Athena couldn’t even muster the strength for a fake smile. She stood there, frozen, until Emmett finally noticed the change in her demeanor. His attention shifted, and he hurriedly cut off Aliana’s words.
“Don’t you have work soon? Shouldn’t you be leaving?”
Aliana’s expression shifted, a cold snort escaping her lips before she walked into the bathroom. As she passed by Athena, she didn’t miss the chance to mock.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Athena. Not everyone expresses love the same way. My fiancé, for instance, loves me so deeply that he’s willing to pour all his time and money into me.”
With that, Aliana stormed out, leaving the two of them in an uncomfortable silence.
Emmett, clearly flustered, reached for Athena’s hand and kissed it gently, his voice filled with urgency.
“Athena, let me explain…”
“There’s no need,” Athena interrupted, her voice calm yet distant.
“Everyone expresses love differently, I understand,” she continued, her eyes never leaving his. “I know you’re busy, so you don’t have time for me. But I also know…”
Athena’s words faltered as the weight of her emotions hit her. She paused, swallowing the pain, before finishing quietly, “I know you love me.”