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...

Athena, get yourself

bite my bottom lip and nod, pretending that makes sense.

something I don't

for me, but I

Because I see him.

Alexander King.

And her.

Leah Woods.

that face

face, bleach blonde hair and green

her, I see why she is his first

from my

why he

She's back.

my throat, but I can't

Can't blink.

know who I am? Will Alex change

thoughts like

"Athena?"

is shock

he'd meet me here. His Jade green

"Alex." I breathe.

She touches Alex and

able to

asks, her voice sounding

so hard I can hear blood rushing in

our secret. Now, it

I even making

to

he's already dismissed me.

are you doing

can get the words out, a loud scream cuts through

We all turn.

is on the

sobbing, so dramatic it's almost

back! Alex, please make it

her side, lifting her up, his voice urgent as

I stand there. Watching.

to speak or

on. Let's go,"

I nod.

remain glued to the

As heavy as lead.

Is this it?

and I blink up at him before finally forcing

out of

I lay in bed,

keep waiting for it to

For a message.

For something.

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