chapter 5 : Accident

Inside the taxi, she leaned her shoulder against the window, her gaze secured on the blurry city lights passing by. Sadness consumed her, and her thoughts oscillated between the shocking revelation she had just witnessed and memories of her relationship with Orion, and She recalled the early days when Orion would bring her bouquets of flowers and Necky seemed to be nothing more than his childhood friend. There were moments when she would spot Orion and Necky sharing affectionate gestures, a kiss on the cheek, or an intimate conversation, but she dismissed them as signs of their deep friendship. Athena recalled the occasion when Necky was tearful and Orion offered her comfort, claiming it was a joy for their upcoming marriage.

Despite the physical abuse she endured, Athena had loved Orion with all her soul. She held onto the hope that he would change and return to the days when she felt his genuine love. However, the painful truth had been revealed. Behind the love and sacrifice she had given, there had been a secret relationship between Orion and Necky all along. The realization pierced her heart, shattering the remnants of her love and trust. She had gained her freedom from Orion's control, but the pain of his betrayal still cut deep.

Athena's emotions mingled with the relentless rain, both outside and within her. The road ahead seems uncertain, and the weight of her hurt and disillusionment bore heavily on her soul.

"Ma'am, I don't want to ruin your moment, but where exactly do you want to go?" the taxi cab driver asked as they came to a stop in the traffic.

"Just keep going straight. " Athena replied, using her hands to wipe away the tears streaming down her face.

"Alright. " the taxi driver acknowledged.

As the traffic lights turned green, the driver proceeded straight towards an unknown destination. Suddenly, the piercing sound of police sirens and the screeching of tires filled the air as a truck rapidly approached from the side. Athena's vision blurred as bright lights closed in on them, and a deafening horn blared. The impact was jarring, causing the car to roll over and over, the world around them spinning in slow motion. Glass shattered, and the scene became a chaotic whirlwind.

When the disorientation subsided, Athena found herself still inside the overturned car. The driver was unconscious in his seat, and she could feel the pain seeping through her body as she attempted to move. With great effort, she crawled towards the door, using her hands to steady herself. Gripping the door tightly, she managed to pull herself up, surveying the aftermath of the devastating accident. Multiple cars, including police vehicles, were mangled and scattered across the scene.

Amidst the cacophony of cries, shouts, car alarms, and police sirens, Athena struggled to maintain her focus. She looked around and noticed an old man slowly crawling on the ground begging for help before collapsing. Determined, she pushed through the pain and fought to take her first steps. Supporting herself against the wreckage, she approached the dying old man, stumbling over lifeless bodies in the process. Finally reaching his side, she gently turned him over and leaned closer to listen for signs of life. No breath escaped his lips, and his pulse was absent. Her bloodied hands trembling, she placed them on his chest, desperately trying to revive him. Push after push, she gave him rescue breaths, but still, there was no response. With determination, she persisted, trying again and again, until, miraculously, the old man's hand grasped her hand, and he took a deep, life-giving breath. Relief washed over Athena, but as she looked around, her vision began to darken, and her body gave way, passing out onto the ground.

*

Athena blinked her eyes repeatedly, trying to clear her blurry vision. As the room came into focus, she realized she was surrounded by medical equipment. She glanced down and noticed she was dressed in a patient robe, with an IV line attached to her right hand. She gently touched her forehead, feeling a slight headache. Attempting to sit up, she discovered her body felt heavy and weak.

The door swung open, and a doctor and nurse entered the room. "Hello, Mrs.Chrushvan. It's good to see you awake," the doctor greeted her. He inquired about any lingering pain and asked her to test her range of movement. After assessing her condition, another person entered the room—a white-haired old man wearing a navy blue blazer and chinos, seated in a powered wheelchair.

"How is She?" the old man asked the doctor, while the doctor conversed with the nurse, holding a medical chart.

"Good morning, Mr. Weltons. No Issues. No Complications. She's definitely progressing well, but we need to keep her under observation for a few more days or weeks before considering her discharge. However, there is a high possibility she may be able to leave this hospital in just a week." the doctor replied before a nurse enter the room and called him and excused himself "Excuse me. Mr. Weltons. I've to check the other patients. "

"Thank you. " The old man turned to Athena, "Hello, Athena. How do you feel?"

"I'm sorry...Mister. Do I know you?" Athena asked, looking at him with confusion.

"No, But you saved my life. I'm Seymour Weltons, I too was involved in the terrible vehicular accident. " the old man introduced himself.

Athena's gaze wandered, and she asked, "Where is Elaine?"

"Who's Elaine?" Mr. Weldon inquired, puzzled.

"She's my friend. She was supposed to be here. " Athena replied,

"I'm sorry, I don't know anything about your friend. But my secretary has already given your husband an update on your condition, the sad thing is he hasn't visited you here even once. However, please stay calm—I will take care of your medical expenses. " Mr. Weltons assured her.

Athena paused, contemplating for a moment, before responding, "I better go. Thank you for your help." With determination, she forced herself to sit up, causing the old man to shift backward in his wheelchair.

"In any case, you're in D.C. now, and you must be in good health before returning to New York. To your home. You've been lying here for five months, and I'm unsure if your body can move normally without proper exercise. However, if you insist, I will provide what you need. " Mr. Weltons offered.

Athena remained silent as she discovered the length of her stay in the hospital. Memories flooded back, and she hoped that she could somehow erase them all, but her stubborn brain wouldn't allow it. Her emotions were still raw and overwhelming.

A few days later, Athena was discharged from the hospital, but instead of returning to New York, she decided to start a new life in Washington D.C.. Mr. Weltons supported her decision and even provided her with a luxury waterfront condo located in southwest Washington. However, despite his kindness, Mr. Weltons's wealth remained unknown to Athena.