Chapter 256: A Reminder to Strengthen Her
When Dominique’s words sank in, Athena’s expression shifted. Without warning, she pulled his hands away from her face, her heart rapidly pounding against her chest. Instead of responding, she turned on her heel and bolted, her retreating footsteps echoing through the garden’s stone pathway.
Confusion, hurt, and disbelief swirled in her mind as she dashed out of the villa, her breath catching in her throat. She didn’t know where she was going—all she knew was that she needed to get away, to put distance between herself and Dominique.
Dominique stayed rooted in his spot as he watched Athena’s back.
"What I have done? I scared her away," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "I’m so stupid. Where did my confession go wrong?"
He didn’t mean to scare her away. Athena’s reaction was unexpected. He never imagined that she would suddenly run away after hearing his confession.
After a while, Dominique was interrupted by the ringing sound of his phone. An unregistered number was calling him. With a curious look in his eyes, he pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Mr. Smith, this is Miguel. Can you still remember me?"
Dominique’s brows furrowed as he recognized the voice. "Oh yes, Mr. Ivankov. I remember you," he said, his tone measured. "To what do I owe the pleasure of hearing from you today?"
Miguel chuckled from the other line. "Don’t be so formal to me, Dominique. I heard that you were discharged from the hospital today. I hope you are feeling better now."
"Thank you for your concern, Don Miguel. I’m recovering well."