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CHAPTER 7
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2024-09-04 14:56:06
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Mine to Lose CHAPTER 8
Athena' POVAfter work and my meetings. I don’t return my father’s call or even my mom’s, instead I have Harold my personal chauffeur drives me home, to my parent’s place. The house where I grew up. I take deep breathes practicing the breathing technique I learned in therapy to remain calm and composed. Because my parents always have a way of getting to me.I’m met at the foyer by the house manager Melinda, someone who has been in the family since I was little. She basically raised me.“Miss Athena, I didn’t know you were coming. I could have made you your favourites, you look so skinny. Have you been eating?” Melinda asked with concern lacing over her word.“Mel I’m fine and don’t worry about me I’ve been eating, I’m probably skinny because I miss your cooking you know nothing measure up to that.” I say and she smiles brightly.“Where are they?” I ask referring to parents.“Mrs Castellanos is upstairs getting ready for dinner and your father is in his study.” Melinda says.“Okay than
Last Updated : 2024-09-05Mine to Lose CHAPTER 9
Athena's POVI wake up with my mind scattered, having barely slept, and I really don’t want to deal with anyone today. I call my P.A., Pamela, and ask her to reschedule all my meetings for tomorrow. I’m taking the day off. My father might not be pleased about it, but at this point, I don’t care. For once, I want to be a regular 23-year-old—spend the day with my friends, relax, and do whatever it is that 23-year-olds do.I text my friend Jess letting her know I have a free day so we can hang out. I also reply to Nick, asking if we can meet up to talk. I plan to be clear with him about where I stand, letting him know that I’m only interested in a friendship and nothing more.I debate on whether to text Cassian back, yesterday I gave in and liked the picture of the painting he sent me. But I still unresolved thoughts about us, I don’t know much about him, yet we’ve had sex with him twice. I wasn’t proud of myself, I never imagined I’d get involved with a stranger like this.Jess is more
Last Updated : 2024-09-05Mine to Lose CHAPTER 10
Athena's POVI hated the way Cassian looked at me when he saw me with Nick; he looked at me like I had pierced his heart with a sharp object. I understand how it must have looked, as if I were on a date with Nick, and I don’t blame him for feeling hurt. I wanted desperately to explain that I was with Nick only to end things.When I got home, I tried calling Cassian, but he didn’t answer. I considered going to see him but decided against it, unsure if he’d be at his studio and not knowing where he lived. Instead, the next morning, I stopped by the art studio before heading to work.I’m greeted by the striking curly haired woman that had let me in the other day. She was staring at me the same she did the other day, like she couldn’t it was me, like she was seeing a ghost.“Hi.” I said feeling completely awkward.“Hi, oh my God. I was staring, I’m so sorry.” She said apologizing profusely. “I just can’t believe you’re real.” She adds smiling nervously.“Real?” I asked now confused by her
Last Updated : 2024-09-06Mine to Lose CHAPTER 11
Athena's POVWhen I get home, the first thing I do is hang the painting Cassian sent me in my bedroom. I step back to admire it, then take a photo of the artwork now displayed on my wall. Adding a brief message with my home address and a “For Next Time” note, I send it to Cassian.I watch the message show as it’s delivered and then shows read in a matter of seconds. I then see that he’s typing, and I wait for his reply, but it never comes. Deciding to occupy my brain because at this point, I was obsessing I open my laptop bringing open my Pinterest board.I was raised in a world infused with fashion due to my mother’s status as a fashion icon, I developed a deep passion for style very young. While fashion initially served as a bonding activity with my mother, it soon became a genuine interest of my own. Despite my occasional desire to run away from my mother’s interests being forced down my throat I fell in love with it. Now as hobby I spend much of my time curating the perfect outfit
Last Updated : 2024-09-06Mine to Lose CHAPTER 12
Athena's POV“I can’t believe you just did that,” I said, still processing his unexpected intrusion as he watched me with a wide grin.“Why not? I needed to see you,” he replied casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I walked back into my bedroom, with him following close behind.“What are you doing here? You ignored me for days,” I said, frustration edging my voice. I was annoyed with both him and myself for forgetting my irritation.He moved closer as we spoke. “I could never ignore you, even if I wanted to,” he said, his words not quite making sense, but at that moment, I didn’t care.“Never do that, again.” I said then I close the distance between us and, on tiptoe, with my hands on his t-shirt, pull his mouth to mine. He is shocked, and then—with a quiet grunt of surprise—his hands go to my hips, and he pulls me closer. His mouth is soft but growing more determined by the second, and I’ve never wanted anything more. His low groan vibrates in his chest as
Last Updated : 2024-09-07Mine to Lose CHAPTER 13
