Her Rise 285

That evening, Athena returned to her dormitory tired but determined, informing Jaylee about her upcoming ten-day business trip and asking her to watch over things in her absence. Jaylee, surprised by the sudden news, quickly assured Athena she would be vigilant and protect her interests, especially against Maya, who Athena considered an adversary. Jaylee’s curiosity about Athena’s personal life grew, as she speculated about Athena’s relationship with Zaden, feeling confused by the twists in their complicated history.

Athena packed lightly and messaged Kate, who responded with contacts of several professors willing to assist Athena during her trip. The support from her colleagues brought Athena comfort amidst the uncertainties she faced. Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Athena quietly left the dorm, intending to leave unnoticed, but was surprised when Zaden called her and waited outside in his car, arriving earlier than she expected.

Despite the awkwardness, Athena loaded her suitcase into Zaden’s car herself and waved at Jaylee, who was watching from the dorm balcony, though Zaden stayed inside to avoid confirming any suspicions. On the road, Athena asked about Teri, and Zaden reassured her that Teri was in safe hands with Harriet. This brought a pang of guilt to Athena, recalling her recent distance from her daughter.

Their conversation turned to the plans Zaden had made for the trip. Athena gave him cautious praise, not wanting to encourage overconfidence, but their exchange softened the tension between them. Zaden’s gentle demeanor and desire for forgiveness hinted at a possible reconciliation. The trip was meant to be just for the two of them, a chance to heal and perhaps restore what had been broken, leaving hope that their relationship might improve when they returned.

285 The Trip For Two

That evening, Athena returned to her dormitory, the soft glow of the hallway lights casting long shadows as she stepped inside. Jaylee was sprawled comfortably on the couch, her eyes glued to the flickering screen of her phone, watching short clips one after another. The moment she noticed Athena entering, she looked up with a bright smile and exclaimed, “Dr. Hall, you’re back!”

Athena nodded, a quiet weariness in her voice. “Yes, I just got in. I’m heading out on a business trip tomorrow. It should last around ten days. I need you to keep an eye on everything here. If anything happens, don’t hesitate—call me immediately.”

Jaylee’s eyes widened in surprise, and she froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. “A business trip? Just like that?” she asked, her tone a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

But she quickly regained her composure, sitting up straighter and declaring confidently, “Don’t worry, Dr. Hall. I’ll stay vigilant and make sure everything runs smoothly. No one’s going to get a chance to pull anything against you—not even the enemy.”

Athena knew exactly who Jaylee meant by “enemy” — Maya. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, but she said nothing more. Instead, she turned her attention to packing her suitcase, methodically folding clothes and organizing her things with quiet efficiency.

Jaylee watched her for a moment, then muttered under her breath, “She meets her boyfriend, and suddenly she’s off on a trip. The man with that kind of influence has to be Mr. Storm, right?”

Rubbing her temples, Jaylee shook her head, feeling more confused than ever. Every time she convinced herself that Athena and Zaden were finished, something would happen to make her question it again. But then, when she thought maybe they were together, another twist would throw her doubts right back into the mix.

Ugh, what is really going on here?

Athena didn’t have much to pack. Her suitcase was small and compact, and within minutes, she had double-checked everything. Before she could close it, she sent a quick message to Kate, informing her about the upcoming trip.

Almost immediately, Kate replied with a long list of phone numbers belonging to several well-known professors. She urged Athena to visit them if time allowed, mentioning she had already spoken to these seasoned academics, and they were eager to offer their assistance.

Athena’s lips curved into a warm smile as she read the message. It felt comforting to know so many people still cared about her and were willing to support her, even from afar.

The following morning, just as dawn was breaking and the sky was painted in soft hues of pink and orange, Athena gathered her luggage and quietly slipped out of the dorm. The corridors were still mostly empty and silent, the perfect moment to leave unnoticed.

