TWO

Athena folded her body at the edge of the room, her hands hugging her knees tightly. Coldness and pain throughout her body merged into one.

Athena couldn't bear it, but her hands rubbed her still-flat belly slowly. "Hang in there, my child. You won't die even if my body is in pain. I will protect you no matter what."

The bedroom door opened, and Glenn entered while tossing a blanket towards Athena. "I've talked to my family, they agreed to take care of the baby once it's born."

Athena was surprised. "Is-t that true?"

Glenn nodded, lighting a cigarette and sitting in front of Athena. "But you have to be isolated somewhere else. Your parents also agreed, they can't stand seeing a pregnant woman who could ruin the reputation of two families."

Athena nodded in agreement, she had no choice but to obey their words. "I'll do it, please. Do anything as long as this baby stays alive, I don't want it to die."

Glenn smirked slyly and handed a train ticket to Athena. "Leave tomorrow morning, the driver will take you to the station. You don't have to worry about anything, including Aellea ... I will still pay for her care."

This time, Glenn was like an angel when Athena was in pain, even though just a few hours ago he was only a spectator when Giselle and Ferdinand tortured Athena.

***

A serene and beautiful village became Athena's home for three months. She lived a normal life, eating and drinking well, regularly going to the clinic for prenatal check-ups.

There was nothing different about Athena's demeanor, but she almost didn't hear any news about her family. Except for one thing that caused immense pain throughout her body.

"Aellea passed away, Miss," Dave, the servant of the Willow family, said when he visited Athena that day.

Athena couldn't say anything, her lips and body froze in an instant. Tears flowed heavily, hearing every word Dave spoke.

He said that Aellea died because she was moved to a regular ward on Giselle's orders. Giselle believed that Aellea had caused the family a lot of trouble, even though she didn't recover despite being cared for very well.

Giselle was also furious when she found out that Glenn had been paying for Aellea's care at Athena's request. She accused Athena of selling herself, and Aellea's death was a fitting punishment for Athena.

"Take me home, Dave," Athena pleaded.

"Now, Miss?"

"Yes, I want to go home."

"I'm sorry, Miss, but the atmosphere is not good for you. I can't let you go back to the Willow family."

Athena understood, Dave must be concerned for her. Dave must know how evil Athena's stepfamily was. "I beg you, please take me home. I promise I can take care of myself."

***

Athena's arrival was greeted with a barrage of slaps from Sarahh Willow, Giselle's birth mother, or Athena's mother.

"How dare you come to this house with a belly like that!" Sarahh shouted angrily.

Athena didn't falter; she said her return was only to find out how and where Aellea's body was buried. However, Sarahh didn't answer, the woman over 40 years old continued to beat Athena relentlessly.

"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ASK ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FAMILY!"

"But Aellea is my sister, Mom. She is my biological sister, I have the right to know about her," said Athena.

Sarah smiled wickedly. "Really? Let your father explain."

Ferdinand, who had been watching their argument without intervening, rose and approached Athena, patting her head.

"You are really like your mother," Ferdinand said, reminiscing about his deceased wife.

"You are a seductive and shameless woman. I regret marrying her and giving birth to a woman exactly like her."

Ferdinand took a piece of paper from the table and showed its contents to Athena. "From today, you are no longer part of the Willow family. You are not worthy of carrying the Willow name, and you are not my daughter."

Everything happened so quickly and suddenly. Ferdinand had planned this since Athena's departure a few months ago. He wanted to get rid of his daughters and live happily with his new family.

"Papa—"

"Stop calling me your father. Your mouth has no right to say that. Now, you have to leave this house, never return, and disturb the peace of this family."

Athena stepped back slowly. The pain on her face and body meant nothing compared to the words uttered by her biological father.

Athena walked slowly away from the magnificent house with empty hands, she carried nothing but her frail body and slightly protruding belly. At the end of the street, a car stopped, and its driver called out to Athena.

"Where are you going?" Glenn's voice made Athena angry.

"None of your business," Athena replied.

Glenn smirked contemptuously. "What can you do with that body? Everyone will see you as a crazy beggar carrying an illegitimate child in your belly."

Athena ignored her and walked quickly away from Glenn, who started the car's engine and tried to follow her.

"Athena! Do you think you can just leave like that?!"

Glenn didn't give up, his car slowly followed Athena's steps.

"I miss you and our child; it seems like our baby needs nutrition from me..."

"...sperm nutrition." Glenn laughed mockingly at Athena.

"Come on, don't act coy. I still yearn for your screams during sex with me. Exhilarating and addictive, I'm sure... our child should hear it too, shouldn't they?"

“Our child should know how his mother moans like a slut with his father.” Athena covered her ears; Glenn's words cut deep, and his mocking laughter tore at her soul.

Today felt like the climax of suffering for Athena. Aellea's sudden death, the unknown location of her grave, Sarah's harsh slap, Ferdinand's insults, and Glenn's abuse—it was all too much.

"ATHENA, ARE YOU IGNORING ME?!" Glenn yelled furiously, blocking Athena's path with his car so she couldn't escape.

Exiting the car, Glenn approached Athena with a red, angry face. “How dare you ignore me, you hypocrite!”

Athena slowly stepped back, clutching her stomach with both hands. In seconds, she turned around and ran as fast as she could. Glenn cursed, chasing her and hurling insults.

"DO YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE ME, ATHENA?! YOU’RE JUST A USELESS SLAVE OF DESIRE!"

Athena's heartache fueled her speed as she ran, unable to bear Glenn's demeaning words.

"STOP OR YOUR BABY WILL DIE!" Glenn threatened, but Athena ignored him, further enraging Glenn.

Athena ran aimlessly, entering a plantation where people were not allowed. Her feet hurt as her sandals couldn't keep up with her pace.

"Oh God, it’s better to die than be caught by Glenn.”

CRACK!

As if God heard the prayer of a tormented soul, that was the end of Athena's escape.

***