Athena's heart skipped a beat upon hearing the man's raspy voice over the line. Somehow from the corners of her mind, it brought her a sense of familiarity. Instinctively after a few seconds, she asked who the guy was without thinking further. It took her a few seconds to wait before he answered her question."Tell me where you are and I'll pick you up." He uttered curtly. His voice sounds somehow stirred something through her depths.She frowned as her veins began pulsating in irritation. She seemed to have felt that she was in the same situation before but she couldn't just point out when. "I'm talking to Anton Stanford and not someone else." She gritted out."I'm not someone else. I'm your husband." He insisted. Now his voice seems to sound a little annoyed.Athena ignored the man's rants and directed her words to her sibling according to her ledger. "I'm coming tomorrow, Anton. Can you perhaps pick me up at the airport?"Anton agreed without hesitation. "Of course. I love to pick
"She sounds weird!" Anton exclaimed in disbelief after hearing the loud beeping tone on the line. "This was the first time that she called me by my name." He sounds genuinely suspicious about his sibling's unnatural interrogation. He had grown to Athena's weird temper but she never showed such behavior like this. She was speaking to him similar to a stranger and not his little sister. Somehow, he felt guilty for not paying so much attention to her and now she turned out like this while their parents were gone to another country. They had instructed him to watch over his sister but he seems to have neglected their words due to his busy schedule. He felt utterly guilty for that!Terrence gulped his liquor in one go before he forced himself to talk. "Let's have a bet." He proposed. Judging from Athena's reaction when she heard him chiming into their conversation, he was certain that she had broken her promise. She took those pills again and this time, she succeeded in forgetting him. H
Athena had already accepted everything thus she couldn't withdraw and go back on her words. Besides, it was rare for a person to have two identities so she took it without hesitation because she found it favorable on her side now that she was aiming at something. She got plans and being ZENITH MONROE is a good counter for those who loathed her as Athena Stanford.The moment everything transpired, Athena boarded the MONROE GROUP'S private jet and went back to NY City. This time, she was different from being her usual self. She went back as another person. Perhaps because she had suffered memory loss that everything seemed to be so odd and new to her. The flight that usually takes 13 hours only took 10 therefore she arrived at the airport earlier than the expected hours.Trailing behind her, Ashley couldn't help feeling extremely elated. "Miss Zenith, I had a feeling that coming back to this city is gonna be worth it this time."The woman raised her eyebrows in confusion as she tilted h
Ding!Athena had just arrived at Monroe's ancestral home when Terrence sent her an address. She opened the message and read through the content as she stepped down from the limo. She had her eyes glued on her screen the whole time until she reached the foyer."I'll see you at 345 N Lemon St. Ocean Breeze Villa in an hour." His message was demanding.She realized that the location he sent was one of their conjoined properties where they stayed together just a week ago before everything turned out of control according to what she had written on her ledger . She didn't want to step into that place again as it only brought endless turmoil in her mind thus she typed and sent. "I can't.""Why not?" He replied."Send me another location." She demanded, refusing to answer his question."This is the only place I know where we could talk in peace." He replied shortly.Athena's fingers trembled in irritation as she typed another message to counter on him. "Should I choose a good place for us to
Hearing such blatant explanation, Athena pursed her lips and swallowed silently. Somehow, deep in her heart she felt extreme bitterness for some unknown reason. 'Why do I feel like this? Why does my chest hurt so bad?' she thought inwardly while chewing all his simple words. Her hand reached for her chest, rubbing it unconsciously in a daze.Terrence noticed her little movements and suddenly became worried. "Are you okay?" He asked as his eyes followed her hand that kept on rubbing her heart's location. A light glinted past his eyes as somehow he realized something with her reaction. Could it be that she felt even a little uncomfortable because of his words? Though he seems unsure, he was hoping for the best thus he felt a little better because of it. At the very least, his heart had slowly calmed down and pacified."I'm fine." She replied shortly and after a few seconds, she managed to gather herself together. Displaying an indifferent look, she looked at him dead in the eye and spo
Terrence paused on his movements and stared at her. Somehow, deep within, he felt relieved after hearing her words as he himself couldn't actually imagine if their divorce would take place… He had plenty of thoughts swirling inside his head and it was all about her… Whatever he was planning behind her back, it was also dedicated to her… Everything has gone clearer now and he realized his mistakes. Hence, he wanted to make it up to her by doing something big… A huge surprise for her…He sighed deeply as he seated on the bedside closer to her. "Perhaps we can reach an agreement rather than getting a divorce… what do you think?" He proposed more similarly like a businessman rather than a husband talking to his wife...Athena blinked her eyes and stared back at him. Their gazes locked within a few seconds before she opened her mouth to speak. "I seemed to sense something odd…" she mumbled, sounding rather suspicious. Her eyes never left his face as she went on, "... aren't you supposed t
