Chapter 7: Party (2)

Elaine stood up with a bright smile on her face, clapping her hands as she observed her friend walking towards her. " Wow...You look absolutely adorable! I'm stunned! How could you keep this a secret from me? It's such a surprise to find out that I have a wealthy friend all this time, and not just wealthy, but one of the richest in the country. I must admit, I'm feeling a bit envious right now. " she said as Athena took her seat.

"Don't be. Mr. Weltons is not my real father," Athena said.

"It doesn't matter who your biological father was …Look at yourself now But, Really? No joking?" Elaine's smile faded slightly.

"Hm-mmm, Yeah." Athena nodded.

Elaine took a seat, "But how? He publicly announced earlier, in front of all those wealthy people, that you're his only daughter. I'm confused."

"Do you remember the big vehicular accident that happened in New York seven months ago?" Athena asked.

"Yes, I saw it on the news. It was a shocking disaster, with so many people involved..." Elaine trailed off.

"I was one of the victims," Athena revealed.

Elaine leaned back in her chair, taken aback by Athena's words. She took a sip of her champagne, processing the information.

"So, what you're saying is that the reason behind your disappearance is because you were in the hospital for the entire seven months. Why didn't you call me then? I would have visited you and taken care of you. " Elaine said.

"No, it's not seven months. I'm sorry. I was actually in a coma for five months. I was just as surprised as you were when I woke up. Initially, I had planned to return to New York at that time, but then I realized that I needed some space to heal and distance myself from the painful memories. Fortunately, Mr. Weltons, who was also involved in the accident, offered his support and provided everything I needed during my recovery. He has been incredibly kind to me, treating me like his own daughter and insisting that I call him Father. " Athena explained.

"Then why didn't you call me after you woke up?" Elaine asked, taking a bite of beef from her fork.

"Because I believed it would help with my fast recovery from the trauma. Away from the places that could trigger my past memories, away from people who know me and even people I know... I- -I don't know, I just felt like I was just adding a burden to everyone. And sometimes I could just wanna disappear forever, live peacefully..." Athena explained with her lips grinning. However, without her awareness, tears began to flow down her cheeks.

"Oh, um... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked about it. I truly am sorry. " Elaine said, her eating halted as she reached for her handkerchief in her purse to gently wipe away Athena's tears.

"No, it's okay... really. I was just being overly dramatic. " Athena managed to smile through her tears, attempting to reassure Elaine.

Elaine and Athena were engrossed in a lively conversation, enjoying each other's company after the emotional ordeal they had gone through. Meanwhile, Necky and Orion observed them from a nearby table.

Orion took a sip of champagne and suggested, "You should talk to her and try to rebuild your friendship."

Necky scoffed, unsure of the idea. "Hello? Are you still here? I don't know if she can ever forgive me after the way I treated her." she replied.

Orion chuckled softly. "Oh, she's more naive than you think. Look… We managed to keep our secret relationship for two years. If she forgives us now, we can easily deceive her again. Just pretend to have changed, apologize sincerely, and befriend her. Once you're close again, all your problems will disappear in one snap. Like magic." he whispered.

Necky wasn't entirely convinced, but Orion reassured her, "Trust me. I'm willing to bet a million on it. And besides, I'll show you the best lovely dance tonight. What do you think? "

"Are you sure about this? I don't wanna end up looking like trash in front of her. " Necky whispered, taking another sip of her drink.

"Oh C'mon, Just think about the outcome.. if all goes well...We'll remain in the winning stage... Deal?" Orion said with a smirk.

"Okay... Fine. Cheers!" Necky smirked back and nodded.

*

"Did you see that guy at the next table? " Elaine asked.

"Yeah, He's cute."

"Oh no, He's waving at me,"

"It's seems like you're gonna have good night." Athena said as she observed the approaching man.

"Hi, I'm Bronson Wilborgd , by the way. " a handsome man dressed in a stylish suit approached Elaine, his charming smile revealing a dimple on his cheek. Elaine was taken aback by his presence. "Can I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" he asked.

"Me?" Elaine pointed to herself in disbelief.

Bronson nodded, his smile unwavering. Elaine glanced at Athena and whispered, "He's really charming."

Athena replied, "Yeah… I told you. "

Elaine turned her attention back to Bronson, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked.

