"My mom should be coming in an hour to check on her," I mumbled while looking at my watch.

Kaleb nodded.

"Remember. If anything happens-"

"Call you, I know." Kaleb chuckled.

I nodded before grabbing my bag and coat. I headed outside into my car and started it up.

I was worried about Athena. She'd been distant and not as vibrant as she use to be. She stopped painting, she stopped going to work, she stopped smiling. She blames herself, no matter how many times I tell her that it wasn't her fault.

She avoided the mirror at all cost. She had me take the one down in her bathroom so that she couldn't see the bruising on her neck.

My heart ached for her. I just wish that I could take away the pain she was suffering. Mentally and physically. She didn't deserve it.

The media didn't make it easy on her. They accused her of cheating without knowing the truth. Athena had no motivation to make a statement to deny the rumors.

I wanted to release a statement, saying that she was innocent but Athena wasn't comfortable with sharing yet. So I sat and watch her break down each day. It's crazy how one night, one single night can affect the human soul.

~

I brought the bouquet of white roses into the kitchen and sat them down. It's been a while since I've seen these. After Athena concluded that it was her mother, they stopped coming. But today, one was laid out in front of the penthouse door.

"Is my mother still here? Is Athena doing good?" I questioned.

"I don't know. They've been pretty quiet." Kaleb said while typing away on his phone.

I nodded before walking up the stairs. I slowly opened the door.

"Thank you, Beverly," Athena mumbled. Her knees were pulled up to her chest.

My mother sat behind her as she finished braiding her hair.

"Of course, my love." Beverly smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"I don't know." Athena shook her head. That's the same answer she's been giving. I understood why. She didn't want to process what happened. "Maybe it's be-"

I stepped away from the door. I headed downstairs to the kitchen.

"What can I do Kaleb? I just, I don't know."

"Just make everything normal again. Don't bring up the situation, just act normal."

I nodded. My mother and Athena walked into the kitchen.

"I'm heading out for a meeting with your father. We're supposed to be doing business with a marketing executive in Puerto Rico. Love you all! Call me if you need me."

She headed out the door. Athena picked up the white bouquet from the counter.

"That was outside the door."

She picked the note and opened the card. "My Greek goddess, sorry for the delay of my flowers. When Athena, the goddess of wisdom authority was questioned, she turned Medusas hair into snakes. Be strong like her. Love, someone who loves you."

Athena angrily took the bouquet and notecard and tossed them in the trash.

"If my mother loved me, not hiding behind notecards." She huffed before angrily storming back up the stairs.

"I'll be in my office if you need anything."

Hours passed by and Kaleb was finished preparing dinner. I sat at my usual spot. Athena slowly pushed around her food while staring at it.

"I didn't poison it." Kaleb chuckled.

"I know." Athena sighed.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up. I sighed while answering it.

"Hello, mom."

"Tobi! Bad news, your father has to do business in Milan and he can't make it to the meeting in Puerto Rico. He needs you to attend in his place."

"Mom, I'm focused on my winery. I can't do his record label business right now."

"No this is for the marketing company which you still have a seat in. You have to Tobias. He's pushed off this meeting so many times."

"Fine."

"Athena needs to go as well. I know she's not up for it, but I was supposed to be his escort. Mr. Sanchez set up a dinner and it would be rude to not fill that spot."

"Alright, mother."

"Okay, plane leaves in ten hours."

Extremely sorry for this short chapter, but the next one will be coming out soon in Tobias' POV. Thank you guys for letting me hit 2k!!!! Love y'all, and happy reading.