Chapter 112: Separated

Words : 1164 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 112: Separated Athena sighed softly as she watched Kendra and Kathleen cry on each other’s shoulders, their tears glistening in the sunlight streaming through the window. Nathaniel stood by the side, watching the emotional display with an air of detachment that might have seemed cold to an outsider. However, Athena knew better. The intermittent pinching of his eyebrows betrayed the sadness lurking beneath his stoic demeanor. Kendra had become their closest friend, and the impending separation clearly weighed on him. "Kendra, don’t worry. You can visit them anytime you want. You can even do sleepovers," Stella said, trying to comfort the girls while throwing a worried glance at Athena. But it seemed to Athena that Kendra needed more reassurance than that in the moment. She sighed again, reclining deeper into her seat as she realized it would likely take a while for the two girls to disengage from each other. But surprisingly, it didn’t take long. Nathaniel, aware of his mother’s tight schedule, stepped closer to his sister and tapped her on the arm. "Kate, listen to Ms. Stella. We can always see Kendra in school and do sleepovers. For now, let’s go. Remember, Mom has a lot of work to do today." Athena nodded immediately, as if she was the one being spoken to. Suddenly, she recalled the daunting pile of work awaiting her at the hospital. Since opening the doors to the hospital to everyone, including residents from Zack’s town, she had been besieged with work, even with the new hires pitching in. Her mind wandered—what would have happened if she hadn’t hired them? She shuddered at the mere thought, recalling the influx of patients they had experienced since the beginning of the week. It had been one week since the incident, and after quelling the rumors that her children had perished on the same day of the unfortunate event, she found herself swarmed with patients from near and far. She couldn’t comprehend the sudden rush. Did people believe her life was in danger simply because she had faced a kidnapper? Did they think she would be dying soon?That seemed outrageous to her—almost comical. She also remembered that the same thing was happening to Gianna at her workplace. Her best friend, now fast on her way to becoming the best jewelry designer in the city despite arriving only a month ago, had been swamped with orders ever since the incident. It was baffling how people thought. Sighing in relief when Kate finally disengaged from Kendra, Athena stood to her feet and walked up to Stella. "We’ll be heading out now. Thanks for having us," she said, her voice sincere. Stella shook her head. "Having you? Stop it, Doctor Athena. We are the ones grateful for this opportunity." Just then, a male stepped into the living room through the open door. Upon seeing him, Athena beckoned him closer. "This is Max. He will be your driver and guard, too. With kidnappings on the rise, it’s best that one remains safe," She explained, her tone reassuring. Stella’s eyes began to shimmer with immense gratitude, but Kendra, not used to such luxuries, ran up to Athena and hugged her legs. "Thanks, Mother," she exclaimed, her small voice filled with appreciation. Athena inhaled sharply, still not accustomed to being addressed that way by Kendra. For some reason, the little girl was determined to call her "Mother," and Stella had no problems with it. She couldn’t help but wonder what Fiona would say if she heard of this. The thought of Fiona’s possible anger made Athena chuckle to herself. "You’re welcome, Kendra. Just remember to be a good girl," Athena replied, her heart swelling with affection. "I will!" Kendra shouted before turning to Nathaniel. She pouted adorably and then lunged toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist in a hug. Nathaniel, initially taken aback, stood stiff and unresponsive until Kathleen subtly tapped him on the arm, nudging him to react. Athena couldn’t suppress a small smile as she observed the dynamic among them. "Goodbye, Stella," she called out cheerfully as Nathaniel disengaged from the hug and hurried toward the door. "Goodbye, Doc. See you when I see you," Stella returned, her smile wide and warm. Outside, Athena asked the kids if they wanted to return home. "No, we’ll follow you to the hospital. Uncle Aiden is no longer around to keep us company, and we’re not really okay with Mr. Jake," Kate declared decisively. Athena nodded, her heart aching a little. She opened the door for them to get into the car, with Jake already in the driver’s seat. Jake was a competent driver, but he could never replace Aiden—their reliable friend who had called them every day since the event after Athena had stopped him from hopping onto the next plane back home. Behind them trailed a car filled with guards sent by Mr. Thorne. Athena was acutely aware that there were others monitoring their movements from hidden positions. It had been a week since the incident, and she was still adapting to the idea of needing such extensive protection. "Mom," Kate piped up, breaking Athena’s reverie, "the Christmas play has been scheduled for next week. You will be attending, right?" She hugged her sweater tighter around her to ward off the bite of the cold. Athena bit her lip, hesitant. "Aunt..." "Don’t say it, Mom. Please." Athena exhaled harshly and turned her gaze to the window. "I have a busy schedule. I might not be available, Kate." "You made the same excuse last year and the previous years, too. Why is that? We won’t take it this year! Our classmates are all coming with their parents. Since we don’t have a dad, would we miss out on you, too?" Nathaniel asked, folding his arms across his chest defiantly. Athena swallowed hard. The truth was, she avoided Christmas festivities because they brought back painful memories. Her mother had died on Christmas Eve, and she had been banished then, subjected to all kinds of pain during a time when everyone else seemed filled with joy. There had been no goodwill extended to her until she met Antonio, and even then, the memories haunted her. What was the essence of the season? Where was the ’goodwill toward men’ six years ago? "Mom..." Kate pleaded, tugging on Athena’s sweater, her eyes wide and desperate. "I’ll try, sweetheart. I’ll try this time around," Athena replied, though she had no idea how she would manage to celebrate Christmas this year for the sake of her children. Upon arriving at the hospital, echoes of Christmas filled the air—twinkling lights strung along the walls, festive decorations in every corner. For the first time, Athena smiled and returned a holiday greeting from a patient who had wished her well, surprising both her children and her staff. Howbeit, she brushed past them calmly, stepping into her office, pausing suddenly when she saw who was waiting for her in Ciara’s space. Ewan?

Chapter 112: Separated

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