Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours! - Chapter 258

Chapter 258: Nightmare II
Gianna couldn’t speak for the first five minutes after Athena’s confession; maybe even longer. Her silence was profound, encasing them both in a heavy atmosphere that felt almost tangible.

There was a type of blank expression on her face, the kind that spoke of numbness and disbelief—the horror of it all was overwhelming. How cruel the world could be, and how could this happen to her friend, to such a good woman?

Gianna remembered meeting Scarlet only once. Athena had made the introduction, describing her as a brilliant colleague in the hospital. Scarlet had lit up the room with her confidence, possessing killer looks that could captivate anyone lucky enough to witness her charm.

Gianna recalled the first glimpse of Scarlet’s infectious laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about her work. She had left that meeting feeling inspired, and when the tragic news of Scarlet’s death had reached her, a wave of sadness had washed over her.

To hear the gory details that surrounded Scarlet’s untimely demise was heart-wrenching, terribly shocking—much more so than the revelation that Athena had once worked with the CIA. The weight of it pressed down hard in that moment of shock, squeezing her lungs as she struggled to comprehend what her friend had just revealed.

She finally inhaled softly—the first outward act of her body—when Athena leaned into her, resting her head on her shoulder.

Exhaustion dripped from Athena and as Gianna tried to hold her friend tighter, she noted the frail state and pale complexion of the latter.

It wasn’t just exhaustion alone; Gianna could see the flicker of fear that tainted Athena’s soft features. She knew that her friend was scared—not just frightened but terrified of what she might see or feel in her dreams, of more terrible nights awaiting her.

“Athena…” Gianna began, instinctively rising to offer consolation, but she shut her mouth after a moment’s hesitation. What could she say that would truly reach her friend? What could she do to alleviate this crushing sense of sorrow?

She wetted her lips, slowly draping her hand over Athena’s shoulder, bringing her closer. “I am sorry that all this happened. I wish…”

Her voice trailed off, the unuttered words lingering heavily in the air. I wish you could have told me earlier? That it didn’t have to happen to you?

None of these phrases seemed satisfactory, and as a wave of helplessness washed over her, Gianna fell silent, letting the sorrowful stillness in the room reign.

Time passed in a cocoon of shared breaths and unspoken thoughts, and the two friends remained tightly wound in this space, finding solace in each other’s presence.

After a couple of minutes that felt more like hours, Gianna finally indicated that they should go to the bed, hoping to create a more comfortable atmosphere.

Athena shook her head, looking slightly distressed. “I don’t want to sleep. Besides, it’s already day.” She darted a worried glance at the window, with the French curtains pushed aside, allowing morning light to flood into the otherwise dim room.

“I didn’t ask that for you to sleep; I just wanted to cuddle you better,” Gianna replied gently, her voice soothing. “You know, like we always do when we meet after so long…”

This time, Athena didn’t waste any more time. She hurriedly got to her feet—though slower than she normally would—and climbed onto the bed. Gianna followed suit, opening her arms as she lay down, welcoming the comfort of her friend as Athena nestled her head on Gianna’s chest.

“I’m sorry, Athena,” Gianna murmured, her voice laced with empathy. “I’m so, so sorry that this happened. I am sorry that this cruel experience haunts your dreams… I am sorry for all the pain and sorrow you are carrying around. But I also know that you can push through this. You are stronger than you realize, and though it may feel impossible right now, there is light beyond this darkness. Healing takes time, but every step counts. You’re not defined by what’s happened to you; you’re defined by how you choose to rise from this. And you have friends who love you, who will walk this path with you.”

“Thanks, Gianna. I probably should have told you all of this sooner…”

Gianna tsked softly, shaking her head. “Don’t do that. You had your reasons for keeping it a secret. We all keep secrets in one way or another…”

She hesitated, choosing not to reveal her own burdens that weighed her down. The memories of her own pressure—the feeling of wearing a mask while carrying the weight of her worries—felt raw and unformed.

