Chapter 51 Torn
ATHENA
2
The door opens, and I almost jump out of my skin from how startled I am after the news I just heard.
It’s been two hours since Mira left, and my mind has been unsettled.
But I don’t get to dwell much on it when Ariana rushes towards me with a worried expression. She searches me for any injuries while my father in law, Eli, stands behind her with an amused expression.
“You really need to stop scaring me. Maybe just move in with me so I can take care of you.” She frowns once she’s satisfied with what she sees.
I bite my bottom lip as I hold back a laugh.
Ariana King is a beautiful woman. And I may have forgotten what kind of relationship we had, but these past weeks, I’ve been able to experience so much love from her that it makes me want to cry.
She always looks like a mummy bear, ready to jump on anyone who tries to hurt me. Noah mentioned that they suspect someone has been targeting me, and Alex is on it while Ariana has been on his back impatiently waiting for results, and that warmed my heart even though I’ve been freaked out
Why would anyone want to hurt me?
I barely have anything to my name, and only a handful of people know I’m Alex’s wife.
“It’s nothing serious.” I try to coo her, putting the thoughts aside, but she only huffs as the doctor walks in again.
“What is wrong with my daughter inlaw?“Eli’s deep voice asks, and the doctor looks shocked.
I registered Athena Dawson, so how come?
That’s the question he must have on his mind but I refuse to answer it.
“Mr. King, I wasn’t aware-”
“I’m not interrogating you, doctor. Don’t feel nervous. “He chuckles, and even I, is scared of him.
Alex takes after him a lot.
“Well, the results showed that Athena-”
My heart starts pounding louder and louder.
My face pales as I try to level my breathing.
I can’t let them find out.
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Chapter 51 – Torn
+15 BONUS
Not until I know what to do.
“Ouch!” I clasp my stomach, and the doctor rushes to my side.
Ariana takes a small step back, giving him room to check on me.
“Are you okay?” He asks, with even more care than before, as if I’m made of glass.
I shake my head, my eyes pleading as my lip shivers, hoping he gets the message.
I can see the fight in his eyes as the doctor eyes me, his lips pressing into a thin line as he glances
between me, Ariana, and Eli.
“She’s… she’s fine. Just a little dehydrated. I’ll prescribe something to help and monitor her for now,” he finally says, turning to Eli with a professional smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I let out a shaky breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
Ariana turns to me, and concern is still written all over her face. “You sure you’re okay? Should I call
Alex?”
“No!” I say quickly, a little too fast, and both Eli and Ariana raise their brows.
I force a laugh, waving them off like I didn’t just nearly expose everything. “I mean… no, really, don’t bother him. He’s busy, and it’s nothing serious like I said.”
Ariana narrows her eyes at me suspiciously, but thankfully doesn’t push.
Eli, on the other hand, steps closer to the bed, his sharp gaze pinning me in place.
“Athena, you know I’ll find out sooner or later what’s going on, right?”
I give him a small smile, trying to keep my expression neutral. “There’s nothing to worry about, I promise.”
He hums, clearly not convinced.
A soft knock comes at the door, and to my utter horror, Noah pokes his head in.
“Everything okay in here?”
I feel like I’m about to pass out.
Is this some sort of family reunion?
“Yeah,” Ariana says, turning toward him. “But I think she needs to rest now.”
“Rest sounds good,” I whisper, desperate for them to leave.
Eli nods slowly, still watching me like he knows I’m hiding something. “Alright. But if you need anything,
anything at all, you can call my wife or your husband.”
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Chapter 51–Torn
+15 BONUS
I nod, offering him a faint smile as Ariana leans in to kiss my forehead gently.
“You’re not alone, okay? We’ve got you,” she whispers before following Eli and Noah out.
The door closes behind them, and I sag against the pillows, my hands trembling.
Tears sting my eyes as I press my palms over my stomach.
What am I going to do?
The doctor lingers for a moment longer, stepping to my side. His voice drops so low that I almost miss it.
“Miss Dawson….ehhh… Mrs King,…” I don’t know what’s going on, but know that I just took a bullet for you.
Is there any reason you don’t want them to find out?”
I bite my lip, “No, I’m just nervous, and I want my husband to be the first to know.”
That seems to convince him because he relaxes with a smile,
“That’s understandable. I’ll get the paperwork ready. You should be able to go home soon.”
I nod weakly, unable to form words.
He gives me a kind smile, then turns and quietly exits the room.
As soon as I’m alone, I let the tears fall freely.
Pregnant.
Seven weeks.
My mind races, torn between panic and something else–something deeper.
And Alex…
What happens when he finds out?
Will he think I tried to trap him so he won’t leave me for Leah?
Will he still divorce me and just support me?
Or will he want nothing to do with me at all?
I run my shaky hands over my face, staring at the ceiling like it holds answers.
I’m so torn and afraid.
