Athena's Pov

I blew air through my mouth to calm myself. I don't know why I was feeling nervous. There was no valid reason for it.

I twisted the handle to the door of the living room where everyone was waiting for me but I rested to push it open all the way. What was I even thinking?

Was I nervous because this was my first time dressing up for the Konstantinos brothers to judge? Or was I bothered by the fact they might not even notice me? Or did I expect compliments? Or maybe I was scared of their disapproval?

What bullshit? Why are these disturbing thoughts going through my head? I look magnificent! I shouldn't care what they think.

I finally extended the door and stepped inside. All five pairs of eyes fell on me. Today my look was a surprise even for grandpa and Tristan because they hadn't helped me get ready since Zephyr had arranged a professional stylist for me. She had done my makeup, hair and made sure my dress was perfectly tapped to me so it didn't move.

“See I told you she would’ve bought red!” Tristan exclaimed like he's won a bet.

Grandpa chuckled at his excitement and walked towards me. “My princess looks so beautiful today.”

I was still mad at him for his take on some of the decisions concerning me. But he was my family, the only person who had stepped up for me when I wasn't even born.

No matter how many times we fight, I always return back to him. We always forgive each other. So I take his compliment with a smile on my face.

“See it has a corset like back.” I said turning around to show him.

“That looks nice.”

Zephyr was now on my side as I finished twirling around to show off my dress. I stood still waiting for him to get this over with, I neither wanted his compliments nor disapprovals.

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Athena.” He gives me a small smile.

“Thank you.” I awkwardly replied.

I thought his part here was done and I moved to my best friend but Zephyr held my hand to stop me. My heart beat picked up and I looked at him wide eyed, fearing I had offended him in some way.

“This is for you.” He forwarded a small box to me.

“Thank you so much but-” I tried refusing but he cut me off.

“It's your grandma’s. It belongs to you.”

I couldn't believe that the same person who said my relations with my grandmother had ended the moment I was abandoned by him, was now offering her belonging to me.

I didn't refuse again because I didn't want to. I’ve always had a respect for my grandma as grandpa told me so much about how kind she was. Now that I have a chance to own something of hers, I won't let it go.

I took the box after thanking him for it. Inside was a small gold pendant with a green gemstone in the middle. It looked so delicate and sweet.

“It's really pretty. Thank you.”

Just then Hades came to my side with a look of contemplation on his face. “The dress looks so flattering on you but… the neckline… why does it look like it’ll accidently slide off…”

“That’s exactly what Ares was concerned about.” I chuckled. “Don’t worry it's all taped up and very well stuck to my chest. It won't fall off.”

He nods still skeptical of it. “But if you start feeling it's not staying in place then tell me, we’ll get a change of clothes. Okay?”

“Okay.”

That was so nice of him to offer.

“I’ve already told you that this color and everything suits you.” Ares said with his hands shoved in his pockets. Is he trying to reuse the compliment from days ago?

He's been acting so weird ever since I caught him in the basement. Somewhere in me I feel like he's embarrassed of himself but it's much more possible that he's enraged at me. Or it could be that since I know everything now, he’s stopped pretending like he used to.

“Yes, thank you.” I replied politely.

When I finally reached the person I was by far the most excited to receive a compliment from, I twirled for him and his eyes shined as he looked me up and down.

“Oh shit, it's actually you.” He scratched the back of his neck. “I'm not used to seeing you so gorgeous. Almost didn't recognize my best friend of ages.” Such a backhanded compliment!

My eyebrows furrowed in anger and I slapped his arm hard. “We’re leaving you here after the Gala. You're not needed in Greece anymore.”

“Well then I must start finding some hot chicks asap.”

I rolled my eyes and shoved the box of pendant to him. “Put it on me.”

Since I was keeping my hair open, I had gone for some simple gold studs and the thinnest gold bracelet —which one of my ex's got me. My grandma's pendant would be the perfect addition to complete the look.

Grandpa carefully held my hair up as Tristan clasped the necklace around my neck. I corrected my hair back and turned back to grandpa.

“How does it look?”

He smiled with a glint of emotions in his eyes. “Just as beautiful as I remember it to be.”

I couldn't help but hug him as I knew he must be missing his wife. Since Tristan was here too he decided to join us uninvited and almost crushed my ribs so I had to elbow him.

“If everyone's ready we should leave now.” Hades announced.

Since I was walking in heels, Tristan made sure to stay by my side and match my speed as we took the elevator down the hotel. He even lent me his arm which I happily took.

“So is the color of your dress an irony to all the murders you've been witnessing?” Tristan asked as we waited for the car.

I shook my head and gave him a pointed look. “Red is to stand out, baby.”

“Well it is your color and you're carrying it with absolute grace.” As a tradition he always makes fun of my look once before giving me an actual compliment.

I smiled at his words. “Maybe I can reevaluate my decision to abandon you in the US.”

He chuckled and I took a moment to appreciate how nice he looked. He was wearing his dad’s black tux that now fit him perfectly with his hair styled with a few sexy strands falling on his forehead.

I swear if this doesn't get him bitches then I don't know what will.

“You don't look bad either. Stay safe, girls will be lusting on you.”

“Then I should probably hold your hand all night.” He suggested.

“Or I could lock you up in my room to protect you from their filthy gaze.” I said to him seductively.

He scoffed. “They won't even bait me an eye when they find out I'm no aristocrat’s son.”

