Her Rise 288

In this chapter, Maya’s persistent determination to win over Zaden is highlighted, while Athena observes the situation with a mix of curiosity and jealousy. Zaden notices Athena’s distracted gaze and gently probes her thoughts, leading to a subtle exchange where Athena reveals her discomfort about a woman staring at him. Despite the tension, their relationship remains steady but lacks deep passion, shaped by their arranged marriage and Athena’s guarded heart due to past wounds.

As they prepare for a meeting with Dr. Windal, Athena chooses to enter alone, masking her nervousness about revealing vulnerability related to her hand. Zaden respects her wishes and waits outside, sensing her unease but offering quiet support. Meanwhile, a receptionist named Lucy Clem approaches Zaden with admiration and flirtation, but he coldly dismisses her advances, emphasizing his focus on the professional meeting ahead. Lucy’s confidence is shaken by his rejection, highlighting the contrast between her usual charm and Zaden’s indifference.

Inside, Athena meets Conrad Windal, the hospital director, who greets her warmly and with respect. Although she maintains a polite exterior, Athena is internally managing her nerves and the weight of her past. The chapter closes with Athena preparing herself mentally for the surgical practice ahead, signaling her determination to face the challenges despite lingering uncertainty.

288 You’re Far From It

Even women from distant lands found it hard to resist his charm.

It was no surprise that Maya refused to back down, returning with fierce determination, intent on winning him over.

Zaden caught Athena’s gaze drifting away, her eyes clouded with thought. Turning to her, he asked with genuine curiosity, “Athena, what’s on your mind?”

She pressed her lips together, lowering her voice to a whisper. “That woman was staring at you in a strange way.”

Zaden let out a soft chuckle.

He had definitely noticed the way that woman looked at him—he wasn’t oblivious. But honestly, he didn’t care. There was only one woman who truly mattered to him.

Still, Athena’s reaction brought a smile to his face. Seeing a flicker of jealousy in her eyes gave him an unexpected sense of satisfaction.

Since their marriage—arranged because of Teri—their relationship had settled into a calm, steady rhythm, much like a quiet lake.

There was certainly attraction, but passion was something that had never fully ignited.

At times, Zaden wondered if Athena’s feelings for him were different from what most wives felt for their husbands. Perhaps the wounds Lewis had inflicted ran too deep, causing her to lock away her heart.

But this trip abroad was revealing something new. Athena did care—more than she let on.

“What’s so strange about it? I didn’t see anything unusual,” Zaden teased with a half-smile.

Athena opened her mouth to explain but then caught the playful curl of his lips. It dawned on her—he already understood exactly what she meant and was just having fun with her.

Her brows furrowed in frustration, and she turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes.

Zaden sighed, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. She was truly impossible whenever she got like this.

Just then, the front desk clerk emerged from the research building. “Mr. Storm, Dr. Windal is ready to see you,” she said politely.

Zaden glanced at Athena, then nodded. “Let’s go,” he said softly.

Athena hesitated for a moment before turning back to him. “I’ll go inside alone. It might be boring in there, so you can just wait out here.”

In truth, she was nervous. She’d always felt uneasy about her hand.

She wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t want Zaden to see that vulnerable side of her. It made her feel exposed, as if she were somehow unsafe.

Zaden gave her a gentle, understanding look. “Alright. I’ll wait here,” he said quietly.

He could sense her tension and didn’t want to add any more pressure.

Athena nodded, steeling herself. “Okay, I’m going in.”

After she disappeared inside, the receptionist approached Zaden with a warm smile and a cup of coffee. “Mr. Storm, I’ve seen your name on the billionaire list. You’re truly impressive—young and successful.”

Usually, people like her didn’t show much respect to foreigners from other continents. But when someone wielded enough wealth and influence, everything changed.

The moment she recognized Zaden, her eyes sparkled with interest.

Zaden responded with a polite nod, his demeanor cool and distant.

The receptionist slid a business card toward him with a practiced smile. “I’m Lucy Clem. If you need anything while you’re here, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll do everything I can to help.”

She winked at him, her voice dropping to a soft, suggestive tone. “Anytime, really.”

Zaden glanced down at the card but didn’t take it. His tone turned icy. “Thanks, but if I need anything, I’ll speak with Dr. Windal. I doubt a receptionist like you has the authority to handle my problems.”

Lucy’s smile faltered, her confidence wavering.

She had always been proud of her looks and charm—whenever she made a move, no man could resist.

But Zaden’s cold dismissal hit her like a heavy blow.

Determined not to be defeated, Lucy lifted her chin and said, “Mr. Storm, aren’t you underestimating me? I’m just as capable and attractive as the woman you came with.”

She clearly assumed Athena was Zaden’s date.

Zaden let out a short, sharp laugh. “I think you’re nowhere close.”

That marked the second time Lucy had been humiliated that day. Her pride couldn’t take another hit. Without a word, she turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, Athena remained unaware of the exchange. She was already meeting Conrad Windal, the hospital director.

Of Acreainian descent, Conrad had been briefed by Zaden beforehand. When he saw Athena, his demeanor was warm and respectful.

In slightly broken Acrein, he greeted her with a polite smile. “Mrs. Storm, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Storm mentioned you’d be here for surgical practice. I didn’t expect you to be so beautiful. I’m sure your skills are just as impressive.”

Athena returned a polite smile but kept her past to herself. Though her nerves had mostly settled, she knew her control wasn’t yet perfect.

The room was quiet, filled with the faint hum of hospital activity outside. Athena took a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next.

The chapter delicately explores the subtle complexities of Athena and Zaden’s relationship—a blend of unspoken emotions, guarded vulnerabilities, and quiet understanding. While Maya’s presence stirs a flicker of jealousy, it also reveals the depth of Athena’s feelings, hidden beneath layers of past pain and cautious restraint. Their interactions, marked by playful teasing and gentle support, hint at a slow but steady journey toward emotional intimacy, even as the shadows of past wounds linger.

Amidst the backdrop of professional challenges and social dynamics, the narrative gently underscores themes of resilience, trust, and the delicate dance of connection. Both Athena and Zaden navigate their separate insecurities and external pressures with a shared, unspoken bond that promises growth and healing. This chapter leaves us with a poignant sense of hope, as Athena steps forward with quiet courage, ready to embrace her path while Zaden remains a steadfast presence by her side.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into Athena’s inner world as she confronts the challenges ahead, both professionally and personally. Her vulnerability, especially regarding her hand, hints at unresolved fears and insecurities that may surface in unexpected ways. As she steps into the surgical practice, readers can anticipate a blend of tension and determination, watching Athena navigate the fine line between self-doubt and strength.

Meanwhile, Zaden’s interactions outside the operating room suggest that his world is not without its own complexities. The subtle power plays and undercurrents of attraction around him could create ripples in his relationship with Athena, testing their bond in subtle but meaningful ways. The quiet confidence he displays may soon be challenged, revealing new facets of his character and the dynamics between the two. This chapter sets the stage for emotional growth and the deepening of their connection, all while hinting at the obstacles that lie just beyond the horizon.

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.