Chapter 33 THE SHADOW THAT NEVER LEAVES

Chapter 33 THE SHADOW THAT NEVER LEAVES
Athena looked down for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Brian, I think we should go home.”

Brian nodded, understanding that Julian’s presence was starting to make Athena uncomfortable. But before they could walk away, Julian’s voice sounded again, sharper and more demanding than before.

“Athena, when are you coming back to campus?” he asked.

Athena stopped walking. Brian stopped too, but let Athena answer. “Why do you ask?”

“Of course it’s very important.” Julian snorted softly, his gaze piercing. “You just left like that, hiding your whereabouts, even Zara was reluctant to tell us about you. Does that mean you’re intentionally avoiding us?”

Athena turned her body slowly, looking at Julian with a neutral gaze. “I didn’t go anywhere. Just distancing myself from the world that made me feel like an escape.”

Julian choked a little, but didn’t give up. “Including avoiding Asher and Adrian?” he asked quickly, changing the topic as if this was what needed to be discussed. “Did you know they were looking for you and worried about you? They thought something had happened to you.”

Athena fell silent. Brian turned his head slightly, starting to look uncomfortable.

Julian spoke again. “Asher has been having trouble sleeping lately. Adrian even came to Xavier’s house just to ask how you are. But here you are—with Brian.”

“Then what does it have to do with me?” Athena asked skeptically, trying to stay calm. “Are you guys going to blame me for what happened to you?”

“So, you don’t care? Oh, Auree is looking for you too, she’s worried too.” Julian replied quickly, and now his tone sounded almost desperate.

Athena flinched at the name, pressing her lips together as if she wanted to speak, but no words came out.

Brian stepped forward, standing a little in front of Athena. “I think this is enough talk. Athena has the right to explain or not explain anything to anyone.”

Julian shook his head slowly, his expression much calmer now. “Brian, before you marry her… you should find out who she is and what her relationship is to all of us.”

Brian just smiled, remaining calm, then grabbed Athena’s fingers. “Come on, let’s go home, Athena.”

Athena stepped heavily, her eyes staring at Julian with a confused feeling. As if this man had come just to burden her, and just to make her feel like she didn't need to marry anyone because everyone needed her.

No. Athena wouldn't waver, she still remembered the hurt when they ignored her because of Auree's arrival.



Throughout the journey home, the atmosphere in the car was silent. Only the soft sound of the radio filled the room. Athena stared out the window, her eyes empty but her mind full.

Brian glanced at her several times, then turned off the radio. "Athena," he called.

"Hm?" She turned her head slowly, her voice almost drowned out.

"I know I'm nothing, but I'm sensitive enough to see you uncomfortable with Julian's arrival," Brian said carefully. "But if you're willing to tell me, I'll listen to you. Maybe there's something small I can help you with."

Athena looked at him, looking for an answer whether Brian was just trying to calm her down, or just curious. Or maybe he wanted to give her warmth that could prove that not all men would hurt her.

Athena didn't answer right away, she was silent for a long time until the car stopped in front of the house. Brian turned off the engine, but didn't get out right away. "I'll walk you to the door."

They got out of the car, Athena refused when the housekeeper came driving a golf cart to take them. She wanted to walk with Brian to the front door. Her steps were slow, her head lowered wearily.

"Are you still thinking about Julian?" Brian asked.

Athena paused for a moment, then looked up at the man. "Did I do something wrong? I only left campus for a while, but I was also surprised because when I came home... my mother used this opportunity to have a meeting with your family."

Brian was silent, just observing Athena.

"But why did Julian say it was like I was betraying him?? I didn't hurt anyone... it was them who—"

"I know...." Brian interrupted, his gaze changing. He took one step closer to Athena. "I know, you and Xavier know each other."

Athena was shocked, her body tensed, even though yesterday she had tried to look normal, as if Xavier was really just a senior on campus.

“When I found out that I had a woman who would be my future wife, I took the initiative to find out about you, and I was immediately attracted to you. But when I found out that Xavier and his friends were bullying you... I couldn't stand it anymore,” Brian said.

Athena was completely immobile, her whole body felt like it was covered in cold water that made her blood freeze.

“Too bad, I couldn't do anything. Xavier seemed very sincere to you, Julian also wanted to protect you as a friend, and maybe Asher and Adrian also wanted to prove their interest in you...”

Brian stroked Athena's slightly messy hair. “You don't need to hide anything from me, Athena. You have to be open to your future husband.”

“I'm not someone who likes to interfere in other people's problems, but if you have trouble when you return to campus... I think you can rely on me so that they won't bother you anymore,” Brian said, his tone soft, his expression cold but calm, and not making Athena afraid.

Unconsciously, Athena's tears flowed, she lowered her head while sobbing softly, one hand holding the edge of Brian's jacket.

Brian placed his hand on Athena's hand, rubbing it gently. "Can I hug you for a moment?"

Athena looked up, a little surprised. Her breath was heard, the touch of Brian's hand stroking hers felt warm and soft. Just as she nodded slowly, Brian immediately pulled her into a hug.

Warm, tight, but not a possessive and demanding hug. His body felt like a solid wall that protected Athena from dangerous attacks out there, as if Brian was ready to attack anything that made his woman hurt.

Athena leaned her face against Brian's chest. "Why are you so nice, even though we just met yesterday?"

Because I like you—that answer almost came out of Brian's lips, but he only replied, "I told you, my job is to make you comfortable, Athena."

The hug lasted longer than they realized. Athena felt... maybe not all men came to hurt her. Seconds later, Brian carried her bridal style, making Athena a little surprised.

"I don't know, if our togetherness today and in the future, can make you fall in love with me, and slowly forget... Xavier."

Athena blinked, the sentence immediately made her realize that sooner or later she would have to get rid of her feelings for Xavier.

Before the wedding happened.