Chapter 1 ~ A deal

Anthena

"Athena? Did you hear what I said?"

A soft voice pulls me back.

No.

"Yes." I force a smile.

"Great. Don't forget to take the medication," Dr. Anthony says, his voice gentle yet distant, like background noise in a storm. I nod, barely absorbing his words.

I just want to get out of here.

When I rushed in this morning, I thought I was having a heart attack. But apparently, gas can mess you up just as badly. Who knew?

I pick up my phone and dial my husband's number.

Voicemail.

Again.

My stomach twists. That's not like him.

The door swings open, and my heart jumps-only to sink just as fast. It's not Alex.

The disappointment is brutal, cutting straight through my chest and curling in my stomach like a fist tightening from the inside.

Maybe it's just the gas.

For three years, I've had to walk on eggshells, knowing my marriage would end eventually.

A deal that was never supposed to mean anything turned into my prison. Because now, I'm terrified of losing him.

Or am I just being paranoid?

Honestly, at this point, I might as well lose my goddamn mind.

"Athena, how are you feeling?" Noah asks.

"Like I'm actually having a heart attack," I mutter, pushing myself to my feet.

Noah is Alex's cousin. He's been a constant in my life since I married the man

who sets my soul on fire. Like gaining a brother as a bonus.

"Has Alex called you back yet?" I ask, my voice tighter than I intend.

Noah shakes his head. "No. But I'm sure he's just busy."

Busy.

Yes, that must be it.

Busy with work and not...

get yourself

pretending that makes

whispering something I don't want to

the door for me, but I barely take a step before

Because I see him.

Alexander King.

And her.

Leah Woods.

recognize that

blonde hair and green eyes to die

her, I see why she is

from my

that's why he

She's back.

my

Can't blink.

know who I am? Will Alex

through my thoughts like a hot knife

"Athena?"

shock in his

bet he didn't think he'd meet me here. His Jade green eyes look

"Alex." I breathe.

features twisting in confusion. She touches Alex and my

be able to touch him like

a friend?" she asks, her voice sounding weak like she is on a death

pounds so hard I can hear blood

Now, it seems even the secret has a

I even

responds to

dismissed

you doing

words out, a loud scream cuts through the

We all turn.

on

her face-full-blown sobbing, so dramatic it's almost

back! Alex, please make it stop!" She

up, his voice urgent as he calls for

I stand there. Watching.

stunned to

go,"

I nod.

feet remain glued to the

As heavy as lead.

Is this it?

calls again, and I blink up at him before finally forcing myself

walking out

in bed, staring

for it to

For a message.

For something.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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