“You’re the bride, Athena; everything should be about what you love. If you love it, I’ll love it too.”
But now, as the reality of the situation settled in, it became painfully clear. He wasn’t busy; he simply didn’t care.
“The exact date of the wedding hasn’t been set yet. He still has to deal with the woman his family insists on, but he promised that once that’s out of the way, he’ll marry me and make me the happiest bride.”
Athena couldn’t even muster the strength for a fake smile. She stood there, frozen, until Emmett finally noticed the change in her demeanor. His attention shifted, and he hurriedly cut off Aliana’s words.
“Don’t you have work soon? Shouldn’t you be leaving?”
Aliana’s expression shifted, a cold snort escaping her lips before she walked into the bathroom. As she passed by Athena, she didn’t miss the chance to mock.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Athena. Not everyone expresses love the same way. My fiancé, for instance, loves me so deeply that he’s willing to pour all his time and money into me.”
With that, Aliana stormed out, leaving the two of them in an uncomfortable silence.
Emmett, clearly flustered, reached for Athena’s hand and kissed it gently, his voice filled with urgency.
“Athena, let me explain…”
“There’s no need,” Athena interrupted, her voice calm yet distant.
“Everyone expresses love differently, I understand,” she continued, her eyes never leaving his. “I know you’re busy, so you don’t have time for me. But I also know…”
Athena’s words faltered as the weight of her emotions hit her. She paused, swallowing the pain, before finishing quietly, “I know you love me.”
‘Unfortunately, you just love her more.’
She didn’t voice the thought, though it gnawed at her insides. As her gaze lingered on Emmett’s face, tears slipped silently down her cheeks.
Seeing the tears, Emmett pulled her into his arms, the familiar gesture of comfort as he whispered soothingly.
“Once we’re married…”
A fleeting shadow crossed Emmett’s eyes. “Once we’re married, everything will get better.”
Will it really, Emmett?
The question echoed in Athena’s heart, though she kept it to herself. She’d given him so many chances, lived in the illusion he’d crafted for years.
But this time, she would no longer believe in his love.
The night before the wedding, the agent had sent all the documents electronically to Athena.