Athena's POVAround 11 p.m., I sneak out of the house. Everyone had already retired to their bedrooms. Cassian was waiting for me by the beach, just a short distance from my house. He was dressed in all black, as usual, with his dark hair tousled and bright with a hint of the night’s sea breeze. His fingers were streaked with paint, indicating he had been busy creating.As soon as he saw me approaching, his grin widened. In all the times I’d seen him, his happiness was always so genuine and effortless. It was exhilarating to be in the presence of someone so cheerful, and I couldn’t help but wish that his joy remained a constant fixture in his life. The thought of him being unhappy, even for a moment, was devastating to me.“You came,” Cassian says, his smile lighting up his face.“I said I would,” I reply, returning his smile.“What do you want to do?” he asks, the sound of the ocean gently crashing around us.“I don’t know. What do you want to do?” I ask, watching him intently.“With
Last Updated : 2024-09-08Mine to Lose CHAPTER 14
Athena's POVI don’t sleep well, tossing and turning all night as I replay my conversation with Cassian over and over again. By the time morning comes, I’m already up and ready before my father even has a chance to wake me for our tennis match with his friend and his son.My father is surprised to see me so prepared. “Is something wrong?” he asks, noting my earliness and my mood.“I’m alright,” I assure him, and we head to the country club.Wesley Summers, my dad’s best friend, is a regular fixture in our lives. He’s a typical white, guy in finance and, I believe, owns a couple of banks. He has always been respectful toward me, treating me like his own daughter, so I have no issues with him. His son, however, is another story.Josh Summers, a few years older than me, has always been a jerk. He acts as though he’s superior to everyone and expects everyone to fawn over him. And the annoying part is he hasn’t grown up since high school always acting like a frat guy.We meet them on the
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Mine to Lose CHAPTER 15
Athena's POVThe party is shaping up to be a typical affair—elegant but predictably tedious. My mother’s meticulous preparations are evident in every detail.My mother has spent years navigating the treacherous waters of high society, a world where her entry was never guaranteed. My father, despite being from one of the most prestigious families in the States, chose to marry outside of their well-heeled circle. My mother, a Brazilian from São Paulo, was raised in poverty, and at just sixteen, she stepped into the world of modelling to support her family. Her beauty, as my maternal grandmother used to joke, was their ticket out of poverty. She worked incredibly hard to build a life for herself before meeting my father, and I’m immensely proud of her for that.When my father proposed to her, his family was outraged. Not only was she from a poor background, but her career as a model, with her face plastered on billboards and magazine covers—including some with scantily clad poses—was con
Last Updated : 2024-09-09
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Mine to Lose CHAPTER 36
Pulling away to think straight. I can’t think straight with his lips on mine. It’s also risky being alone here we could be interrupted. I’d lost myself completely in it, but having Cassian so close, especially his mouth, clouded my judgment. I bridged the distance between us, brushing my lips across his.Cassian didn’t need another invitation. He tore the control over the kiss out of my hands and I let him, too delirious by every stroke of his tongue.His grip on my neck tightened as he deepened our kiss. He tasted like light and darkness, and he could kiss in a way I’d never considered possible. My body tingled from the simple friction of our lips, from the soft caress of his tongue and the taste of him. Soon the tingle turned into a pulsating need and my panties became damp. I was losing control of my body. I snapped back to attention, forcing my mind into stark focus and submitting my body to its command.I reached for his belt and unbuckled it, snatching my mouth away from Cassian
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 35
We walk around the room with my dad and Cassian. They’ve been getting along throughout the party, even during dinner, when Cassian sat beside my dad. I know I should be happy, but instead, I’m irritated—pissed off, even. This isn’t like my dad. He absolutely despises Cassian, so what could have possibly changed in just one day?After dinner, a string quartet plays “Love” by Lana Del Rey, while the room fills with champagne, laughter, and a sense of joy. Everyone seems to be having a great time, but I’m miserable. I haven’t had a single moment alone with Cassian since we arrived, and now it feels like my dad and he are best friends. I glance at Hailee, who’s enjoying herself, chatting with my mother and the model-turned-actress Andrea, who’s a close friend of hers.On the other side of the room, I spot Jess and Josh canoodling together, and it makes me want to throw up—not out of jealousy, but because they’re both horrible people. My eyes drift back to Cassian, and our gazes meet from
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 34
When I wake up the next morning, I’m alone. Cassian is gone, but he left behind a perfect sketch of me sleeping, with a note underneath: "So beautiful. See you later."I smile, feeling giddy with excitement, until reality hits—family dinner tonight, and Cassian will meet everyone together for the first time.Of course, my mother has already called a couple of times, and it’s just past 7 a.m. I call her back, and she answers on the first ring, as if she’s been waiting."Meu amor, good, you’re awake," she says right away. "Do you know what you’re wearing for the party tonight?""Party? Mom, it’s supposed to be just dinner with the family," I respond, confused."Yeah, I know, meu amor, but you got engaged and we haven’t celebrated yet," she replies, as if it's obvious."Mom, you're supposed to be getting to know Cassian, and a party will just be too much. And you're only telling me now that it’s a party? How many people are going to be there?" I ask, frustration creeping into my voice."
