The cab slowed at the café entrance and came to a stop.
The door opened.
The moment Athena stepped out, her eyes lifted—and froze.
Stephan.
Her chest tightened instantly. Before she could stop herself, her gaze snapped to Madeline, sharp and accusing.
"What's wrong?" Madeline asked, confused.
Athena's voice was low, edged with betrayal. "Why did you bring me here?"
Madeline's face fell. "It's not what you think."
Athena let out a hollow laugh. "What do I think?" She shook her head. "You know what—forget it. I'm leaving."
She turned and took two steps away.
"Athena."
Madeline's voice wasn't loud. It didn't need to be. There was something fragile in it—almost pleading—that stopped Athena mid-stride.
"At least talk to him," Madeline said softly. "I'm not forcing you to get back together with him. I just… I need you to tell him the truth. Whether you've decided to move on or not. I hate watching both of you fall apart because of feelings you're too scared to face. Please. Just this—do it for me."
Athena closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. When she turned back, the anger had dulled into exhaustion.
"Okay," she said quietly. "I'll talk to him. But promise me something."
Madeline nodded instantly. "Anything."
"No matter what decision I make… you'll support it."
"I promise," Madeline said without hesitation.
Athena nodded. "Wait here. I'll be right back."
"Take your time."
Inside the café, the air felt heavier.
Athena walked in and sat across from Stephan. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. They simply looked at each other—two people who knew every line on the other's face, now separated by an invisible wall.
Finally, Athena broke the silence.
"Hi."
"Hi," Stephan replied, his voice barely steady.
She folded her hands. "So… what did you call me out here for?"
"I missed you."
The words landed softly—and painfully.
Athena stared at him for a while before speaking again. "Is that the only reason?"
Stephan sighed, rubbing his hands together. "Do you still think there's a possibility for us? Or… can we at least be friends like before?"
Athena lowered her gaze. "No."
Stephan leaned forward slightly. "Why?"
She didn't look up. "You already know the reason. Don't ask questions you know the answers to."
"Are you really willing to end us just because my surname is Black?" His voice cracked. "Is it something I had the right to choose? Did I get to choose my parents?"
Athena finally met his eyes—eyes filled with pain she wished she didn't recognize.
"Even if I ignore everything," she said slowly, "and I actually date you—how do you expect me to face my late father, whose blood is on your father's hands? Or my mother and brother, whose fate I don't even know? Your parents destroyed my family, Stephan. And you want me to love you with an open heart?"
"Can't you just forget the past?" he asked desperately. "Can't we move on?"
She laughed softly, bitterly. "That's easy for you to say." Her eyes darkened. "The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. You've become selfish—just like them."
She leaned forward. "Put yourself in my shoes. Imagine your family was destroyed by someone. And then their child asks you to love them. Would you do it?"
"But you promised you'd never leave me," he whispered.
"Don't guilt-trip me," Athena said firmly. "Answer the question. If it were you—would you do it?"
Stephan clenched his jaw. "…No."
"That's your answer," Athena said quietly. "The moment you became a member of the Black family, it became impossible for us. It's better if you forget everything about us."
"It's not easy," he said.
She smiled faintly, tears gathering. "Do you think it's easy for me? Those memories… do you think I can forget them just because I want to? I can't. But I still have to try."
"Can I ask you for one last thing?" Stephan said.
"What is it?"
"My whole life, I prayed to God to let me meet my parents. Now that I finally have them… can you forgive them? Forget everything they did—to you?"
Athena's tears fell freely now, streaking down her cheeks.
"I love my parents the same way you love yours," she said through her sobs. "And just like you would protect them… I will spare no effort in avenging mine."
She stood, picked up her bag, and walked out—each step tearing something loose inside her.
Behind her, Stephan remained seated.
And for the first time since finding his family, he realized—
Some reunions cost you the one person you were never meant to lose.