaimed, "Eww! You've ruined my dress!" She gestured with her hands, fanning herself in frustration."it's way too far. You'll regret this, I promise you, Idiot!" she added, seething with anger.Elaine smi
"Excuse me, are you Athena Weltons?" The police officer asked, approaching the scene.Athena looked at the two officers and inquired, "Yeah. What's the matter?""We'd just like to invite you for questioning regarding a car accident…" The officer explained and then proceeded to read Athena her Miranda rights while handcuffing her. Athena protested, claiming that the accusations were wrong. Elaine interjected, questioning the officers if they had any concrete evidence to support their claims against Athena. Steve and Miss Mylda stood by, feeling helpless as they watched the events unfold. As Athena was placed into the police car, Miss Mylda reassured her that Mr. Weltons had the best lawyer who would help her through this.Inside the station, Athena found herself seated at a table, her hands still bound by handcuffs. She glanced at her reflection in the rectangular mirror in front of her, her mind filled with confusion and disbelief about what was really happening in the situation. Jus