Chapter 80 ~ Earned it!

ATHENA

Looks of pity.

I detest them—and I'd rather not receive any.

They feel like quiet judgments wrapped in sympathy. Like everyone's saying, "poor Athena", without ever opening their mouths.

Noah and Sloane have been so quiet, I didn't even realize they were still in the

room.

It's only when I feel the warm weight of a jacket settle over my shoulders that I notice Noah beside me.

He doesn't say much. He never does when I'm hurting. But the way his eyes soften, the way he avoids looking at Alex's direction, says everything.

He's angry and is having a hard time keeping that in check.

"Let me drive you home," he murmurs.

"I'll come with you," Sloane says, stepping forward. But Noah shakes his head.

"Stick around. Keep me updated."

A flicker of protest dances across her face, but then I give her a small, tired smile. "I'll call you."

She nods, and I can tell she wants to say something more but doesn't.

I step over to Ariana and pull her into a brief hug, then turn to Giana.

She looks... spent. Like every last ounce of strength has been drained from her bones. She sits on the couch, her expression so far away, her eyes glistening.

A pang of guilt stabs me in the chest.

Alex has always been careful to shield her from stress. To keep his demons behind a well-mannered front when she was near.

tonight, he

for who he truly

I did that.

at least I was the match that lit the

me to the door with a hand at my

a second skin. But

do to his

have I stirred up in this

wave of guilt slams into

come. Maybe I should've let the past rot where it was

what

know I had every right

year, six months

"Congratulations, Dawson! You've

Lin says, her

letter confirming my promotion.

"PGY-2. You've earned it."

it's a gentle, respectful

been on the top of my lungs

first time in over a year that my

her a smile and nod, thanking

paper.

But to me?

sweat,

sleepless nights, endless pages of notes, whispered prayers, and tears

bathroom when

looked in the mirror

girl Alex tried to

woman

But Athena Dawson.

it,

ree

At first, I was afraid and ashamed because it felt like something was indeed wrong

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