The following day…It was friday. The sun had fully risen, dividing its rays in full blast as well as Athena, dressed in her office business attire ready to strike a rundown of Ashley's report…She had her hair blown dry cascading to her back, face fixed with light makeup. Her plump lips are cherry red giving a sexy yet dangerous and alluring aura at a glance… As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help smirking when she recalled the events that happened last night.*** Flashback***Athena was about to turn left to head back to Monroe's ancestral home when her mobile phone's constant vibration caught her attention. Once again, she stepped on her brakes and halted on the roadside to have a look. Her flickering screen displayed - Mike calling in the caller ID. Feeling curious about what the guy was about to say, she pinched the answer mode aligning it in her ear. "Mike Wilson," she mumbled stoically."Where are you?" He asked. His voice sounded indifferent towards her
Athena was stunned at Terrence's sudden outburst over the phone. She didn't know why he said such words but somehow her insides felt uncomfortable hearing them. It stirred something forming into odd knots that seemed twisting her gut for unknown reason. Just what had she done to earn his emotional turmoil in such an early morning? She was really confused to death thus she remained silent, listening to his accusing remarks."I know what you think. That I deserve all of these!" He continued to babble. "Yeah, I definitely deserve this treatment from you!" She shut her eyes and inhaled sharply, suppressing the urge to nag at him because it would only add fuel to his anger. She remained silent on the other end until he felt satisfied, berating her."Why aren't you saying anything? Talk to me, Athena." He demanded haughtily."Are you done?" Was her cold and short inquiry."I'm not. You have to see me right now." He demanded."Mr. Adams, what's wrong with you? Have you eaten something wrong
4 years later... "Mommy!" "Daddy!" The couple's door was about to collapse due to the twins' intense banging. Athena's eyes snapped wide open, startled with the noise. "Babe, the kids... They're awake!" she whispered half-yelled. Terrence who was currently in the middle of his wicked plan halted. "You just arrive last night from your business trip and I haven't had the chance yet to do what I want..." he complained. After giving birth to the twins, Mattis and Alexis, Athena formally accepted her grandfather's offer to replace his position as the CEO of The MONROE's Group and Terrence also agreed to it. However, during the times that she's out of the country for a business trip, Terrence was left to take care of the kids until she return and he had them enrolled in kindergarten just a couple of months ago. "Mommy!" The little girl's melodious voice resonated outside. "Please open the door!" BANG! BANG! BANG! "Daddy!" This time the voice belongs to the little boy, shouting. "
Terrence and Athena was surprised to know that their families prepared a world tour as their wedding gift. Perhaps because they were stucked at the island for months that's why they want them to enjoy freedom to go wherever they desired to go and do whatever makes them both happy therfore they took advantage to it. They spent four months roaming in different places all over the globe, experiencing various types of traditions and delicacies in every place they went. They also discovered a new and healthy way to help her restore what she lost before in the most effective way. Needless to say, by using such method, she won't just be able to get back to her old self but regain more than that. Terrence didn't hesitate to urge her to try it and she agreed after the doctor assured her that it won't affect her pregnancy. During those months, Athena's skin has fully recovered, transforming it into a glassy white complexion so even if she was about to give birth, she remained glowing especiall
"I didn't plan these all to make you cry, Enah." Terrence said. "In fact, I want to let everyone know how sincere I am to be with you that's why I prepared this wedding to surprise you. The first one was unpleasant, not a good story to tell to our kids so I want that to change..." "I just can't believe that you did these all behind my back." She replied. "Thank you..." "This is just the beginning..." he smiled as he hand her over his hand. "Athena Adams, will you marry me for the second time?" he asked her. "I swear to be a devoted husband to you and a loving father to our kids in the future..." Under the veil, she beamed. "Can I say no?" she bluffed. "Of course you can't..." he chuckled. "You're mine and you can't refuse me either." "Right!" She laughed. "I've been yours since then..." As she took his hand, the old man said, "Young man, you probably know how much she means to me, right?" "Of course, grandpa. I promise to take care of her 'till my last breathe." Terrence swear s
