Chapter 23

After that talk with Fausto, I felt a little relieved. Maybe there are only people who are really blinded by love. But whatever Fausto's reason is, he still did something wrong to me.

Love is when you're willing to let go. Even if you are hurt, if your loved one is happy.

Selfless love. The kind of love that is pure without expecting anything in return.

My mind was interrupted when Athena touched me on my arm. She was very cute in her mini swimming suit.

"Mommy! Mommy, I want to get up. It's already cold."

I turned to Athena and smiled. We were in the bathtub with Icarus.

"But, mommy, I don't want to get up!" Icarus complained.

I was about to get up to get out, but I saw Athena playing with Icarus again, so I did not continue.

I looked at them both and smiled. This. This is the love I have. The kind of love I would willingly die for.

"No! This is mine!"

"No! Mine!! Mommy!"

When I felt a little cold, I decided to get out again, while the two were arguing over something. I carefully lifted my body and took a slow step, so that I would not slip but today I was unlucky.

I winced as my butt hit the bathroom tiles. Even my arm looked bruised because I used it to support myself.

"Mommy!" Athena cried out and immediately cried. As they slowly climbed up.

"No…no! Stay there." I told them. I'm afraid they might slip. There were too many bubbles and water scattered on the floor. My kids seem to have overplayed before.

The two were still crying when the door suddenly opened. Zeus came in and was obviously surprised to see me too. His eyes widened and he roamed my whole being. He even swallowed as his eyes moved to my chest. And when he could have lowered his eyes, I preceded him.

"Close your eyes!" I told him. My face is also red. Who wouldn't be so ashamed of me when he just saw me naked?

"You're such a pervert, Zeus," I told him. I felt embarrassed. Even though I covered it, I still looked like a fool.

"Baby, I've kissed and touched all that. No need to hide it," he said and winked at me. He still smiled at me, once turned around and left.

"Rude!" I just told him. What he said is true anyway but embarrassing.

When he got back inside, he already had a towel for everyone. He took our children first before me. I slowly moved my body again, but I still frowned in pain.

"Hey, don't move. Why are you so stubborn?" he said as he wrapped the towel around my body. I would have complained but I just restrained myself. I just watched his every move. He frowned and shook his head in astonishment.

"It's okay. You can leave now," I told him after he laid me down on the bed. He just raised an eyebrow at me. And continued what he was doing.

"You..."

"Please, stop complaining. I want to do this, okay. I want to take care of you," he cuts off on whatever I say.

I just nodded and agreed with him. It also doesn't matter if I still argue. He was determined so I just let him.

***

"Daddy, are you gonna sleep with us?" my daughter Athena asked.

"No baby," I said immediately.

Zeus immediately raised an eyebrow at me. We are both lying in bed now with our children. We put them in the middle, and they seem to be asleep.

"Why? Do you want Daddy to sleep here?"

"Yes, daddy!" my children said at the same time.

I grabbed my forehead while Zeus smiled looking at me. He even winked at me before slowly patting our children's legs.

I hate him. He was flirting with me. Didn't he think of Aria. What will the woman say? Maybe she just hated me even more.

Why do people tend to flirt even when they know they are committed?

Until now, I am still confused about the situation of the two of them. Even in our situation I am also confused. I want out. I want to get away to sort things out. But how can I do it if he is always watching over me. If he always makes me feel that I am important to him.

"Seems like, mommy doesn't want me here," she complained to our children.

The kids looked at me and smiled. "Please mommy..."

I gasped. Like their father, my children are stubborn.

"Fine," I said.

The two are very happy. Honestly, I'm not worried that Zeus will sleep in this room tonight, but in fact I don't want to depend on my children.

The truth still remains. Zeus is bound to marry someone else. We could never be a complete family.

***

Time flies so fast. It seems like I just cried because I was not with my children. But now they are within my reach. Always visible and embraced.

I felt for those parents who have been away from their children. Because I was like that then. The pain is unbearable. And I admire them for being strong despite the distance.

My meditation stopped when I felt like someone was watching me. When I looked at why and my eyes widened. Icarus is pointing the water hose at me. He would still laugh as he looked at Zeus. We are in the garden now and resting when they think of planting new flowers. But the planting they said did not happen either, because the father and my son were just naughty.

"Zeus!" I shouted. I know he is the one who initiated it.

"What?" His innocent question to me while obviously restraining himself from smiling.

I glared at him and raised an eyebrow. He just cut me off and continued playing with our children. They were also wet and dirty because of the mud.

"Mommy! Join us!" Athena.

"Baby, mommy is such a killjoy," Zeus taunts me.

I also could not stand it and I approached them. I also worked hard but I focused more on planting. While everyone was busy, we stopped because of a loud voice coming from outside. When it finally entered, Aria opened the door for us. She was still arguing with the house guard. She looked furious as we turned around.

"So, you're enjoying here while I'm killing myself in sadness Zeus? You're such a jerk!" She immediately shouts at us. The guard was still holding her, but she was determined to get close to us. She didn't even mind that there were kids watching him.

"Stop it!" Zeus interrupts whatever she says. But she had no intention of stopping her from continuing to speak.

"I love you Zeus. I love you so much! But that woman will just give you a cry right away. Will you enslave her again?" Aria pointed at me. Anger is the only reflection in his eyes. She turned to my children as they huddled around me. "I can be the mother of your kids Zeus. Please come back to me!" pleading, she promised.

"Don't stoop this low, Aria. You know the truth. Let's stop pretending. I'm tired too!" Zeus said while holding Aria's arm. Zeus stared Aria in the eyes. "You know we've only been pretending from the beginning. So, stop your madness!"

I was shocked by what Zeus said. I can't quite imagine that. But knowing Zeus, he is not a fan of telling jokes.

"I hope Zeus. I hope you can forget that woman! She does not deserve you. Me! I am the one who suits you!"

Zeus shook his head after signaling to the guards. As Aria continued to sob, she did nothing when she picked it up and dragged it out.

"You'll regret this Zeus! You and that woman! You will regret what you did to me!" Aria added before finally disappearing.

Zeus stared at me with concern. He also glanced at our children who looked terrified. I did not know what to do. I was shocked by that revelation, but I realized I felt sorry for what happened to Aria.

Indeed, too much love will kill you. Aria lost herself. I lost myself when Zeus left me too. But the difference between us; I don't force myself onto him.

Because love is free.