~REID
"Who are you to give me orders?" I seethed, the question dripping with an annoying tone. My eyes bore into hers and I could see the feeling of regret taking over her face. My gaze flickered from her brown orbs to the green ones, a deep-seated longing settled itself in my heart and it made me realize how much I had missed looking into those eyes of hers.
Athena's eyes locked onto mine again and I could see the vulnerability in them, a deep well of emotion that made the compartment I had built in my chest crack. "P-please." she begged with a soft pleading voice as tears fell down her cheeks.
Something about her words, her expression, made a fissure that spread through my entire being. Immediately, my grip on her waist loosened as I pulled away from her as if she had burnt me, the sudden movement leaving us both breathless.
"Okay." I agreed, my voice still firm but with a hint of softness. "Clean your face up and let's return back to the sitting room."
She nodded, using a tissue to wipe away the tears on her cheek before disposing them into the bin. I interlaced our hands before staring down at her for brief moment. "Don't forget to act like we're in love, hm?" I reminded her.
Athena nodded as her eyes still shone with tears but a small smile played on her lips, a radiant beam of sunshine that illuminated the darkness. I pulled her closer, my arm wrapping around her waist as we walked back to the sitting room where my mother was patiently waiting.
As we walked back to the ground floor, I could feel Athena's eyes boring into the sides of my skull and I knew she was trying to gauge my reaction. I kept my expression neutral but inside, I was seething underneath this façade because I didn't like being told what to do, especially not by someone like Athena and I didn't believe I had succumbed to her plea. It was probably her way to get more intel about me by keeping me at eye's watch.
My mother gave us a knowing smile as she saw us approached her. She needs to get her mind out of the gutter because if I had fucked Athena, she would be bedridden and rendered immobile for a while.
Mama was as elegant as ever, her eyes laced with inquisitiveness as she glanced at Athena and then me. I tried to give a convincing smile but I wasn't good with things like these. Athena on the other hand was a little bit too good at this, she played along so well as she met my eyes with the smile that never faltered off her lips. I pulled Athena closer to me, my arm wrapping around her waist like a gentle promise as I tried to make the situation as natural as possible.
My mother, however, was not to be deterred. She took a step forward with her eyes fixated on us. "Tell me, what do you both want for the future? I mean, what's the plan? Are you two thinking of settling down soon?"
As she spoke, she gestured with her hands with her fingers fluttering like a bird in flight and I knew she was genuinely interested. Athena, sensing the same thing, looked up at me and I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. I gave her a reassuring smile and took over, my voice smooth and confident.
"Well, Mama, we're thinking of traveling the world, experiencing new things and just enjoying each other's company. You know, the usual stuff." I paused, my eyes settled onto Athena's and I could feel the tension between us as she turned rigid in my arms.
My mother's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing as she nodded. "That sounds lovely, dear. But what about children? Do you see yourselves having a family soon?" Her voice was gentle but I could sense the underlying curiosity, the desire to know if we were truly committed to each other as we had appeared to be.
Athena's eyes widened and I could feel her stiffen beside me once more, at this point I didn't even know if she was breathing or not. I laughed as I tried to deflect the attention. "Mama, we're not even married yet. Let's take things one step at a time, okay?" My voice was light but I could feel the tension in my body, the desire to keep Athena from my mother's probing questions.
My mother chuckled, a knowing look on her face as she nodded. "Oh Reid, you're always so cautious but I understand. You want to make sure you're ready." She paused as her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Speaking of which, I think it's time I told you the news. Your father would love to have you both over for dinner next week. He'll be thrilled to meet Athena properly."
As she finished her sentence, I felt my heart drop to my stomach and my grip on Athena's waist tightened as I tried to come up with an excuse to avoid this dinner but my mother was having none of it.
I tried to protest again but my mother held up her hand to shun me. Her eyes filled with determination."No Reid, it's settled. I'll tell your father to expect you both for dinner next week. And please, do try to arrive on time, okay?" Athena nodded and gave a polite smile in return.
My mother smiled with satisfaction as she stood up, her eyes shining with happiness. "Good. I think I'll be in my way, It's been a long day." She leaned in and wrapped Athena in her arms before leaning forward to press a kiss on my cheek. "Be good to her." She whispered.
I nodded as I watched her walk away, her elegant figure disappearing into the hallways of the mansion. The moment she was out of sight, I dropped my arm from around Athena's waist, creating a sudden distance between us. My expression turned cold and I looked at her with indifference. "I'll be back tonight. Don't wait up for me." I said, my voice flat and detached.
Athena's eyes fell and I could see the hurt and confusion in them. She opened her mouth to say something but I turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the sitting room. I didn't look back as I left the mansion, the sound of the door closing behind me like a punctuation mark on our fake relationship.