Chapter 135: D-Day

Words : 1264 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 135: D-Day "Mom, you look nervous." Nathaniel spoke, prompting Athena to gaze at her reflection in the mirror again with a hint of vulnerability. She had been staring at her reflection, looking for anything that could provide a sense of calm before the storm. Upon hearing her son’s concern, she closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. When she opened them again, the remnants of her anxiety had been replaced by a cold, steely determination glinting in her eyes. Nathaniel continued, unfazed. "You don’t have to worry, Mom. We won’t let him win." He grasped her hand firmly in his, as Kathleen took hold of her other hand. Their touch was grounding, a reassurance against the mounting pressure she felt. "We will win this, Mom. It’s a done deal. It’s inevitable." Nathaniel concluded with a confidence that would have warmed her heart, had she not been so preoccupied with her own swirling emotions. He rested his head by her waist, a small gesture that usually made her smile, but today served as a reminder of what was at stake. Athena longed to run her fingers through their hair affectionately, but with both of them holding her hands, she decided to leave it. She rather fought back the nervousness that threatened to creep in again. It wasn’t that she wasn’t prepared or that she feared losing; that would never happen. But the specter of the elder council loomed large, a reminder of the painful memories tied to the last time she had entered that hall. Six years ago, that place had marked the bane of her existence, seeping her life with bitterness and anger—feelings she thought she had buried under the weight of time. Yet here they were, ready to resurface, waiting for the right trigger. In her chest, she felt a familiar ache, not as sharp as it had been those years ago, when the pain had consumed her entirely, but still present, gnawing at her resolve. "Mom... I have a question, quite unrelated." Nathaniel’s voice broke through her thoughts again, and she looked down at him. "What is it, Nathaniel?" She asked, noting the unusual quietness of Kathleen, who had been uncharacteristically subdued all morning. "It’s about the container of drugs you gave to Mr. Ewan regarding his issues. Why do you have it in your possession at home?" Nathaniel’s question struck a nerve—Athena had hoped no one would ask. She had assumed the matter was resolved, tucked away along with her secrets, but it seemed she had gloated too soon. Athena quickly pressed her lips together, searching for a way to respond without revealing the tension it invoked in her. "Is your health threatened, Mom?" Nathaniel pressed further, his concern now evident. She shook her head vigorously, forcing her voice to remain steady. "Not at all. It’s at home because it’s a recent drug I worked on. It hasn’t yet gone to market. Nothing much," She stated calmly, directing her gaze toward the window, avoiding the piercing eyes of her son. She couldn’t bear for him to see the lie, couldn’t stand the idea of him sensing the unease rippling beneath the surface. "Thank God..." Kathleen muttered softly, a thin smile creeping onto her face. Athena smiled back, but her gaze shifted back to Nathaniel, who seemed suddenly introspective. "Mom, I had a nightmare." The vulnerability in Kathleen’s voice pulled at Athena’s heartstrings, and she instantly knelt to draw her daughter close, cupping her small face in her hands. "A nightmare? What was it about, Kate?" She prompted gently, grateful that her daughter finally felt comfortable enough to share what had been troubling her. "Mr. Ewan died, and everyone was gloomy about it." Athena’s eyes widened in surprise, the unexpectedness of the statement catching her off guard. She swiftly drew Kathleen close, sensing the weight of sadness that shrouded her. "Don’t worry, Kate. Nothing will happen to him," She assured her, though the ghost of Old Mr. Thorne’s warning flickered through her mind—a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the truth. "Do you think the truth will kill him today?" Kathleen asked, her voice trembling slightly. Athena paused, her heart catching in her throat as she recalled what she knew about Ewan’s strength and determination. "No. He is stronger than that. He will face the truth, bitter as it may be, and he will make better decisions in the future." Hopefully. "Do you really believe so, Mom?" Nathaniel asked, echoing his sister’s concerns from behind them. Athena inhaled softly, searching for her own conviction. "I know so." She spoke from her own experience, recalling the truth that had shattered her years ago. It had broken her then, but she had come back stronger, forged anew through the fire of pain and loss. Hopefully, the case will be the same with Ewan, because she wouldn’t be backing out because of a mere nightmare or pity. Oh no. She loved her children too much for that. And this court case, in a way, was she rendering help to him, the last he will get from her, apart from the treatments. Her phone dinged with a message just then, the sound cutting through the thick atmosphere. Disengaging from her embrace with Kathleen, she stood and retrieved the phone from the dresser. Two texts awaited her from Areso and Chelsea, wishing her good luck for the case today. She quickly sent them both a note of appreciation, feeling the familiar warmth of friendship bolster her spirits briefly. As she noted the time, a deep sigh escaped her lips. It was time. "Let’s go. I’m sure Gianna has been waiting for a while." True to her words, Gianna was indeed waiting. As Athena stepped into the living room, she exhaled softly, her heart lifting at the sight of her friend. Gianna stood up from the sofa and walked toward them, her arms open wide. They shared a family hug, filled with warmth and love. With cheerful eyes, Athena murmured, "We will win." The words were a promise, a mantra that echoed in her heart. "Nothing will tamper with our family." Gianna and the twins nodded in agreement, their faces illuminated by a fire of shared resilience. "Let’s go then. The court case will be starting in the next forty minutes," Gianna announced, rallying everyone. Outside the building, Athena’s lips parted in surprise when she saw the barrage of cars waiting for them. What is this? A convoy? Curiosity swirled in her mind as her eyes caught Old Mr. Thorne, deep in discussion with Aiden. What is Aiden doing here? She thought, her jaw dropping slightly. Just then, Aiden turned, his gaze meeting hers as though he had sensed her thoughts. A smile broke upon his face, and he made his way toward her with long strides. "Uncle Aiden!" The twins cried in unison when they spotted him, their bright voices cutting through her surprise. They rushed towards him, and he lifted them gleefully into his arms, their laughter ringing like music in her ears. "How have you two been?" He asked, his voice rich with affection. "Good!" They chorused, happiness radiating from them, and in that moment, Athena felt some of the tension on her shoulders dissipate. "Hope you didn’t give your mom any trouble?" Aiden teased as he set them back down on the ground. "Not at all!" They answered, giggling at the idea. "Good." He nodded, before turning his attention to Gianna and Athena. "Hello, beautiful ladies..." He said, with an infectious grin.

Chapter 135: D-Day

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