Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours!

Chapter 267: Pained II

Athena’s heart raced painfully as a whirlwind of emotions swirled within her.

Betrayal clung to her like a heavy fog, thickening the air around her. Aiden, the one person she thought she could trust more than anyone else, had kept such a monumental truth from her. She had always confided in him, shared her deepest fears and insecurities. To an extent, he was supposed to be her closest confidant—closer than even Gianna.

How could he have kept something so significant from her? The thought of it gnawed at her core, making her stomach turn, making her nauseous.

She felt small, foolish even, for thinking that their bond was unbreakable no matter what. For the very foundations of their friendship felt like they were crumbling beneath her.

How could he do this to her, after all they have been through? Was he among those that had made this decision? Did he kill Scarlet too?

As the silence hung thick between them, Aiden shifted on the bed, trying to gather his thoughts, yet they kept escaping him as the second ticked by, as he watched Athena erect the walls he had conquered before.

His brow furrowed, and his mouth opened as if he were about to speak, but the words never left his lips. But the way he hesitated only further fueled Athena’s anger.

She cussed and looked away from him. She couldn’t let him see how deeply this hurt her. With a fierce determination, swallowing painfully, she backed away from him, rising abruptly from the bed.

"I can’t... I can’t do this right now," She said, her voice shaking slightly, betraying the tempest of emotions inside.

"Athena, wait!" Aiden called after her as she turned away, his voice tinged with urgency.

She ignored him, moving away from the bed and crossing to the other side of the room, trying to put distance between them. Her heart pounded as her mind raced. He had known the entire time, yet he had smiled with her like he didn’t. Had he been part of the plan?

The anger in her chest flared hotter at the thought. Did he betray her just like everyone else?

"Athena!" Aiden’s voice grew louder, filled with desperation. "I can explain! I swear I didn’t mean to betray you! Please..."

She turned, but all she could feel was the sharp sting of betrayal laced with disillusionment. "It’s too late for explanations now," She replied, her back turned to him once again. "Just leave me alone." The resolve in her voice was strong, but deep down, she felt a flicker of sorrow battling against the fiery anger.

"Athena!" Aiden continued, undeterred. He rose from the bed, taking a step toward her, ignoring her protests. "I found out later. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid of how you would take it. It was why I even quit. I thought giving you time would be—"

expression one of disbelief mixed with fury. "You thought giving me time was the answer? You’re treating me like I’m fragile, like I can’t handle the truth! I deserved to know! I

her, but she took a step back,

a matter of fact, there have been others just like this..." A heavy pause. "Just.Get.Out. Just get out of

feeling a mix of righteousness and fear

it’s late! Can we at least talk about this?" Aiden’s tone shifted to pleading, desperation evident in his

Athena shouted. "I don’t want to see

the chilling look in her eyes told him everything. He finally relented, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright. But

sorry." He muttered, standing by

for that, old man.

evilly as she noted him tense up, right before he walked out of the room,

the door closed behind him, a numbness enveloped her. The silent room felt colder without him, and she felt lost,

to the ground, collapsing in on herself. Tears streamed

dead friend, and for a lost friendship. Once emptied, she slowly wiped her face and collected her thoughts.

up her phone with trembling hands, she opened her contacts list, scrolling

in

of the line was all the answer she needed. Before the Boss could say anything, she ended

then called Shawn

calls were short, filled with quick exchanges. Her heart sank deeper with each conversation, as her former partners confirmed

course we didn’t tell you, Athena. We didn’t want to add to your stress,"

why everyone decided

trying to keep you safe!" Eric

the truth!" Athena shouted, cutting him off, her anger boiling over. "I don’t

more agonizing exchanges, she ended the calls, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed in

decisions crushed her, and she didn’t want to be associated with any of them. So, with a resolve set in pain, she decided to block their

silence engulfed her once again. She was left alone with her thoughts, the darkness of the room creeping in. The pain felt unbearable, and all she could do

atmosphere of despair. She quickly wiped her eyes, gathered her composure, and attempted to tidy her appearance. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to

a mixture of concern and confusion. What