Her Rise 305

As Athena and Zaden’s relationship deepened, a moment of intimacy arose one night when Zaden gently asked to kiss her. Athena blushed, surprised by his sudden gentleness despite their past closeness. Their tender moment was interrupted when Zaden hesitated, reminding her that they were in a foreign country and unprepared, which led to an awkward pause.

Zaden admitted he hadn’t thought ahead about protection, focusing instead on wanting to share a meal and reconnect after days of tension between them. Athena, feeling embarrassed and frustrated, scolded him for forgetting and insisted they wait, emphasizing that they were not ready for such a step. Zaden respected her wishes and chose to take a shower, leaving Athena wrapped in a blanket, reflecting on their failed attempt at intimacy.

The next morning, Athena woke up against Zaden’s chest, the awkwardness of the previous night still fresh in her mind. Despite the earlier discomfort, she felt a quiet warmth from Zaden’s respect for her boundaries. After exchanging a glance, Athena told him it was time to pack and return to Vlephia, as she had completed her training and was ready to face Maya’s challenge.

They prepared to leave, and as breakfast was delivered, Athena recalled how embarrassing it would have been if Zaden had ordered protection to be sent to the room. Zaden then informed her that the tickets were booked for their flight home, arranged modestly in first class to respect Athena’s preference for keeping things low-key. This showed his continued consideration and care for her feelings as they moved forward together.

305 The Awkward Night

As their relationship grew closer, it was clear that neither of them was completely satisfied with just that.

After Athena lay down, an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist. She flinched, her breath catching for a second. Then she heard Zaden whisper beside her ear, his voice low and husky. “Can I kiss you?”

Her cheeks turned warm instantly.

It wasn’t their first time being intimate; why was he suddenly acting like such a gentleman now?

Still blushing, Athena gave a small nod.

In the dim moonlight, Zaden could see her delicate face, tinted with a soft pink glow. She looked like a

tomato.

His throat tightened as he lowered his head and planted a gentle kiss against her cheek.

Athena hadn’t expected that. For days, Zaden had been finding excuses to make her stay in his hotel room. She had known what he was up to. Men are all the same.

She felt his lips trail from her cheek to the corner of her mouth, then lower toward her neck.

Her body trembled slightly.

But just then, Zaden stopped. He leaned his head against her shoulder, his breathing rough and uneven. Athena blinked in confusion.

What’s wrong with him?

As if sensing her thoughts, Zaden murmured softly, his voice deep and strained, “We’re not home, and this is a foreign country.”

Athena quickly understood what he meant. Unlike Vlephia, it wasn’t easy to find certain things at night. The hotel didn’t provide them either. Now wasn’t the right time for mistakes.

Besides, she had bigger things to handle–Maya’s challenge was still waiting. Even though her feelings for Zaden had grown, they weren’t ready for having children.

Athena felt her face burn even more. She never imagined their first real moment together would end like this–awkward, interrupted, and unforgettable.

Zaden looked a little helpless. “Should I just have someone send it?” he asked.

Athena quickly grabbed his arm. “Don’t!”

That would be far too embarrassing!

She couldn’t even imagine what the staff would think if they delivered it now.

Athena hit him lightly on the chest and scolded, “Didn’t you say you planned a candlelight dinner? How could you forget to prepare the protection?”

6:17 pm G P p p

Chapter 305 The Awkward Night

Finished

Zaden looked guilty. “I just wanted to have a meal with you. I didn’t think that far ahead.” His voice softened as he added, “We’ve been upset with each other for days. When I saw you tonight, I couldn’t hold

back.”

Athena frowned. “If you’ve held back for days, you can hold it for a little longer!”

Then she pushed him away.

Zaden respected her. He didn’t force her into anything she didn’t want. In fact, he agreed it wasn’t the right time for them to take that step.

He stood up and said, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Athena stayed in bed, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket. She could hear the water running in the bathroom and buried her face under the covers, her cheeks burning.

Their first attempt at intimacy had ended in complete failure.

The next morning, Athena opened her eyes and found herself lying against Zaden’s chest. His arm was still draped over her waist.

Instantly, the awkward memories of last night came flooding back.

After his shower, Zaden had climbed into bed beside her and couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself. The result? He ended up taking three cold showers throughout the night.

Athena only had one comment. You had it coming!

Athena couldn’t help but feel a little impressed by Zaden. He respected her enough to take a cold shower instead of pushing her into something she wasn’t ready for. That small act made her feel a warmth she didn’t expect.

When Athena stirred awake the next morning, Zaden opened his eyes too.

They exchanged a quick glance before she sat up. “Get up and start packing,” she said. “We’re going back to Vlephia today.”

She had come abroad to complete her training and earn her certification. Now that she’d passed with a perfect score and her hand had fully recovered, it was time to return and deal with Maya once and for all.

Before long, both of them were dressed and ready.

A hotel staff member arrived with breakfast, neatly setting the dishes on the table. Athena couldn’t help recalling the awkward scene from last night.

If Zaden had really ordered room service and had them deliver the protection, she probably would’ve wanted to crawl into a hole.

The hotel staff set the breakfast down carefully, then politely left the room.

6:17 pm G P P P

Chapter 305 The Awkward Night.

裁糖

Finished

Zaden turned to Athena and said, “I’ve already asked Tommy to buy the tickets. We’ll head to the airport. after we eat.”

When Athena looked up at him, he added with a small smile, “Just regular first class.”

He could’ve easily arranged a private jet if he wanted to. But since Athena preferred to stay low–key, he respected that and tried his best to make it happen.

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This chapter delicately explores the tender vulnerability and growing trust between Athena and Zaden, revealing how their connection deepens not through grand gestures, but through respect and understanding. Their awkward night, marked by hesitation and unspoken feelings, underscores the complexity of their emotions and the challenges they face in balancing desire with prudence. Despite the tension, Zaden’s choice to honor Athena’s boundaries speaks volumes about his care for her, creating a quiet, intimate moment that strengthens their bond without rushing it.

As they prepare to leave the foreign city behind, the chapter closes on a note of hopeful determination. Athena’s focus on her upcoming challenge with Maya mirrors her resolve to face obstacles head-on, while Zaden’s considerate actions show his commitment to supporting her journey. Together, they move forward not only as lovers but as partners, ready to confront whatever lies ahead with patience, respect, and a deepening affection that promises growth beyond this awkward night.

The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional complexity between Athena and Zaden as they return to Vlephia, where unresolved tensions await. Athena’s determination to face Maya’s challenge head-on suggests that the stakes will rise, testing not only her skills but also the strength of her relationship with Zaden. Their recent awkward night together has unveiled vulnerabilities and respect between them, but how will these feelings hold up under the pressures of the coming conflict?

As they prepare to confront the past and the obstacles ahead, expect moments charged with both tension and tenderness. The careful balance between their growing intimacy and the challenges they face will likely bring surprises, forcing them to navigate not just external threats but also their own fears and desires. Emotions will run high, and choices made now could reshape their futures in unexpected ways.

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.