AthenaNoah stood in the living room, his hair a mess. He was wearing a T-shirt and dark jeans, which was rare to see since it seemed like the Kings had a thing for suits. Even Gia in her old age wore suits. I was always the odd one out in my jeans and Plain tops. “Why do you let him do this? You know Aunt Ari wouldn't let this go on if you just told her?” He takes a step closer. I almost laugh at that.Alex would kill me and burry me six feet under if I ever tried to do that.That's a known fact. But… deep down in my heart, I feel like this secret between us is the only thing that keeps me going. A sick part of me likes that we have something we share that no one else knows. “I'm not bothered by it.” I lie. Noah watches me. For a second I feel like he's about to argue but I was just humiliated a few seconds ago and had he walked in a few minutes earlier, he would have watched the scene like a damn movie in 3D. I exhale, forcing my emotions down. “Have you eaten?” I ask, changin
AlexThe door slams shut behind me as I take in the sight before me—Athena flushed and laughing, her head tipped back against the counter, a half-empty bottle of vodka between her and Noah.Am I losing my mind?Athena has always been laid back. Never did anything out of the ordinary. I liked to call her plain in my head because of how easy she was to read. But now, standing here, I'm starting to wonder who the fuck I married. My gaze locks onto the alcohol, then flicks to my wife. Her eyes are glassy, her movements slow. Fucking drunk.I shift my attention to Noah, standing too damn close to her. His casual smirk as he looks at me only fuels my anger and it feels like I just might kill my cousin.Have I missed something? I have always entrusted her to him. For pick-ups. Anything she needed I assigned him. But now I'm starting to wonder if by doing that I've been playing fucking cubid. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My voice is cold, and sharp, demanding an answer.N
AthenaThe sharp crack of my palm against his cheek rings through the room. My chest heaves with fury, and my hands tremble at my sides. The audacity. The sheer, infuriating arrogance of him.My head is still tipsy but thanks to his insult. My mind is no longer foggy.Alex doesn’t flinch. Instead, his lips curl into a smirk, his green eyes darkening with something dangerous. Something possessive.But I'm mad as hell and he knows it. “You will not insult me!” I spit. Anger radiating off me In waves. But it's like this man is a wall because he doesn’t seem bothered. He takes one step back, placing his hands in his pocket before finding my gaze again. “You will not see him again.” His voice is low, but I heard him just fine. I scoff, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. “I’m not your wife, Alex. We’re getting divorced. I can do whatever the hell I want. Do you suffer from memory loss?”His smirk deepens, amusement flashing in his gaze as he takes a slow, deliberate step toward me.
Athena “If it isn't the little charity case.” An annoying voice stops me in my tracks, and I groan internally. Do I have to deal with this right before my exams? I turn to find Melanie and her usual group of followers standing by the hallway lockers, smirking like they’ve been waiting for me. Of course, they have. I bet it eats them up so bad that an orphan like me, with no financial backup, is attending the best and most expensive medical school. What they don’t know is that I’m backed by the Kings. And if they did, that smug look wouldn’t even exist. My parents were extremely gifted surgeons. They chose to help during a devastating flood, saving lives, and among the people they rescued was Giana King—Alexander’s grandmother. Unfortunately, my parents didn’t make it out alive. Giana felt indebted to them, so she found me, took me in, and promised to support me. Somehow, she ended up loving me like her own and decided I should marry her grandson. Let’s just say, Al
Athena“Mr. King, what—” Mr. Dalton starts, but Alexander’s cold voice cuts through. “I suggest you think carefully before uttering another word, Dalton.”A heavy silence falls. Melanie’s father pales “Mr. King? Do you know this cri- young lady?”Alexander doesn’t even spare him a glance. His focus is solely on me, his eyes locking onto mine like he can read everything I’m thinking. I try to figure out what he's thinking but I come up empty. He gives nothing away.“Get up.” His voice is commanding. Making all the hairs on my body rise. I remain frozen, my body is unwilling to obey.Mr. Dalton clears his throat. “Mr. King, this is a serious matter—”Alexander’s gaze finally shifts to him, sharp as a blade. “Serious? You mean this pathetic attempt at framing my-”My heart pounds even harder. Hope is starting to grow like a balloon.“Framing an innocent lady?” And it pops.Painfully so.Melanie’s sobs long ended. Her face is horrified. I bet she didn't see this coming. Neither did
AthenaFour hundred and five.Four hundred and six.I keep counting, each number a desperate attempt to steady my breathing, to anchor myself in something other than the storm of anger swirling inside me. But no matter how high I count, the fury doesn't ease. If anything, it builds—high, relentless.I hate him.I hate that arrogant bastard.But what I hate more is the gnawing feeling in my chest—the lingering warmth of his presence, the way my heart still stutters at the memory of him standing there, defending me, saving me.Saving me.The words echo like a cruel taunt, and I bite my lip, hard enough to taste blood.Why did he do it?How did Alexander even know what was happening? It wasn’t him I texted—it was Noah.Noah.My thumb hovers over my phone, his name glowing on the screen. I should call him, and ask if he said something to Alexander if that’s how he found out. But something holds me back—an invisible wall of guilt.“How long have you been fucking my cousin?”The memory of A
