Chapter 174: News Of Death
Aiden’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline as he pressed his lips into a thin line, mulling over Athena’s question.
"Aiden? When did Antonio join the research team? He has a company to run back in Whale’s City, and operations in several other countries."
Aiden exhaled slowly, wrestling with the possibility that he may have crossed an unspoken line. But then he shrugged it off; Antonio hadn’t asked him to keep it a secret from Athena.
In fact, he had assumed she would be the first person Antonio would want to tell, especially given the depth of his feelings for her.
"I don’t know, Athena. I actually thought he had told you. Maybe he left the company in the care of a family member—his brother, perhaps? If he’s decided to stay here, I guess you know the reason."
Athena shut her eyes, pressing her fingertips to her temples as if trying to massage away the throbbing in her head. Each pulse felt like a carpenter striking a hammer against her skull. She rubbed her forehead tiredly yet gently, hoping to ease the mounting pressure.
"Athena, you aren’t saying anything," Aiden prodded, sensing her silence.
"Aiden, you already know my situation. I’ve tried; it just isn’t working." Her voice was heavy with resignation, and a hint of sadness crept in. "My heart isn’t cooperating with my mind. I doubt it will change its mind if I accept his proposal of marriage."
"No, it won’t. You’ve already experienced one loveless marriage; I wouldn’t want you to go through that again," Aiden said as he maneuvered the car around the last bend leading to their secure location.
"That’s right. I wouldn’t want to do that to Antonio either. He deserves more," She admitted, a wave of uncertainty washing over her.
If Antonio was so intent on being in her life, how would he ever see his forever girl, even if the latter stood right in front of him?