While Athena was being picked up by her grandfather, Terrence took different cars to the airstrip for the Stanford and Adams family. In two hours of waiting, their jet finally landed. The first to come out was none other than Trisha, his younger sister who camecd[ running down the iron stairs. "Oh my God, brother!" she shouted out. "You look different! What happened to you?" Terrence just smiled at her and asked "How's your trip? Is everything fine?" "Yes, everything is fine." His father, Mr. Adams, chimes in to their conversation. "Dad," Terrence went to hug his father. Then he came next to his mother, kissing her cheeks. "Mom," "My boy..." his mother cried. "I never thought that this moment would actually come. I feel so proud of you, son." His father snorted. "He's going to be a father. When will he man up?" "Come on, Dad." Trisha yanked her father away from her brother and said, "I want to stay here for vacation." Terrence watched her sister trying to divert her father's
Perhaps Athena enjoyed the process of her make over so much as she didn't notice that she had been sitting in her comfy chair for almost three hours. If not for Vincent who came up to inform them that the car has arrived, she wouldn't realize that her husband has been gone from her sight for a couple of hours already. Curious, she asked the butler. "Uncle where was he?" "You mean your husband?" "Yes. Have you seen him?" "Ah," Vincent smiled. "He went to get the car ready for you and he also left a few instructions." "Instructions?" Her newly trimmed brows raised as she asked. "What instructions if I may ask?" "He said that he won't be here to pick you up and that someone else will do that for him. He will wait for you at the venue, Mrs. Adams." Vincent narrated fluently according to Terrence's instructions earlier. "Since that was the case, please tell the driver to wait for a little bit longer." She said without thinking too much. "Alright Mrs. Adams. Please take your time..."
Unbeknownst to Hannah, her movements were being monitored fom the outside. To make sure that she won't do something horrible during her detention period, Terrence asked someone to keep an eye on her. Even her pregnancy was being reported to him and he firmly instructed that no matter what happened, the innocent child must be born safe as it has nothing to do with what she has done. Therefore when she suggested for an abortion, the nurse shook her head and refused her request right there and then saying that... "I'm sorry, Miss. We're not abortionists. That was against the law of human and God." Hearing this, Hannah laughed. "Do you think I still care about that goddamn law? Look where I am." She said, "I'm here in jail so why should I give a sh*t about the law?!" "Miss," the nurse sighed helplessly and replied, "...why do you sound like you have lost all your hope? Have you known that you might given the chance to come out if you truly show your sincere repentance? You're convicte
Ashley felt her knees turning jelly when his cold and dominating voice rang in her ears. 'What was he doing here?' she wondered. The man's oppressing aura was too much for her to bear, turning the usually peaceful atmosphere into tense. However, this was the area that men are strictly forbidden according to the establishment's rules and regulations therefore she has all the freedom to move whether he likes it or not. Moreover, working hours has long been ended after he dismissed her harshly at the office so why was he still barking at her at this hour? As per their agreement, she has to look and obey him as her boss during working hours but not in places like this. This is the moment of her privacy and she had all the freedom to do whatever she wanted therefore she turned around without hesitation and spoke in an ironic manner. "Mr. Stanford, do you prefer the ladies room now rather than the men's room?" "Miss Mills," Anton glared at her and spoke, ignoring her stunt. "I think I
It was around noon in the island where Terrence and Athena stayed. However at NY City, the surroundings appeared to had just gotten dark. In Stanford Building... Ashley was busy sorting out the documents in her office when her boss barged in without further ado which caused her hands to halt and tremble in nervousness especially when his emotionless voice began to rang in her ears. "Aren't you done yet? What took you so long?" Anton asked her coldly. She swallowed hard before she replied. "Y-yes, Mr. Stanford. It was done now." "Put them all in the safe." He barked. "Hurry up! We don't have much time left!" Ashley nodded as she stood up. In one swift, she took all the documents from her table then she scurried out, heading towards the CEO's office. Anton eyed her sharply while following behind. When she reached inside, she bit her bottom lip in frustration while scolding herself in silence. 'Ashley Mills! How fool are you to forget that he was the only person who has the acces
What she experienced way back was indeed a disaster and it was such a huge miracle that she manage to stay alive after the explosion. Though her appearance changed, she was still thankful for having a second chance to live therefore, she bowed to make it more worth it. And by doing this, she has to let lose what's inside her heart. This time, she didn't care if he would laugh at her however seeing him teary, she doubt it if he could even bring himself to do so therefore she continued t recall the things that she haven't told hm eversince... "From the start, I never like the idea of you getting close to anyone aside from me..." she said. "You chose to enter that school because of me and I feel secretly glad but seeing you surrounded by some..." she sighed, halting while fidgeting her fingers as she continued. "Hannah, from the very start, I know why she tries to get close to you. She developed a deep attraction towards you." "I don't dwell about the past. Don't take me wrong." She rea