AthenaThe plan was supposed to be simple revenge.But now that he's here, so close to me, I'm starting to regret what I did.I scramble to sit up, the fog of sleep clinging to me as I stammer, "I—I’m sorry. I was just—"I don’t get to finish. His hand snakes around my wrist as I try to move away, and in one swift motion, I stumble forward—right into his chest as he falls with his back on his bed and me on top of him.Damn it!He’s warm. Solid. His arm tightens around me like a steel band.“Let me go,” I mutter, but my voice cracks, betraying the warring emotions raging inside me.He doesn’t.Instead, he smirks—a broken, bitter curve of his lips. “Being in a man’s bed isn’t exactly good manners, is it?”I clench my jaw, my pride flaring. “It’s not just any man,” I fire back. “It’s my husband’s.”His laugh is deep, low, mocking, and it cuts through me.“Husband,” he repeats, rolling the word off his tongue like it’s a joke.The sound of it—the venom in his voice—stings more than I want
Alex “You look like shit. And I'm pretty sure I'm the one who just lost my freedom. Are you feeling touchy for me?” Luca mocks me, and I throw him a glare. I'm fucking angry. But at what? Is what I don't know.Hell, I drunk myself to the point of not thinking clearly yesterday. I don't know what the fuck happened but waking up with Athena in my arms drove me crazy.Especially that I wasn't disgusted.I hate it when people touch me or touch anything that belongs to me. Mum says I should get diagnosed because I show signs of OCD but not when it comes to her. My lips were on hers without thinking twice about it the other night and maybe that's why I'm angry. She's fucking everywhere and is messing up my plans. I don't have that luxury and I can't fucking disappoint Leah. This should have been easy.But the way my heart burned and my vision blurred when I saw her laughing with Noah drove me to the edge of the cliff. She even got drunk. I scoff at that.Noah is a play boy and would t
ATHENASwitched at birth?That's one thing I've never considered or even thought about until tonight.My mind kept replaying the moment, and my heart beat even faster at the possibility of Rayen being mine. Tears swell my eyes as I pull the covers tighter. I could barely get myself together when Leah came fuming about me invading their privacy when I killed my own child. Her words stinged, but I had no strength to answer her because of my shock. I kissed Rayen goodnight and came home. Now I've been staring at the ceiling, unable to hold back the itching feeling of asking Alex when Rayen was born. If he's mine….Oh God!Just the thought of someone having switched my child makes me see red, and knowing how ruthless Alex is makes me even more anxious with anticipation knowing he will rain hell on that culprits parade. I sit up, unable to stay still. My fingers tremble as I reach for the glass of water on the nightstand, but I don’t drink it. I just hold it, needing something to grou
ATHENAThe Loud sound of an ambulance reaches my ears as I step out of the hospital. My shift just ended and I'm beat. It's only been a few days and I still can't get Alex's gaze out of my mind. The way he looked at Zayan when he kissed my cheek made my heart stop and I hate that even after what he's done to me he's still able to get a rise out of me. I'm pulling out my phone when the ambulance parks and Alex steps out and my heart drops to my stomach.Is it….No.. God no!I watch in slow motion as the paramedics rush out, the first thought that hits me is Nana and I can barely breathe. Slowly, I drag my legs forward as I tune every sound out the only thing I can now hear is the blood rushing to my ears. But I halt when Leah jumps out and then I see the small oxygen mask. The tiny limbs. The panic painted all over Alex’s face.Rayen.What happened?My God please let him be okay, Alex won't survive this pain a second time. Ian comes flying through the ER doors, already pulling glo
ALEX“Alex, I'm scared” Leah grabs my hand as she looks from me to Rayen. I sigh, gently pulling my hand away, “isn't it you who wanted to have dinner with my family?”“I did, but I'm afraid they'll still be hostile towards me.”I glance down at Rayen who’s holding my other hand, clutching it like he senses something is off. His eyes are silently watching, but he doesn't say anything. “They probably will be,” I say honestly, walking up the steps to the estate's entrance. “But you wanted this, Leah. You said you could handle it. We can turn around if you feel like it's too much.”She shakes her head as she lifts Rayen into her arms, “We are getting married soon. They will eventually accept me.”I press my lips into a thin line. Not responding to that statement. My mother is the first to turn toward us as Secretary Joane holds the door open for us. Her posture stiffens, and her lips press tight like she just bit into something sour. Nana lifts her chin but doesn’t bother to mask th
