"Is that how you welcome your fiance?"

Athena froze. His words sounded like a rather slap to her face.

"What's wrong? Why do you look so surprised?" Angelo asked as his fingers trailed along her jaw before they tightened around it.

Athena winced when he gripped her jaw tighter, refusing to show any sign of letting it go.

"Why did you run from the hospital after seeing me? Do I scare you that much?" He looked deeply into her tearful eyes, watching her every movement as she showed nothing but intense fear in them.

The sight was pathetic but he was liking it even more.

"Say something, Athena."

"Get off me!" Her voice was surprisingly quiet.

"Do you think you can order me around?" His voice sounded hoarse and his stare was making Athena even more uncomfortable.

'If this is a nightmare, please end quickly.' She kept praying in her mind.

Suddenly, he got off her and adjusted his jacket before taking a step back.

"Tomorrow, I will pick you at 7." He said casually, his eyes never left her trembling form. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he began to walk in the direction of the door.

Athena thought that he was going to leave but he paused at the doorway.

He tilted his head back slightly.

"You are bound to me forever. I won't hesitate to drag you back from the mouth of death again if I have to."

The door was closed, leaving Athena alone with her thoughts.

She covered her face with her hands as she finally let her tears loose.

****************

"Miss, it's time to wake up." Rachel's soft voice reached Athena's ears.

She slowly opened her eyes and found Rachel crouching down in front of her and shaking her shoulder lightly.

Athena frowned and sat up. She looked around herself as last night's event replayed in her mind. After her breakdown last night, she fell asleep on the floor.

"Was A-angelo here yesterday?"

Rachel visibly paled at her question but she answered with hushed voice.

"Yes. Mr. Riccardo had a meeting with Master Romeo and Vittorio."

Athena clenched her fingers tightly.

'So it is true, huh? I'm really stuck in some parallel universe.'

But why?

"Is he really my fiance?"

Rachel looked visibly uncomfortable but she nodded softly.

"Miss, you have to go to school back today."

School?

Right!

Athena hurriedly stood up.

"Miss?" Rachel was confused. She had never seen Athena looking so eager and energetic at the mention of school.

'I need to meet Max. And there will be Brittany and others too.' With this thought in mind, she became even more determined.

'But what if they all have changed too?'

The thought grew unease in her heart.

Suddenly, she paused.

'Stephan...He will be there.'

"Miss, I have prepared your bath."

Rachel's voice rang in her ears. Athena nodded absentmindly and made her way into the bathroom.

Few minutes later, she came out and saw that Rachel had prepared her uniform. She put it on and brushed her hair. After putting her shoes on, she grabbed her book bag and rushed out of the room.

But as soon as she took a step out, she almost bumped into someone.

She looked up at Vittorio. It looked like he was passing by her room.

"Don't you know how to use your fucking eyes?!" He scolded her.

Athena noticed this particular detail with her heavy heart that Her Vittorio was always playfully rude but this Vittorio sounded too harsh and the hatred and annoyance flickering in his eyes, hurt her even more.

She took a step back with her hands clenching the fabric of her skirt.

He left without throwing her another look.

Athena slumped back against the door and breathed in few times to calm her mind.

Then, she rushed downstairs.

Romeo who was standing near the dining hall watched as she came running down the stairs. His phone rang and he left through the front door.

Athena looked at his back for a moment before heading straight in the dining room.

The maids served her breakfast and Rachel informed her that her chauffeur was going to bring her to school.

She had had her breakfast in silence but her thoughts were everywhere. She finally allowed her mind to relax when she arrived at the school.

Taking a deep breath in, she stepped out of the car.