Staring at the message, a year of effort crumbled before her eyes. Yet, instead of heartbreak, Athena felt an unexpected sense of liberation, as though a weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying had been lifted.
"Please ensure this remains confidential. Don’t breathe a word of it to Emmett."
The staff assured her repeatedly, though their curiosity lingered. Just a month ago, on Athena’s birthday, Emmett Davidson made headlines by lighting up the skies of Ravenloch with fireworks. This grand display captivated social media.
At the time, everyone marveled at how Emmett and Athena, after five years together, still seemed wrapped in the warmth of love, the perfect couple in everyone’s eyes. How could things have spiraled so quickly, ending in the cancellation of their wedding just weeks later?
Athena hung up the phone, her fingers already reaching for a ticket, when the door to her hospital room creaked open, cutting through her thoughts.
Emmett had just returned from an international conference, his suit still creased from the long journey. Without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed to Athena and enveloped her in a tight embrace, his voice full of regret.
"Athena, I’m sorry. I’m late."