ALEX“There is something I need to tell you.” Iann grabs a cigarette and throws himself on my couch. “I don't think doctors are supposed to be smoking.” I sarcastically comment. “Yeah, well, I don’t think engaged men are supposed to fall in love with their ex-wives either, yet here we are” he counters, his voice low and bitter as he sticks the cigarette between his lips.My hand stills mid-pour.The glass clinks against the bottle.I glance back at him slowly. “What the hell are you talking about?”Iann doesn’t look at me. He strikes a match and lights the cigarette with a stupid smirk.“I'm here for serious business, and I know you care about Athena, so I thought I could ask you before I proceed.”“I don't care about her.” I snarl as I sit across from him.I think I need a break from work. I'm so exhausted. “Hmmm yeah. Anyway, so I heard you stopped by during the little get-together we had.” “To pick up my son.” I emphasize. His brows shoot to his hairline as he eyes me while his
ALEXNot many things move me. I've had countless women attempt the tactic of trying to make me jealous, and not one had succeeded. So, tell me why I feel like ripping this brunette's head off for placing his lips where they shouldn't be.Athena is my ex-wife.Hell I don't even know when this feeling started but fuck, my blood is boiling right now. I was happy and content with watching her dance and have fun with Rayen. The light in her eyes which has been shinning when she's looking at him made me want to watch more when the idiot came from nowhere and ruined the moment. Rayen’s eyes meet mine from over her shoulder, his little scowl matching the one I'm wearing. At least someone in this damn room gets it.I watch her whisper something to him. I can’t hear the words, but I don’t need to. She lifts Rayen in her arms with that gentleness only she has, and starts toward my table. And for a split second, the rage turns into something else. Something dangerous. Something I shouldn’t wa
ATHENA“You look beautiful.” Zayan says to me, and I flash him a smile. I still feel guilty for the trouble I caused him and hadn't spoken to him for over a year. So, I'm shocked to see him among the doctors joining the Quinns program. “You don't look too bad yourself.” I tease as I place my hands on his neck while we slow dance. That's one thing I love about Zayan. It's never awkward with him. Conversations are easy, and he has a great sense of humor. I shake my head, still smiling. “So you’re actually a doctor? I didn’t know.”“I'm pretty sure I mentioned it last time.” He teases, and my cheeks heat in embarrassment. My head has been a mess lately. He smiles, giving me a playful wink,“You're the first woman to have forgotten about me. I'm offended, and for that, you owe me dinner.” “Just say the day, and we can make it work.” I agree, and his lips curve into a full smile. “Didn't think you'd be here today, though.” I study him.Zayan Sinclair comes from a rich family. I don
ALEXMy fists launch forward as I hit the punching bag, sending it flying before swinging back to me. I’m shirtless, soaked in sweat, muscles burning, lungs dragging in air like I’ve just run through hell. I need the pain. I need the adrenalineI need anything that’ll keep her out of my damn head.It's like Athena wants to be buried deep In my bones and won't leave me the fuck alone. I don't like her, so you can imagine the way I feel when I can't stop thinking about how she looked in that damn grocery store.That fucking long black hair. Reminds me of the times I used to curl my hands around it while I….Fuck!I hit the bag again. Harder. My knuckles sting. The chains creak. The bag swings back like it’s taunting me.Because if I slow down if I stop, I’ll start thinking. And if I start thinking, I’ll see her again. Standing in the middle of the cheese aisle like she never left. Like we hadn’t torn each other to pieces.Her name tastes like fire on my tongue, and I hate that I eve
ATHENA We’re standing by the SUV, the chill of the parking lot wrapping around us as I try to steady my breathing. My heart is still racing from the awkwardness with Alex and Rayen, and honestly, I’m more than ready to put some distance between myself and the whole embarrassing scene. But Isabelle isn’t letting me off the hook.“You’ll be forgiven as soon as you tell me what the hell is going on between you two.”I glance over at her, my hands fidgeting with the strap of my purse. How do I even begin?“What do you mean?” I try to play it off, but I know she can see right through me.She doesn’t say anything at first. She just raises an eyebrow, like I’m the most obvious person in the world. Isabelle isn’t dumb, and she’s no stranger to uncomfortable situations.“I mean,” she leans against the SUV, crossing her arms, “you two obviously have some history. And you don’t go from being... whatever that was just now, to not having some serious unresolved stuff going on.”I sigh, glancing ar
ATHENAAlarm shoots through me for a second. “Wait… so you’re in here alone?” He shrugs. “I like the cheese aisle.” “Well, you clearly have good taste,” I murmur, then glance around again, making sure no one’s watching. “Okay, I’ll walk you to the entrance so you can wait safely for your dad, alright?” He shakes his head, arms folded stubbornly. “Nope. I’ll only go if you promise to play with me.” I blink. “Play with you?” He nods, his curls bouncing. “You can be the queen, and I’ll be the knight. And then maybe we can eat cheese.” I try not to laugh, but a giggle slips out anyway. “That's a very specific bribe, little man.” Rayen beams. “So, do you promise?” I’m about to answer when I hear a voice behind me. “She doesn’t usually make promises to men under four feet, but you might be the exception.” I freeze. I slowly turn, and there he is. Alex. Standing a few feet away in a white button up shirt, sleeves pushed up to reveal his smooth forearms, a coffee in