Her Rise 281

In this chapter, Maya is frustrated as she sees Athena and Zaden acting normally together, despite expecting Athena to be angry at him. Maya’s attempts to create suspicion between them seem to have failed, and her anger grows as she watches them leave together. She is determined to take Zaden back and thinks the hospital situation might be her chance to push Athena out.

Athena returns to the hospital and finds Jaylee upset because she missed out on her favorite dishes at the cafeteria. Athena offers Jaylee the takeout she brought, which lifts Jaylee’s spirits. Jaylee is impressed that Athena ordered from an exclusive, expensive restaurant and feels grateful for her kind and down-to-earth boss. This moment strengthens Jaylee’s loyalty to Athena.

Suddenly, Jaylee receives a delivery of a large bouquet of red roses for Athena. The flowers come with a card that reads, “Day One of Asking My Wife for Forgiveness,” clearly from Zaden. Athena is surprised and confused by the gesture, especially since they had just shared dinner. She calls Zaden to question him about sending flowers to the hospital, worried about what others might think.

Zaden answers calmly, admitting he didn’t fully think it through but hopes to apologize sincerely. His tone is gentle, and he promises to be more careful next time. The chapter ends with Athena processing this unexpected display of affection and the complicated dynamic between them.

Chapter 281 Day One

Wasn’t Athena supposed to be mad at Zaden?

Then why did they look perfectly fine? Sitting together, eating as if nothing had happened?

Maya’s pride from earlier started to crumble. She had tried to stir up trouble between them and even hinted at things to make Athena suspicious of Zaden. But now it seemed like Athena might be laughing at her behind her back.

Zaden turned to Athena and said calmly, “Didn’t you say you need to get back to work? Let’s go.”

“Alright.” Athena stood up and walked out. Zaden followed right behind her.

Maya’s chest tightened as she watched them leave. Anger rushed through her so hard it made her fists clench.

Damn it!

One day, I swore I’d take Zaden back.

This whole hospital situation might just be the perfect chance to kick Athena out for good.

Athena took a cab back to the hospital. Meanwhile, Zaden went back to his office.

When Athena returned to the staff dorms, she saw Jaylee sitting on the couch, looking miserable. “What’s wrong, Jaylee?” Athena asked. “Something happen?”

Jaylee couldn’t help but grumble. “I went to the cafeteria just now. All my favorite dishes were gone. Next time, I really need to get there earlier.”

She rubbed her stomach and groaned. “All that I had was two sandwiches and some salad. I’m starving.”

Jaylee always had a big appetite and loved her meat.

Missing out on her usual meal had clearly ruined her mood.

Athena glanced down at the takeout she had brought. She had planned to give it to Jaylee; now was the perfect opportunity to give it to her.

She held out the food. “I brought some dinner back for you. If you’re still hungry, have some.”

Athena worried it might sound like leftovers. Athena quickly added, ” Don’t worry, I order them

TAS

Chapter 281 Day One

specifically for you. I didn’t touch any of it.”

+8 Pearls

Jaylee’s eyes lit up the moment she heard Athena’s words. She quickly took the paper bag from Athena’s hand. When she opened the food boxes inside, Jaylee gasped when she saw the restaurant name printed on the lid.

“Wow! Dr. Hall, you actually went there for dinner? I heard that place is almost impossible to book. And even if you managed to do that, it’s crazy expensive!“.

Athena blinked, a little caught off guard. She had no idea. Zaden had made all the arrangements.

She just gave a vague smile, trying to shift Jaylee’s attention elsewhere.

Jaylee started eating the food Athena had packed for her, her face glowing with joy. She couldn’t stop smiling. Athena was such a kind boss. She never put on airs and actually ordered takeout for her.

From that moment on, Jaylee silently decided she’d do everything she could to serve Athena well.

Just then, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it!” Jaylee said, jumping to her feet. “It’s probably the stuff I ordered!”

A moment later, she came back holding a giant bouquet of red roses.

Athena blinked at the bright blooms and teased, “Who sent you flowers? Your boyfriend?”

Jaylee looked annoyed and said, “That’s what I should be asking you, Dr. Hall. Who sent you these flowers? Don’t tell me it’s …

11

She didn’t finish the sentence, but the name on her mind was obvious–Zaden.

Still, with their relationship so uncertain lately, even she wasn’t sure anymore.

Athena’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait! What did you just say? These flowers are for me?”

“Yeah,” Jaylee said quickly. “The delivery guy said they’re for you. There’s even a little card attached. You should open it and see who it’s from.”

Athena reached out and carefully pulled out the small white card tucked among the roses.

The card was written in neat, powerful strokes, clearly a man’s handwriting. It read, “Day One of Asking My Wife for Forgiveness.”

Who else could possibly write something like that?

Of course, it had to be my legal husband. But wait, didn’t we just have dinner together not long ago? And now he’s sending me flowers out of nowhere? What on earth is he thinking?

Athena stared blankly at the card, speechless. Then she turned to Jaylee and muttered, “I need to make a call.”

Jaylee couldn’t hold back a grin. She covered her mouth and teased, “Go ahead! I’ll find a vase for these gorgeous flowers.”

Athena quickly grabbed her phone and stepped out onto the balcony.

She dialed Zaden’s number; he picked up almost instantly.

Before she could even speak, his deep voice came through the line. “Did you get the flowers?”

Athena sighed, her tone a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Why did you send me flowers? And to the hospital, of all places! What if someone sees them?”

Zaden chuckled softly. “Didn’t you read the card?”

He stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows in the office. The city lights reflect in his eyes. A faint smile played on his lips as he said, “I’m sorry, Athena. I didn’t think it through. I’ll be more careful next time.”

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The chapter delicately captures the complex dance of emotions between Athena, Zaden, and Maya, highlighting the subtle shifts in their relationships. Athena’s calm composure in the face of Maya’s scheming, combined with Zaden’s quiet gestures of apology, reveals a tender undercurrent of connection that defies the surface tensions. Jaylee’s warmth and loyalty add a layer of heartfelt support, reminding us that kindness and understanding can flourish even in complicated circumstances.

In this moment of quiet reconciliation and unspoken promises, the story gently explores themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the power of small acts to mend fractured bonds. Athena’s mixed feelings about the flowers mirror the uncertainty of their relationship, yet also hint at hope and the possibility of healing. The chapter closes with an intimate exchange that feels both vulnerable and sincere, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in their shared journey.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex dance between Athena and Zaden, where apologies and unresolved feelings intertwine. Athena’s reaction to the unexpected bouquet and Zaden’s cryptic card hints at a fragile truce, but beneath the surface, old wounds and unspoken tensions still simmer. Their interactions may reveal more about their true emotions and the delicate balance they’re trying to maintain, leaving readers eager to uncover whether forgiveness will truly take root or if past grievances will resurface.

Meanwhile, Maya’s simmering anger and determination to reclaim Zaden suggest that the peace between Athena and Zaden might be more precarious than it seems. As Athena navigates her responsibilities and relationships at the hospital, new challenges and emotional trials await, possibly testing her resilience and the loyalty of those around her. The next chapter is sure to heighten the emotional stakes, offering a blend of heartfelt moments and subtle power plays that will keep readers hooked.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.