She reached the curb and was about to call a cab when her phone rang unexpectedly. The screen displayed Zaden’s name. She answered, and his deep voice came through, calm but urgent. “Are you awake? I’m waiting downstairs.”

Curious, Athena moved to the balcony and looked down. Sure enough, his sleek black car was parked right below, engine humming softly.

He had arrived earlier than she had anticipated.

Dragging her suitcase behind her, Athena descended the stairs with steady steps. She didn’t ask for his help, loading her bag into the trunk herself. Just as she opened the car door to get in, she glanced up and spotted Jaylee standing on the dorm balcony, waving enthusiastically.

Athena couldn’t help but grin. That nosy girl must have gotten up early just to spy on her love life.

Too bad Zaden stayed inside the car, so Jaylee wouldn’t get the confirmation she was hoping for.

Athena waved back at Jaylee before settling into the passenger seat.

Once on the road, she turned toward Zaden and asked, “You’re coming with me? What about Teri? Will she be alright?”

Zaden’s voice was steady as he replied, “I’ve already left Teri with someone I trust.”

Athena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Someone you trust?”

He chuckled softly. “Harriet.”

That made sense. Harriet was dependable. Since Athena had moved out of the villa, she hadn’t seen much of Teri, only speaking to her on the phone. She had told the little girl she was busy, omitting the truth about her recent argument with Zaden.

The thought brought a pang of guilt to Athena’s chest.

As their car stopped at a red light, Zaden suddenly asked, “Athena, are you happy with the plans I made this time?”

She hesitated, about to say yes, but then remembered his earlier words.

If she praised him too quickly, he might grow too confident.

So, she softened her tone. “It’s okay, I guess. There’s still room for improvement.”

Zaden glanced at her, feigning hurt. “Just okay?”

“Yeah,” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “What did you expect?”

He sighed softly, his voice gentle. “I thought you’d be touched. Maybe even forgive me for how I acted before.”

The expression on his face was almost pitiful—like a puppy begging for forgiveness—and Athena found it hard to remain indifferent.

She took a quiet breath, forcing herself to maintain composure. “Alright, fine,” she said with a small, reluctant smile. “If you want an upgraded version, then you did pretty well.”

Zaden chuckled low and warm, a sound that seemed to melt some of the tension between them.

For the first time in a long while, the walls dividing them began to crumble. Things were slowly starting to heal.

This trip, this whole arrangement, was his way of trying to make amends. He hadn’t brought Teri along on purpose—he wanted this to be just the two of them.

Maybe, when they returned, everything between them would finally be right again.

As Athena embarks on this journey, the delicate balance of her relationships and ambitions comes into sharper focus. The quiet moments shared with Zaden hint at a tentative reconciliation, a fragile hope that past wounds might begin to mend. Meanwhile, Jaylee’s watchful presence underscores the undercurrents of uncertainty and loyalty that surround Athena’s world, reminding us that trust and vigilance are as essential as love and forgiveness.

This chapter gently unfolds the complexities of Athena’s emotional landscape, blending her professional resolve with the intimate struggles she faces. The trip ahead symbolizes not just a physical departure but a step toward healing and growth, suggesting that with patience and understanding, even the most tangled bonds can find their way back to harmony.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile dynamics between Athena and Zaden as they embark on this pivotal journey together. Their tentative steps toward reconciliation will be tested by the challenges that lie ahead, and the quiet moments in the car hint at unresolved emotions simmering beneath the surface. Will this trip be the turning point they both secretly hope for, or will old wounds resurface, threatening to pull them apart once more?

Meanwhile, Jaylee’s curiosity and protective instincts add another layer of tension, as she watches from a distance, eager to uncover the truth but unsure of where her loyalties should lie. The subtle undercurrents of suspicion and uncertainty surrounding Athena’s relationships and the shadow of Maya’s presence suggest that peace may not come easily. Readers can anticipate a delicate balance of hope and doubt, with each character navigating their own inner conflicts as the story unfolds.

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.