Chapter 13

ATHENA

A week off work was a lot more strenuous than I thought it'd be. 

I felt so idle. 

Bella wouldn't even let me design and she coddled me like a child. I can't say I dislike it but it can be frustrating when all I've known for the past five years was almost relentless work. 

Despite all of my wealth, I can't remember the time I took a week long break from work. 

Such was the consequences of being so highly sought after and also being solely responsible for all of the company's designs as well as the promise of customization unique to each customer. 

My hand itched to draw, even though I would ultimately be working on Sienna's piece. A woman I can't bring myself to like. 

I groaned for the umpteenth time as I laid in bed in my red, satin nightgown. It barely covered my thighs and it was quite loose around the bust which was quite comfortable. 

With nothing to do, I had taken to being a recluse quite quickly. I spent quite a while in my room, barely explored my own home and never saw the sun for the five days I have been in here. 

I always had a purpose when I left my home, that purpose being work most times or invitations some other times. 

A polite knock seized my attention and the door opened before I gave my attention. 

Bella was a lot more modestly than I was. She had a casual top grey top that covered most of her thighs and I could tell that she was wearing shorts under that. 

Her hair was wet, like she just got out of the shower, and she strolled around barefoot. 

She gave me an amused stare for a few seconds before she spoke. 

"You seem quite busy, ma'am."

"Busier than ever," I matched her sarcasm. "I'm well enough to begin working, Bella."

"It is recommended that you take one week off, ma'am," she replied as she strolled over to me. 

At first, seeing Bella being so informal was a little weird to me as this was the first time we've actively shared an informal space despite all of the years we've worked with each other. 

"You should go out, you know," she sighed as she sat on my bed. 

"I don't want to," I replied with a sigh. "It's  a waste of time."

"Enjoying your day is never a waste of time, ma'am," she replied. "You just need to give it a try."

"Then, you go out," I shrugged. "I've never seen you go out either."

"Great, we'll go together then," she said as she sprang up. "I know a restaurant that I've been dying to try. I hear their food is to die for."

"I'd rather not die while eating," I groaned as I rolled over on my stomach. 

"People die for less," she shrugged. "Dying with a full stomach doesn't sound too bad."

The next hours was basically an insight to Bella's persuasive skills as she relentlessly encouraged me into eventually dressing up. 

I couldn't be bothered to be flashy with my dressing so I picked grey jogger pants and a matching grey top. 

Bella was dressed in a summer dress with a flowery design and a flair that seemed prone to be being lifted by the wind. 

For my safety, we still left with a guard as my chauffeur as we took the thirty minute drive to the restaurant.

Eclipse Restaurants was quite the sight as we approached. True to its name, it was painted a thorough black. It was so dark that the building seemed to absorb light around it. 

I was quite impressed with the theme and I couldn't help but imagine what the inside would look like. 

"Quite a sight, isn't it?" Bella said with a sense of satisfaction in her voice. "This was the first thing that attracted me to it."

"Why haven't you tried it then?" I asked as we both alighted from the car. "You've been in Dradesvow long enough and I am sure you can afford it."

"It seemed like a waste of time," she said with a wistful expression. "A lot of things seemed like a waste of time besides work. It was that way for quite a while too."

I had never asked her, and we respected each other's personal motivations, but it seems like Bella has her own story to tell. 

It may be even worse than mine. 

I wrapped my arm around her neck as I pulled her along. 

"We're here now. Let's just hope their food is as good as they say. It would be disappointing if you waited this long for terrible food." 

She laughed at that and nodded as we strolled into the restaurant. 

The doorman bowed as we walked past him.

"Welcome to The Eclipse," he said in a deep but soothing voice. 

We were immediately met by an attendant who beamed a dashing smile at us as we looked around. 

"Welcome to The Eclipse, beautiful ladies. How many we serve you today?"

"Quite a strong theme," I said as I looked around. 

Just like outside, they were sticking strongly to the eclipse theme. The inside was painted black and every furniture was also black. Soft lighting from chandeliers, candles and even oil torches lit up the interior. It was a cool, but warm ambience and the lighting was just right. 

Not bright enough to deviate from the theme but just bright enough that we wouldn't need to rely on our werewolf sight. 

It was made for werewolves and every part of it reflected the intention. 

"We aim to serve and soothe," the attendant bowed. "I hope you will appreciate our hospitality."

"We can start by appreciating your food," Bella said. "I'm famished."

"You're in luck then," the attendant beamed. "Tonight is the night for our signature dish serving."

He led us to a seat, quickly took our orders while specifically recommending the signature dish which we also ordered. 

"Pretty soothing," I commented as we waited.

"As are you," a male voice replied from behind me before Bella replied. 

I turned around in surprise and frowned. 

"Who are you?"