Athena

Chapter 7 - Promise

As the party wind down and the guests departed, Jackson's mind lingered on Athena. He couldn't shake off the feeling of pride and admiration he had for her. The way she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her art... it all captivated him.

He found himself wandering to the studio, where her latest paintings still adorned the walls. He gazed at each one, seeing the beauty and emotion she poured into every brushstroke.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he realized that his feelings for Athena went beyond mere admiration. He was falling in love with her, deeply and irrevocably.

The thought both thrilled and terrified him. He knew that their marriage was still a year away, but he couldn't help the way he felt.

With a newfound sense of determination, Jackson made a promise to himself: he would make this marriage a true partnership, one that would nurture Athena's creativity and support her every dream.

Athena pov

Athena's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she caught Jackson's gaze lingering on her throughout the party. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as he looked at her with such admiration and adoration.

Every time their eyes met, she felt like he was seeing her, truly seeing her, for the first time. And it was exhilarating.

She tried to focus on the celebration, on the laughter and music, but her attention kept drifting back to Jackson. The way he smiled at her, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, made her heart skip a beat.

As the night wore on, Athena found herself feeling more and more at ease in Jackson's presence. She began to relax, to let her guard down, and to enjoy the warmth of his attention.

And when he took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers, she felt a spark of electricity run through her entire body. It was as if the whole world had come alive, and all that mattered was the connection between them.

As the party came to a close, Athena knew that she would never forget this night, this feeling, and the way Jackson made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

Shortly after the party ended Athena's world came crashing down as she answered the phone, still buzzing from the celebration. The voice on the other end was trembling, and the words cut through her like a knife: "Athena, it's about Olivia... she's been in an accident... Oh, Athena, I'm so sorry..."

Time stood still as Athena's mind raced to comprehend the news. Olivia, her best friend, her confidante, her partner in crime and laughter... how could this be?

Tears streamed down her face as she listened to the devastating details. A car crash, a hospital visit, a fight for life...

Jackson, sensing her distress, rushed to her side, holding her close as she sobbed. "What is it, my love? What's wrong?"

Athena could barely whisper the words, her voice shaking with grief. "Olivia... she's... she's in the hospital..." she crashed on her way to her the airport.

The party, the music, the laughter – everything faded into the background as Athena's world went dark. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of sorrow, and Jackson's embrace was the only lifeline she had to cling to.

Jackson held Athena close, his arms wrapped tightly around her as she wept for her beloved friend. He didn't try to offer words of comfort or attempt to stem the flow of tears; he simply held her, present in her grief, and let her sorrow wash over him.

The night wore on, and the partygoers departed, leaving the two alone in the silent, darkened room. Jackson's heart ached for the pain Athena was enduring, and he wished he could absorb some of her anguish.

As the hours crept by, Athena's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by sniffles and occasional whispers of "Olivia" and "how did that happen." Jackson continued to hold her, his embrace a steady reminder that she wasn't alone in her sorrow.

Eventually, the first light of dawn crept through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. Athena's tears had finally ceased, and she lay exhausted against Jackson's chest. He gently stroked her hair, his touch soothing, and whispered, "I'm here, my love. I'm here for you."

In that moment, Jackson realized that his love for Athena went beyond romance; it was a deep, abiding connection that transcended words and gestures. He was committed to supporting her through every joy and every sorrow, and he knew that their bond would only grow stronger in the face of adversity.

Athena's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes still red and puffy from crying. "Jackson... thank you... for staying with me... all night..."

Jackson's face softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "Athena, my love, I wouldn't have left you for the world. You're not alone in this. We'll get through it together."

Athena's gaze met his, and she saw the sincerity in his eyes. She reached up, her hand gently tracing the lines of his face, her touch filled with gratitude.

"I know I can count on you, Jackson. You're my rock... my safe haven."

Jackson's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Always, Athena. You're mine, and I'll be here to hold you, to support you, through every storm."

As they embraced, the warmth of their connection enveloped them, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and support can be a beacon of hope.

Athena's phone rang, she saw Olivia's name on the screen, she immediately answer.

"Hey, Liv," Athena said, her voice still shaky from the night before.

"Athena, , I'm doing alright now," Olivia said, her voice filled with concern. "I know how you much you must be feeling?"

Athena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I'm... I'm trying, Liv. What happened."

I was driving and another car hit me.i don't know what happened after that".

"Well, I am in the hospital, and is actually doing much better than they thought," Olivia said, her voice filled with relief.

Athena's heart skipped a beat. "Really? Oh my gosh, Liv, that's amazing!"

"I know, right? I was so relieved when I heard the news," Olivia said. "And I knew I had to call you right away to let you know."

Athena felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had been carrying around so much grief and worry, and this news was like a ray of hope. "Thank you, Liv. Just thank you for telling me. This means so much to me."

So I am in room 206 and you can visit in the afternoon.

"Absolutely," Athena said, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. "We'll get through this, Liv. Together."

As they chatted for a few more minutes, Athena felt a sense of hope and gratitude wash over her. She was so thankful that Olivia was alright.

"Athena, what's going on?" Jackson asked, noticing the change in her expression.

"It's Olivia," Athena said, her voice filled with relief. "She just called, and she is doing much better than expected.

Jackson's face lit up with a smile. "That's amazing news! I'm so glad to hear it."

Athena nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "Me too. Olivia wants us to visit her in the hospital this afternoon. And I want you to come with me."

Jackson's expression softened. "Of course, my love. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Athena's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Jackson. Just knowing you'll be there makes me feel better."

Jackson wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.