“That's not particularly true. You're damn hot, doesn't matter if you're economy class. Also, bonus points to you because you're extremely nice. Trust me if we weren't best friends I'd happily do you. Not for sex, not for the money you don't have but because you’re you. You're a perfect guy.”

He kept looking at me for a moment and by then our luxurious ride was here so he silently walked towards it without giving me a reply. I just hope Tristan understood his worth. He's a gem and he must know it.

————

“So here's the plan,” Tristan had his eyes narrowed at me already knowing I'm up to something. “There's this guy, the only son of the host of the party. They're mega rich. I swear if I get with him…” I exclaimed thinking how amazing my life could be.

“How old is he?” Tristan asked, already unimpressed by my plan.

“He just turned sixteen a few months back.” I literally sequel in excitement. “See Hades told me I can date guys my age and they won't be killed. What better way to test this theory than in bed with a multi billionaire in a fancy Gala?”

“Don't mess with these rich guys, Thena. Who knows how dangerous he is.” Tristan said in concern.

“His father did have some questionable articles to his name… but I'm hoping his son's young so maybe he's a gentleman.”

“Maybe… but maybe he's not single?”

“I won't find out till I talk to him.”

“Maybe he's gay?”

“Then I'll set you up with him.”

Tristan rolled his eyes at me. “He’s American. Maybe he likes blondes?”

“I can become one for him.”

“Maybe he’s a playboy.”

“I should at least try my luck. Maybe he's nice.”

Tristan sighed and looked at me as the car halted at the destination. “What's his name?”

“Reign Astor.”

————

“Stay with either one of us or dad.” Hades instructed me and I dutifully nodded. “You too Tristan.”

“Okay.” He replied.

When we entered inside I was in complete awe as I looked around at the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I’ve only dreamed of attending a rich people Gala and I was really here without having to marry a snob.

The guards didn't even check our invitation as they must've known the Konstantinos brothers. Walking alongside them brought me quite many curious looks but I didn't mind the attention.

As we pass the huge doors to the hall, we halt when we spot a man older than the trio walking towards us. He greeted them quite formally, not once smiling or changing his stiff posture.

“Thena, this is Lucius Storm.” Zephyr introduces, encircling his arm around my waist like we're best of friends. “And Lucius, this is my daughter, Athena.”

His lips curved into a mock smile. “Don’t I remember your advice last year regarding…” He acted like he's deep in thought. “I should stop reproducing because each child born from me is doomed to be subjected to this bloody life of Mafia.” His gaze then flicks to me. “I'm guessing you had forgotten you have a daughter at home.”

Zephyr’s mood doesn't shift and I wondered if this is a facade he must play. “I was just stating facts. As far as my daughter is concerned, I know how to give her a life without the restrictions of the Mafia.”

Lucius chuckles in response. “Good luck with that. I hope you get a reality check soon.” He then turns to Ares with a raised eyebrow. “When's your turn? I'm sure you must be planning a child of your own or thinking to make one after the Gala? You've always followed your younger brothers’ lead, right?”

My mouth parts at the clear disrespect he’s distributing like a hag. Surely he knew who they were but he wasn't scared. For some reason I was getting offended for them. But I knew better than to interfere, the brothers wouldn't have digested so much hate if he wasn't someone important.

“Well I believe if you can learn something useful from anyone be it your enemy or brother, take advantage of it.” Ares answered. “I’m sure Zephyr must have something for you to learn as well. Let me think, something like… protecting your family? Your wife ran away with your unborn child, right?” Ares asked with a smug look on his face. “If you had taken lessons from Zephyr, I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have happened.”

Lucius gave him the most neutral of expressions and took a champagne glass from a waiter nearby. “I reckon the day I’d need your help would be when my Mafia’s wiped off the face of the Earth. Which won't ever happen.” He then looks at me again. “It's nice to me, Athena. I hope you enjoy the Gala.”

“Nice to meet you too, Sir.”

After another few minutes of rather unpleasant conversation with Ares and Zephyr, the man finally excused himself saying he had to go attend other guests.

I looked around and spotted Hades with grandpa and Tristan. They were talking to a group of men and a lady who Zephyr told me was the new Boss of Mexican Mafia. Which made me realize even the women here aren't any better than men.

“Do you think that guy Lucius will be gossiping about me later?” I asked Zephyr as the question kept running in my mind.

“His own teenage daughter showed up with twins. Everyone's guessing it's that guy…” He thought for a second. “I forgot his name. They were mingling around in last year's Gala and even now I've spotted him twice carrying her children.” I didn't know Zephyr kept up with the gossip. “I bet no one will be discussing you as much, you can't beat that hot topic.”

“Is that a challenge?” I asked playfully.

He gave me a stern look. “Behave. I don't want any mess ups here.”

My smile dropped and I nodded before noticing Tristan walking towards me and I subtly slid closer to him. I should stay with my people if I don't want to ruin my night.

A whole hour passed with the trio introducing us to so many people that I lost count. Each time Zephyr was by my side to explain that I was his daughter who lived with her grandpa. The other two brothers avoided answering the question, either they didn't accept me as their family or they didn't like Zephyr embracing me when we still didn't know who my actual father was.

There was tons of delicious food. Each time I finished one appetizer, Ares would hand me another. I was flattered that he was taking care of me but I didn't let that overpower my dislike for him.

“I’ll wait here, come soon.” Hades told me.

I gave him a nod before walking inside the restroom. I've had too many drinks tonight, all non-alcoholic —yet. I quickly did my business and when I came back there was a girl around my age standing in front of the sink washing hands of a baby boy in an adorable mini tux.