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 33
Athena's POVThe week flies by. Cassian is busy preparing for an exhibition at the end of the month in Copenhagen, Denmark—his first one there—so he’s been working tirelessly to ensure everything goes smoothly. Collette, his childhood friend and an art curator, is in charge of selecting and organizing the exhibition. She also sometimes assists with sales, so they’re practically inseparable.I’ve spent the week at the gallery, having lunch with Cassian whenever he could spare the time. When he was too busy, I’d hang out and eat with Hailee, all while feeling Collette’s icy stare burning holes into me. I’ve tried to be friendly—after all, she’s his childhood friend and will always be part of his life, plus they work together—but she doesn’t make it easy.Collette speaks English perfectly well, and she’ll chat with me and others in English. But the moment Cassian is around, she switches to French, deliberately excluding me from their conversations. Even when Cassian tries to bring me in
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 32
Athena's POVStill breathless from the most intense orgasm I have ever had, Cassian and I crashed down on the couch staring into each other’s eyes. "We didn’t use a condom." I blurted out after a bit. "Yesterday too." I added.“I’m sorry.” Cassian says his eyes never leaving mine. “It just got over my head at the moment, I know that’s a stupid excuse but I’m___” he adds but I stop him from finishing."It's okay, I'm on birth control, but we should still be careful," I say, watching him."Yeah, of course," Cassian agrees, nodding."I'm sorry, I just ruined the mood," I say, feeling the shift between us. "I just can't risk not being careful—I can't get pregnant.""What? No, you didn’t ruin anything, Athena," Cassian reassures me. "You can talk to me about anything. You don't want children?" he asks gently, his face soft and non-judgmental."Honestly, I don’t think so. I’m messed up enough as it is—I’d just mess up a child," I say, letting out a nervous laugh. "Do you want kids?" I ask,
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 31
Athena's POVAs soon as my parents leave, I call my grandmother. My dad was right—she's not happy about finding out about Cassian and me through her book club. Apparently, one of her friends, who she despises, showed up waving the newspaper with our picture printed on it. I have to apologize profusely, explaining I had no idea Cassian was going to propose.Like my father, she’s concerned about me being with a Covington, but when I ask her why, she doesn’t give me a clear answer. It’s obvious she knows more about the origin of the family feud, but just like my dad, she refuses to tell me anything.The call ends, but I’m left with even more questions. It reminds me that I need to get back to reading my great-grand aunt Melia’s journal to uncover more about her and Cassian Covington I, and the mysterious past that’s been kept from me.With the conversation weighing on my mind, I decide to tackle some work from home. After wrapping up a few online meetings, I find myself drawn to the jour
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 30
Athena's POVAfter the party, Cassian takes me home. Though I’m tempted to invite him in, I resist. The evening had been intense, and I knew we both needed some space to breathe. I kiss him goodnight and promise to call him tomorrow. As soon as I’m inside, I silence my phone and slip out of my dress, sinking into the soothing, bubble-filled tub. Only then do I glance at my phone and see the dozens of missed calls from my parents.Of course, the news about Cassian and me had reached them.I decide to ignore it for now. That's a problem for tomorrow. Right now, I’m too exhausted to deal with it. I scroll through my messages and spot several from my friends in our group chat, with a picture of Cassian and me at the party. His arm is wrapped around me, and they’re all asking if I got engaged and didn’t tell them.Curiosity gets the best of me, and I follow the link to see that we’ve gone viral on Instagram and Twitter. Several pictures of us are circulating, the captions proclaiming, "Ath
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 29
Athena's POV“Where are we going?” I ask as Cassian leads me upstairs and we continue walking down a long, quiet hall. The faint sound of music from the party downstairs barely reaches us, and I get the sense that we’re not supposed to be up here.“To my room,” he says casually.“Your room? You live here?” I ask, surprised, as he pulls out a key and unlocks the door.“When I was a kid,” he replies, and I feel a rush of excitement at the idea of seeing his childhood bedroom.He notices my smile. “A smile?” Cassian teases. “I’d love a peek into what you’re thinking right now.”I blush harder as we step inside, my mind racing with curiosity. But the room is nothing like what I expected. It’s bland, neutral—like a sterile hotel room, with none of the artistic flair I thought would define his space. I don’t know what I had imagined, but this wasn’t it.“This was your room as a child?” I ask, glancing around at the minimalist decor.Cassian nods, still holding my hand. Then he leads me to a
Mine to Lose CHAPTER 28
Athena's POVI wake up with a splitting headache, but the soft embrace of my Egyptian cotton duvet covers makes it bearable. Turning to my side, I spot Cassian lying on top of the covers, deeply engrossed in his sketchbook. He’s drawing something, his brow furrowed in concentration. Suddenly, I’m acutely aware of myself—my makeup, the clothes I passed out in last night. I peek under the covers and realize I’m no longer in last night’s clothes; instead, I’m wearing a comfortable shirt from my closet. I’m still in my underwear, which means Cassian must have helped me change without taking advantage of me while I was out cold.I shift slightly, and Cassian’s attention shifts to me. He drops the sketchbook, his face lighting up as he sees that I’m awake.“I passed out last night. I’m sorry,” I say, forcing a smile.“You have nothing to apologize for,” he replies, handing me a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water. “Your head must be killing you.”I nod, gratefully taking the aspirin and
