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.

indicated that they should

darted a worried glance

that for you to sleep; I just wanted to cuddle you better," Gianna replied gently, her voice soothing. "You know,

normally would—and climbed onto the bed. Gianna followed suit, opening her arms as she lay down, welcoming the comfort of her

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

I probably should have told you all

tsked softly, shaking her head. "Don’t do that. You had your reasons for keeping it a secret. We

memories of her own

stay quiet, content

perfect backdrop for reflection. It gave the thoughts

might help to offload

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.

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.

is over and done with?" Athena asked softly, her voice barely above a

was resolute, filled with the firmness of friendship that

gently as she considered her friend’s words. "Okay then. Thanks, Gianna," She replied,

like I’m not doing enough," Gianna whispered, hurt

of concern in Gianna’s heart. Just holding each other so closely felt like a balm, and Athena felt relief in being able

taking deep breaths to find

are the children?" She asked moments later, feeling

out with their father for a

knot of confusion knitting tighter in her stomach. Which father was Gianna talking about? Did Antonio

"When you say ’father’..."

meant Ewan," Gianna

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