Bronson laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Absolutely. Don't worry, I won't bite." he said playfully, extending his right hand towards Elaine. Elaine hesitated for a moment before accepting his invitation.

Athena couldn't help but smile, mouthing the words, "Have fun! Take care of her!" as Elaine and Bronson made their way to the dance floor.

Athena felt a surge of happiness as she watched her best friend, Elaine, enjoy her first dance with a guy. Elaine had never had a boyfriend before, so this was a special moment for her.

Just then, Necky approached Athena and asked if she could take a seat. Athena nodded in response.

Necky's voice trembled with sincerity as she spoke, expressing her heartfelt apology for all the offenses she had committed against Athena. She admitted feeling ashamed for her actions and hoped for forgiveness, but understood if it was not granted.

Athena smiled warmly at Necky's words. "There's no need to apologize. I've already forgiven both of you. It was my own mistake for forcing myself to love Orion."

"You're truly an amazing person, Athena," Necky said, gently holding Athena's hand on the table. "Despite they way we treated you, you still find it in your heart to forgive us."

Athena chuckled lightly. "Well, it's all in the past now. Let's just forget about it." She paused for a moment before adding, "I understand that love can sometimes lead us to do terrible things. It can be a powerful force, sometimes even bringing out the worst in us."

Necky nodded in agreement, grateful for Athena's understanding and forgiveness.

"Excuse me, Ms. Weltons, your father is calling for you. " Miss Mylda said.

"Oh, thank you for letting me know. Excuse me, Necky. " Athena said, politely excusing herself.

Necky lips grinning as she let Athena left her, she turned her gaze to Orion who was seated on the nearby table, and gave him a lovely wink. And they both lifted their champagne and exchanged cheers.

Athena and Miss Mylda made their way to the table where Mr. Weltons and other prominent individuals were engaged in conversation. Mr. and Mrs. Chrushvan were also seated at the table.

As Athena approached, everyone stood up and warmly greeted her, showing their respect and admiration. Mr. Brook, a senator in the country, playfully joked about Mr. Weltons still being able to have a beautiful daughter at his age, which elicited laughter from the crowd as he shook hands with Athena.

"Yeah, it was a pleasure for me to meet her beautiful mother during the time when I could still move my knees. You know I could not resist such an opportunity. " Mr. Weltons playfully responded, bringing more laughter to the gathering.

Amidst the laughter, Athena felt a sense of confusion as she wondered why Mr. Weltons had made that remark. However, he looked at her with a smile and a wink, making her realize that he was weaving a story to create the expression that she was his biological daughter.

"I think I've seen you before. Have we met in New York?" Mrs. Durbin, one of the country's top neurosurgeons, inquired, her gaze shifting between Athena and Mrs. Chrushvan. "She looks just like your daughter-in-law, doesn't she, Mrs. Chrushvan?" she added, looking towards Mrs. Chrushvan seated beside her.

But Mrs. Chrushvan was at a loss for words, unsure of how to answer the question. She glanced at her husband for guidance, and Mr. Chrushvan saved her, saying, "Yes, she is indeed our daughter-in-law. However, they are divorced now, and it's a complicated story that we'd rather not discuss."

Mrs. Durbin, realizing it was a sensitive and personal matter, respected their wish and changed the subject. Meanwhile, Mr. Weltons, who had been informed by Athena about her background, was not surprised by the conversation. Mrs. Durbin then turned her attention to Mr. Weltons and inquired about Athena's mother, asking where she lived and why she wasn't present. Mr. Weltons calmly explained that Athena's mother had passed away during childbirth, casting a somber atmosphere over the conversation.

Everyone around the table accepted this explanation and fell into a quiet demeanor. Athena couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions as she observed the reactions of those around her, contemplating the truths and lies that were being woven into her identity.

*

Mr. Brooks was about to attempt to add another joke but a piercing scream pierced through the air, capturing everyone's attention. Athena's heart raced as she hastily made her way towards the clamor, politely excusing herself through the gathering crowd. Her eyes widened in shock as she reached the scene. And the murmuring and laughter entering her ears.

What happened to them?

That's completely embarrassing.

Yeah Bro. That's disgusting.

I feel sorry for her.

What a shame.

Hey let me see.