ATHENA

"I am safe," I say, forcing a weak smile, trying to y it off. I don''t like worrying people. Zayan has be someone special to me over the years. He is one of the few people who actually cares about me, and it hurts me seeing him like this.

His mother is not my biggest fan but Rose, his sister iw always tells me it''s not just me she''s like that with everyone.

So I guess I no longer felt bad whenever we hang out. But truly, I am grateful to Zayan, without him, I don''t know if I would have found the strength to meet Anna and uncover the truth about my son.

"I mean, technically I''m breathing, so that counts, right?" I try to lighten the mood, but fail miserably because his re only increases.

His jaw is clenched, his brows drawn so tightly they almost touch. He stares at me like he can''t decide if he wants to hug me tighter or scream until the walls shake.

"You almost died," he says. "Again."

Speaking of which, I need to investigate who was powerful enough to back Leah up.

"I didn''t, though," I reply quickly, trying to lighten the mood again. "And hey, now I get unlimited hospital Jell-O. Win-win?"

He doesn''t even blink. "If that''s you trying to be funny, then know that I don''t find it amusing."

I sigh, my smile slipping.

“Zayan, I''m okay. Really."

"No, you''re not." His voice breaks a little. "You just don''t want anyone to see it. I don''t me you, I would never do that, but I just hope you can now put it all behind you and focus on bonding with your son."

I bite my lip.

I still have so many questions. Will I be able to sweep everything under the rag and move on?

"I just have to find out one more thing." My eyes plead.

"Which is?" Zayan studies me.

"I need to know who was backing up Leah and why."

"You mean there is someone else?" He asks and I nod.

"Yes, remember Alex was receiving pictures of us whenever we went out? Who was following me around? I never put much thought into it because I assumed it was Leah."

"It could be her. Didn''t you say she was around and was looking for a way to nder your name." Zayan exins and I nod.

That makes sense but why is my heart unsettled?

Am I overthinking things?

Before I can respond, or even figure out what to say to that, the door swings open

once more.

And everything goes still.

Noah.

Ariana.

Eli.

Izzy

The tension strangles the room instantly. No words, no movement, just the suffocating weight of unspoken me, unfinished fights, and wounds too fresh to touch.

This must be the reunion of the year.

Noah''s eyes shift between me and Zayan, narrowing just slightly. Ariana keeps her gaze on the floor, which is odd because my ex-mother-inw is always all over me. If I can dare to, I must say she looks a little guilty about something.

Is it because of Sloane?

My heart clenches at that thought. I don''t even have the strength to speak.

My eyes move to Eli, who, as usual, is unreadable. My heart beats faster and faster as I wait for green to ground me, but it doesn''te, and something inside me shifts.

Why do I feel disappointed?

Zayan''s arms drop from around me like he''s just remembered we''re not alone.

Noah''s the first to speak, he res at Zayan before offering me a small smile, "How are you feeling?"

"Peachy," I reply dryly, pushing myself up straighter.

"I brought your things from the house," Ariana says quietly, cing a small bag on

the side table. "Figured you might want them." She offers me a smile, but doesn''t sit next to me as she would usually.

"Thanks."

Wepse into silence again.

It''s thick.

Heavy.

Awkward as fuck.

Eli clears his throat. "We wanted to check in. The doctors said you''re stable."

"I am."

"And Sloane?" I ask, my voice tightening.

I was updated a few minutes ago, but it wouldn''t hurt to hear another update.

"Still unconscious,"n gives me a small smile, “But stable. I''ll make sure she walks again."

Right.

Since when were these two a couple?

Zayan shifts beside me, his fingers flexing like he wants to grab my hand but knows better with this audience.

"We should give her space," Zayan says, his voiceced with warning.

Noah ignores him and turns to me. "I hope you''re not going to let him back in just because he brought you tea." His gaze falls on the paper cup and the bag.

How does he know-oh.

Scribbled on the cup is the name Alex.

But I don''t answer Noah.

"Who brought you tea?" Izzy asks, and I look at Noah."I did. Is that a problem?" A deep voice vibrates through the room, making us all turn in the direction of the door.fn30ca ?????? ???? FιndＮovel/fn30ca

Great!

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