Forgotten

-Chapter 34-

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LEOS POV

30 minutes earlier

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, staring at myself in the reflection. I still hadn't changed from my suit, I was lost too deep in thought to notice. Athena's words echoed throughout my mind. You're the most beautiful man I've ever seen.

I know she was just putting on a show, as always, but I sensed a certain truth to her words. Not to mention, it felt great to hear after she complimented Angelo a little too much. I understood I was possessive over her but it wasn't in the usual way a man should feel about his fiancé. It was in the way where she was mine. Mine to control. She made that so difficult, which made the task that much more fun.

I heavily disliked the lavender tie I had to wear, it didn't compliment my usually dark demeanor. But it made Athena happy, and that's what mattered in this moment. I was mentally exhausted. With balancing the wedding and making preparations to take over not one, but two, kingdoms, my mind was overwhelmed. Plus, trying to find the weaknesses of my pretty little queen. Which is why I'm hoping we find the snake who's been spying on me and revealing my information to Alton. Then I can set up Athena and I's little date.

Someone knocked on my bedroom door, snapping me from my thoughts. Exiting my bathroom and opening my door, I was surprised to see my mother standing there. "Hello, son." She spoke softly, as always. She looked at me and her eyes sparkled, "You look handsome." She meant it kindly, but sadness dripped from her tone. "Mother." I replied, stepping aside so she could step into the room.

She took a deep, shaky breath and I immediately knew something was up. "Mother, what's wrong?" I asked, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. I hated my father, respected him, but hated him. But when it came to my mother, I had a soft spot. She was weak and timid and honestly an embarrassment in the harsh world of monarchy and mafia, but she had a pure heart, and that I respected above all. But, she was the only person of weakness I could tolerate. My Athena also had a pure heart, behind her threats and deadly antics, she was doing it for the right reasons. I respected her for that, as well.

My mother peered up at me, tears brimming her blue eyes. I was always happy I inherited that feature from her rather than my father's cold, dead orbs. "It's your father," a tear fell from her eyes and I was quick to wipe it away with my sleeve, "he's sick." I took a deep breath, "What kind of illness?" My tone remained unchanged. Professional and stern. As always. "It's a rare form of heart cancer." My mother whispered so lowly I could barely catch what she was saying. "How long?" I asked, my voice still unwavering. "Not long." She whispered back.

From all the chaos of planning and messing around with Athena, I'd hardly spoken to my father. In fact, we usually meet to discuss my duties once I take over at least once a month. I didn't even notice that that meeting didn't take place. A part of me almost felt guilty. I stared at the wall behind my mother, "Is that all you wanted to tell me?" I asked, unable to make eye contact with her trembling frame. "We need to move the wedding closer. We need a strong leader now more than ever and your father just can't do it anymore. I figured it would be best if you told Athena." I closed my eyes, took a deep, unnoticeable breath, and nodded. "I'll let her know as soon as I see her."

My mother nodded, tears still rolling down her softly aged face. "Thank you. I know you and your father were never close, but please do stop to say goodbye." With that, she turned on her heel and slowly walked away. Say goodbye. Simple enough.

After finally changing out of my suit into a plain black t-shirt and pair of jeans I decided to find my fiancé. My hair was unkempt and curlier than usual which annoyed the hell out of me. I also needed to shave.

I wondered the halls searching for my treasure when I ran into Aries. She looked terrified to see me, her face turning bright red as she clutched her tablet closely, almost protectively, to her chest. I rolled my eyes. Athena and her soft spot for the weak ones. She would know where Tesoro is right? I mean they are best friends and all. "Where's Athena?" I asked the small, shaking human. "I haven't seen her." Aries whispered. Then she scuttled away so quickly I didn't even have time to react. Strange little thing.

Maybe Sofia would know. I called her up and she answered on the second ring. "Hey there, boss. What's up?" She sounded rather chipper and it disturbed me. "Have you seen my fiancé?" I asked and I could feel Sofia smirk and wiggle her eyebrows through the phone. "Ooo, what for? Secret rendezvous?" I shook my head, disappointed at my longest friend's childishness. "I just need to talk to her."

"No, I don't know. But I can tell the other guards on duty to look out. I'll call you when I hear from of them, okay?" I huffed, "Fine." Then I hung up. Athena, Athena, Athena. Always so much trouble.

Not even two minutes later my phone rang. I saw the caller was Sofia and I let out a sigh of relief. "Where is she?" Sofia responded with a small laugh, "Calm down, chief. She's in the tech department with Aries. Xev saw them together. He did say Athena looks upset, though." Upset? What for? "Okay. Thanks." Then I hung up again and made my way down to the tech office to get this conversation over with.

ATHENAS POV

I still couldn't believe it. The tablet was glued to my hands, my knuckles as white as snow from clutching it so hard. Aries just stared at me with a pained expression. "I'm so sorry, I know how much you care for-"

The door burst open and Leo came walking in. "We need to talk." He grunted and I just stared at him, wide-eyed. His appearance distracted me for a moment. Jeans? Super messy hair? And a beard? What a combination. It was kind of nice to see him so.. chill. Although, the look in his eyes screamed anything but.

"Um." Was all I could manage to squeak out as I glanced back down at the tablet. I couldn't say it out loud so I just handed it to Leo. I watched his expressions change as he read the new information. First shock, then betrayal, then a flash of hurt, then finally, pure anger.

"How could he?!" Leo roared as he kicked the small garbage can next to the door. Aries flinched and I felt bad she had to witness this side of her boss. "I know." I whispered and Leo's eyes shot to me. He came up to and grabbed my hips, yanking me closer to him. "How long have you've known? Were you part of this?" I shook my head rapidly, "I just found out." He glanced down at Aries and recognition flashed across his face. "That's why you were so nervous earlier." He mumbled and she nodded.

Leo's hand flew up to his unruly hair. "How the fuck could he?" He whispered in anger and disbelief and I just nodded, a tear rolling down my cheek. "I know.." I repeated.

Leo turned back to me cupping my face tightly with both hands, forcing eye contact. "We're getting married next week." My eyes widened. He stared at me with complete seriousness, waiting for my response. At least this made my life easier. "Okay." I whispered. He let go of my face and his eyes softened, "Okay." He replied.

Then he left the room. I stood there, stunned. How could everything happen so rapidly. How could everything work so in my favor? I didn't even need to make an excuse now. And all it took was for Leo to find out his father had betrayed him.