Ever gentle, Athena reassured him with a soft smile before heading off to try on the wedding dress.
A year ago, Emmett spared no expense in custom-making the dress abroad. When Athena slipped it on, she looked every bit the image of purity and grace. But when she stepped out of the fitting room, Emmett wasn’t there.
The room had been reserved just for them, leaving the space eerily empty. When she couldn’t reach him, Athena wandered the building, confusion building with every step, until she rounded a corner and froze.
Not far off, Emmett was holding another woman’s hand, his voice pleading, his tone submissive. The woman seemed emotional, brushing off his attempts to hold her.
But Emmett didn’t relent; he pulled her into his arms and leaned in for a kiss. In the dim corner of the bridal shop, the two were consumed by their passion, oblivious to the world around them.
Athena watched in stunned silence as though the very earth had been ripped from beneath her. It felt as though she had been thrown into the flames, her heart burning with a pain so fierce it was unbearable.
The man who had once promised to love her more than life itself was the one who had torn her apart.
Athena pressed a hand to her chest, her breath coming in gasps as tears blurred her vision, flooding down her cheeks.
By the time Emmett returned, Athena had collected herself. He didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. Seeing her standing there, so stunning, he was moved, walking over to wrap her tightly in his arms.
“Athena, you look breathtaking.”
Emmett buried his face in her shoulder, his lips grazing her earlobe, his voice a soft, seductive whisper. “My Athena is the most beautiful bride. I just want to make you mine, right here, right now.”
As Athena gazed at their reflection in the mirror, her heart sank. The sorrow in her eyes mirrored the emptiness she felt inside.
Was she really beautiful? If she was, why had Emmett still betrayed her?
Why had he deceived her like this?
Athena didn’t understand how things had spiraled so out of control. She had no idea how long Emmett had been hiding his lies from her or who that woman was.
She wanted to speak, but words failed her, and tears fell freely, staining her cheeks.