Her Rise 299

In this chapter, Zaden’s passionate kiss overwhelms Athena, leaving her breathless and momentarily unable to resist. However, when he tries to take things further by pressing her onto the bed, Athena’s instinct to escape kicks in, and she pushes him away before fleeing the room with her heart racing. Zaden remains behind, amused by how close he came to losing control, and notices that Athena left her phone behind in her panic.

Zaden uses the phone as a way to reach out to Athena, ringing the doorbell of the adjacent room where she is staying and offering to return it. Athena cautiously accepts the phone but keeps the door chained, expressing her need to rest for an important surgery simulation the next day. Despite the tension between them, Zaden hopes that time will soften her anger.

Later, Athena receives a concerned message and call from her friend Harriet, who noticed that a video call with Teri ended abruptly. Athena, feeling awkward about the recent encounter with Zaden, reassures Harriet that she is fine and changes the subject. She asks Harriet to take care of Teri while she stays in the facility for five more days, appreciating her friend’s support.

The following morning, Athena decides to focus entirely on her surgical training at the facility arranged by Kate, avoiding Zaden’s research institute. Her skills improve rapidly, impressing Professor Miranda Gordon, who encourages her to continue practicing to eliminate any margin for error. Athena’s humility and dedication earn Miranda’s respect, and she commits herself to becoming the best surgeon possible, aware that Maya is waiting to challenge her.

Meanwhile, Roxanne notices Athena’s absence and assumes she is discouraged after a mistake, preparing to send a message to lure her back for another session. Athena’s determination to push forward contrasts with the doubts others have about her progress.

Chapter 299: A Narrow Escape

Zaden’s kiss was so intense, so consuming, it felt as though he was stealing the very air from Athena’s lungs.

Her mind went utterly blank—thoughts scattered, muscles frozen, resistance impossible. All she could do was surrender to the overwhelming sensation of his lips on hers.

But when he pressed her down onto the bed, reality crashed back in like a wave. Instinctively, she shoved him away with all the strength she could muster and bolted from the room, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

Zaden sat up slowly, the sound of the door slamming echoed sharply through the quiet space. A faint, helpless smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He had come dangerously close to losing control just now.

It all stemmed from their earlier argument. The moment he saw Athena again, he was drawn to her irresistibly—wanting to be near her, to claim her as his. But she had rejected him, pushing him away before fleeing.

His eyes flicked down to the phone lying abandoned on the floor.

In her panic, Athena had left it behind.

A small, crooked smile spread across Zaden’s face as he picked up the device and stepped out into the hallway. He pressed the doorbell of the room next door and waited patiently for a response.

“Athena, your phone’s still here. Don’t you want it back?” he called softly.

After a long moment, the door creaked open just a crack, still secured by the chain, as if she suspected him of some mischief.

Zaden slipped the phone through the narrow gap.

“It’s late,” came Athena’s hurried voice. “I need to rest. I have another surgery simulation tomorrow.”

Before he could say anything else, the door shut firmly in his face. He stood there, shaking his head with quiet amusement.

Thankfully, he had insisted she stay in the room next to his. Maybe by morning, her anger would have softened.

Inside her room, Athena leaned back against the door, pressing a hand to her forehead as her heart continued to race. The air felt thick with tension and unresolved feelings.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message from Harriet.

“Hey, Athena, why did the video call cut off? Did something happen between you and Zaden?” the text read.

Just as Athena reached to reply, her phone rang. Harriet’s name flashed across the screen, her voice tinged with worry the moment Athena answered.

“Athena, are you okay?” Harriet’s concern was clear. “Teri was on a video call with you, and it ended abruptly. Did something happen over there?”

Athena froze, the memory of the recent encounter flooding her mind. Her cheeks flushed with awkwardness.

Luckily, Harriet couldn’t see her expression. Clearing her throat, Athena forced a calm tone. “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

She added with a hint of guilt, “Maybe the signal was bad.”

Harriet’s voice remained uncertain but she didn’t press further. Muttering something to herself, she smoothly shifted the conversation.

Taking the opportunity, Athena quickly changed the subject. “I’ll be staying here for another five days. Please take good care of Teri for me.”

“Of course!” Harriet responded immediately. “Teri’s like family to me. Even if you didn’t ask, I’d still look after her. You just focus on your work!”

A warm wave of gratitude washed over Athena. She silently promised herself to thank Harriet properly when she had the chance.

The next morning, Athena woke early, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

She decided to skip going to Zaden’s research institute today. Instead, she made her way to the facility Kate had arranged for her.

Whatever was happening with Zaden was no longer her concern.

Yesterday had marked her first successful surgery simulation, and today’s session felt even smoother. Maybe it was because she had finally relaxed—everything seemed to flow naturally. The operation went flawlessly from beginning to end.

“Athena, your skills are already at the level to perform real surgeries,” Miranda said, her eyes shining with genuine excitement. To her, Athena was one of the most gifted doctors she had ever encountered. Even after such a long absence from the operating table, Athena had swiftly regained her precision and calm focus.

If she returned to the medical field now, she would undoubtedly make a significant impact.

Athena felt proud but far from satisfied.

“Professor Gordon,” she said earnestly, “I want to keep practicing a few more days. I don’t want to leave even the smallest margin for error.”

Miranda’s admiration deepened. Athena wasn’t arrogant or complacent—she was humble, determined, and laser-focused. That kind of attitude earned Miranda’s respect all the more.

“That’s the right mindset,” Miranda said kindly. “If you need anything at all, just let me know. I’ll make sure you have it.”

“Thank you, Professor Gordon,” Athena replied gratefully.

She dove back into her next round of surgical simulations, determined to make every movement feel effortless, every step instinctive. She knew she had to be at her absolute best, especially with Maya waiting in the wings, ready to challenge her.

And so, she continued, pushing herself relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Roxanne noticed Athena’s absence. She assumed that Athena must have made a huge mistake the day before and was too discouraged to return. Smirking to herself, Roxanne began typing a message, eager to lure Athena back for another session.

The chapter gently unfolds the complex emotions swirling between Athena and Zaden, capturing the tension of their fraught encounter and the lingering undercurrents of desire and resistance. Athena’s flight from Zaden’s overwhelming kiss reveals her vulnerability and inner strength, while Zaden’s quiet amusement and persistence hint at a deeper connection that neither can easily dismiss. Their interaction, charged with unspoken feelings and tentative gestures, sets the stage for a delicate dance of reconciliation and self-discovery.

Amidst this emotional turmoil, Athena’s unwavering dedication to her surgical practice shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her commitment to excellence and growth, despite personal challenges, underscores the chapter’s central theme of perseverance. As she pushes forward with renewed focus, the promise of future triumphs and the subtle tensions of rivalry and support weave together, painting a vivid portrait of a woman determined to rise above adversity and claim her place.

Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions between Athena and Zaden, as the lingering tension from their recent encounter refuses to dissipate. Athena’s decision to distance herself from Zaden’s world hints at an internal struggle between her professional ambitions and the complicated feelings stirring beneath the surface. Will this distance bring clarity or only widen the rift between them?

Meanwhile, Athena’s relentless pursuit of perfection in her surgical training sets the stage for new challenges, especially with Maya looming as a formidable rival. The stakes are higher than ever, and Athena’s determination to leave no room for error will be tested in unexpected ways. As Roxanne eyes an opportunity to unsettle Athena, the next chapter will explore how external pressures and internal conflicts collide, shaping the path Athena must navigate both in her career and heart.

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.