Her Rise 282

Zaden apologized to Athena, but his expression lacked any real guilt; instead, he seemed almost pleased with himself. He had deliberately sent flowers in a way that everyone could see, intending to warn others to stay away from Athena. Although she heard his apology, Athena was tired of arguing and reluctantly agreed to let it go, but she insisted he not send flowers again. Zaden then asked what she liked, which left Athena speechless, as his actions felt like an attempt to win her heart, though she was unsure how to respond.

Zaden admitted that his gestures—dinners and flowers—were meant to make amends for not fully erasing Maya from his life, which he knew bothered Athena. He expressed a sincere desire to fix things and grow old with her, despite the misunderstandings between them. Athena, though skeptical of his approach, could not deny feeling something in response to his heartfelt words. When she asked who had been advising him on these tactics, Zaden revealed it was his assistant Tommy, whose ideas Athena found ridiculous.

Athena warned Zaden that such public displays could cause trouble for her job and personal life, and she hoped he would not repeat them. Zaden, sounding a bit disappointed, agreed to be more discreet. Athena softened and told him he could try to make it up to her, but in quieter ways. Though Zaden interpreted this as a chance to win her forgiveness, Athena chose not to argue and accepted the situation, ending their call with a small smile, feeling that perhaps his intentions were not as infuriating as she had thought.

Back inside, Athena found Jaylee arranging the roses Zaden had sent. Jaylee eagerly teased Athena about the flowers, curious if they were from her boyfriend, Mr. Storm. Athena playfully dodged the question, enjoying the lighthearted moment despite the complicated feelings she still held about Zaden and their relationship. Though she was cautiously hopeful, Athena remained guarded, knowing that actions and words often didn’t align with men like Zaden.

Even though Zaden said he was sorry, there wasn’t the slightest hint of guilt in his face.

In fact, he almost looked pleased with himself.

He’d sent those flowers on purpose and tried to make sure everyone could see it. That way, no one would even think about getting close to Athena. It was his version of a “warning sign.”

Athena heard his apology but didn’t want to argue anymore. Finally, she sighed helplessly.

“Fine. I’ll let it go this time. But don’t send flowers again.”

“What do you like, then?” Zaden asked.

Athena was speechless.

“I mean,” she added quickly, “you don’t have to keep sending me things.”

She didn’t even know how to explain it. The way he was acting, it almost felt like he was trying to win her heart.

But just as she had that thought, Zaden continued, his voice low and sincere. “This whole thing really is my fault. I didn’t completely erase Maya from my life, and I know that bothers you. I just want to do everything possible to make it right and earn your forgiveness.”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh softly in disbelief.

So this is his plan? Dinners and flowers are his way of asking for forgiveness?

She started to wonder where he even got these ideas from. Maybe that’s how Maya liked to be treated?

Zaden’s tone softened even more. “I really do want to grow old with you. But because of this mess, we’ve had so many misunderstandings. I don’t know what else I can do.”

His voice was deep and heartfelt, and it tugged at something inside her.

Athena wasn’t made of stone; of course she felt something.

After a moment of silence, she asked quietly, “So… Who’s been teaching you all this stuff?”

Harriet, maybe? This girl always coming up with the worst ideas.

Zaden might have meant well, but Athena didn’t agree with his approach. It was starting to feel like he was invading her personal space instead of improving things.

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to Pears

“It was Tommy,” Zaden finally admitted, revealing the mastermind behind it all.

Athena froze for a second, unsure how to respond. Her temples started to throb.

Tommy!

Zaden’s assistant always giving him the most ridiculous ideas.

She sighed helplessly. “Alright, I get it. But I really hope this doesn’t happen again. Things like this can cause trouble for my job and my personal life.”

Athena knew Zaden understood what she meant.

At least he hadn’t gone overboard by sending the flowers directly to her workplace. Otherwise, by tomorrow, the entire hospital would be buzzing with gossip about her.

Zaden’s voice dropped, sounding a little disappointed. “I understand.”

Hearing the sorrow in his tone, Athena suddenly felt her heart soften. Before she could even think, the words slipped out of her mouth. “I didn’t mean it that way. You can try to make it up to me. Just, maybe, do it in a quieter way.”

“So, you mean, if I do well enough to move you, you’ll forgive me?”

That wasn’t what I meant.

What kind of logic is that?

But when she thought about it, his interpretation wasn’t entirely wrong. If she was letting him try, wasn’t that the same as giving him a chance to win her forgiveness?

Athena thought about it and decided not to argue with him.

Athena sighed again. “Fine.”

Zaden chuckled softly, clearly satisfied. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to work now?”

“I’m hanging up.” Athena ended the call before he could say anything else.

Athena suddenly felt her mood lift. The corners of her lips curved into a small smile.

Maybe Zaden’s actions weren’t as infuriating as she’d thought. When he’d seen Maya earlier, he hadn’t even looked at her properly.

Maybe there really wasn’t anything between them anymore.

Chapter 282 Zaden’s Warning to All

8

8 Pearls

Still, she couldn’t let her guard down. Men had a habit of saying one thing and doing another. She’d wait and see how sincere Zaden’s apology really was.

Athena walked back inside from the hallway. Jaylee had already arranged the roses in a vase.

The bright red blooms looked stunning against the white counter. She was in a cheerful mood at the sight of that. When Jaylee saw Athena return, she grinned. “Dr. Hall, you’re back! Are those flowers from your boyfriend? Are these from Mr. Storm?”

Athena couldn’t help laughing at Jaylee’s curious expression.

This girl still hadn’t given up on trying to uncover Athena’s love life.

Athena blinked playfully and said with a mysterious tone, “Why don’t you take a guess?”

Jaylee groaned in defeat. “Ugh! Another failed attempt. Come on, Dr. Hall, just tell me! I’m dying to know!”

She had always been curious about whether Athena and Zaden were really together.

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The chapter delicately explores the complex dance of forgiveness and trust between Athena and Zaden. Despite Zaden’s somewhat clumsy attempts to make amends, his sincerity begins to shine through, softening Athena’s guarded heart. Their conversation reveals the fragile balance of their relationship, where love is entangled with past wounds and the cautious hope for a renewed connection. Athena’s internal struggle between skepticism and the desire to believe in Zaden’s change captures the emotional tension that defines their bond.

In the quiet moments that follow, a subtle warmth starts to bloom, symbolized by the vivid red roses and Athena’s faint smile. While she remains cautious, her willingness to give Zaden a chance marks a tentative step toward healing. The chapter closes on a note of hopeful uncertainty, underscoring the theme that love often requires patience, understanding, and the courage to open one’s heart again despite past hurts.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the delicate dance between Athena and Zaden as they navigate the fragile path of forgiveness and trust. Athena’s guarded heart will be tested further, and readers can expect to see how Zaden’s attempts to make amends evolve—whether his gestures will truly bridge the gap or inadvertently widen it. The subtle tension between their desire for connection and the shadows of past misunderstandings will create an emotional undercurrent that keeps the stakes high.

Meanwhile, the presence of supporting characters like Jaylee adds a layer of lightness and curiosity, but also hints at the external pressures Athena faces in both her personal and professional life. As the story unfolds, the question remains: can Zaden’s sincerity withstand the scrutiny of those around them, and will Athena find the strength to open her heart without losing herself? The next chapter is sure to explore these complexities, leaving readers eager to uncover what steps they will take next in their complicated relationship.

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.