Fortunately, Athena didn’t press for information. She chose instead to stay quiet, content to just lay in the refuge of her friend’s arms.

A few beats of silence ensued, providing the perfect backdrop for reflection. It gave the thoughts swirling in Gianna’s mind the space to settle.

“Do you want to see a therapist? It might help to offload this burden; it would do a lot of good…”

“I tried…” Athena murmured, voice trembling slightly. “I started seeing one, but when Kate and Nate found out, they were so worried, thinking I was mentally unwell or something. I had to stop—they wouldn’t let up with the questions I wasn’t ready to answer.” She sighed. “Sometimes having genius kids has its own cons.”

Gianna shook her head immediately, frowning at the past development. “That still doesn’t cut it. Going to therapy would make you a better mother for them. There’s nothing wrong with therapy; it doesn’t mean you’re mentally ill or something. You can explain it all to them in simpler terms so they would understand. It’s not about being sick; it’s about healing. All the same, I would call Chelsea. She could recommend a better therapist.”

“Can that wait until this Morgan and Grey disease stuff is over and done with?” Athena asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No, it can’t.” Gianna’s tone was resolute, filled with the firmness of friendship that Athena appreciated.

Athena pursed her lips, exhaling gently as she considered her friend’s words. “Okay then. Thanks, Gianna,” She replied, her voice steadier now.

“Don’t thank me, Athena. I feel like I’m not doing enough,” Gianna whispered, hurt evident in her soft voice.

Athena could feel the ache of concern in Gianna’s heart. Just holding each other so closely felt like a balm, and Athena felt relief in being able to finally share her burdens, including the truth about her work with the CIA and the ongoing struggles with Nimbus operations. Carrying secrets was really a heavy burden!

She readjusted her head on Gianna’s chest, taking deep breaths to find balance for the day’s duties to ahead.

“Where are the children?” She asked moments later, feeling the heaviness lift a little from her heart.

“They’re out with their father for a stroll.”

Athena furrowed her brows, the knot of confusion knitting tighter in her stomach. Which father was Gianna talking about? Did Antonio come around this morning?

“When you say ‘father’…”

“I meant Ewan,” Gianna interjected.

Athena bit her lower lip, processing the information. Ewan was still around?

“I know he’s entitled to just one day a month currently, but they were getting restless about seeing you, like they suspected something was wrong. So, I told Ewan to take them out. I’m sorry if that was too insensitive or hasty. I know you have your reservations about…”

“Gianna, it’s okay,” Athena reassured her softly. “I wouldn’t have wanted them to see me in my previous state. Thank you for thinking on your feet… How did Ewan take the suggestion?”

Gianna chuckled, an infectious laughter that lightened the atmosphere. “He looked like he had been given a Christmas present! You should have seen his eyes, Athena; they lit up like a twinkling Christmas tree! The kids weren’t upset about it either. If I should say anything about it, I would say they were quite curious about how a walk with their real father would look. You know, he surprised them yesterday… I was even shocked. I never would have pegged serious-faced Nathaniel to be into comics!”

A contemplative pause.

“It seems the paternal instincts theory is actually real. I thought my father was the only one—”

Gianna’s playful tone trailed off causing Athena to lift her head to search Gianna’s eyes. A sigh followed, heavy yet gentle. “You know, you should really come to therapy with me.”

Gianna shook her head immediately. “I’m okay. I don’t need a therapist.”

Athena chuckled drily, raising an eyebrow. “Most of us wouldn’t admit it on a normal day. But I believe you do need it, and I also believe that you should take your own medicine. Weren’t you the one advising me on the benefits of therapy just a moment ago?”

Gianna sighed wearily; the corners of her mouth turned down in resignation. “Alright then. I’ll come to therapy with you.”

Athena smiled, glad to see her friend’s willingness to share that journey with her. “Good. So, are you going to work today?”

Gianna shook her head. “Today is a Sunday, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Oh…” Athena rested her head back on her friend’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of Gianna’s heartbeat lull her back into a calm state. “That’s even better.”

More time to rest.

****

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