His Worst Enemy
1015 Words
Athena's POV:
The door slammed behind me as I entered my bedroom, and I barely made it to the bed before collapsing onto the mattress.
My chest was heaving with a mix of anger and exhaustion. Every muscle in my body felt tight, and despite the silence of my room, I could still see that infuriating smug smile on Damon's lips.
He kissed Sylvia like it was some sick joke.
I didn't care about Damon—not really. He was nothing to me, just another arrogant Alpha-born brat who thought the world should bend to his will.
But still... The sting was there. The humiliation burned, and I hated that it did. I hated how he always made me feel so damn... small.
I pressed my hands against my face, forcing myself to take a deep breath. Forget it, I told myself. Focus.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted the quiet. The house servant didn't wait for my response before speaking. "Miss Athena, Lady Veliciah requests that you prepare dinner."
Ignoring the order wasn't an option—Veliciah wouldn't hesitate to punish me if I disobeyed and might starve me the entire night.
Reluctantly, I tied my hair into a quick bun and went to the kitchen. Veliciah sharply snapped as soon as I entered.
"Why were you late today? Didn't I tell you to come straight home after college?" She asked loudly.
I clenched my fists, trying to hold back my frustration. "Why can't you just leave me alone and let me cook peacefully?" I snapped back, the words spilling out before I could stop them.
"Watch your tongue!" Veliciah hissed, her hand twitching as though she wanted to slap me. But something held her back.
"We have important guests coming tonight, and you will prepare all the finest dishes for them. Don't mess anything up, or I'll have your father lock you in the dungeon," she threatened, her eyes gleaming with malice.
I gave a silent nod and turned to begin my work. As always, none of the maids were allowed to help me. I wouldn't be stuck doing all this alone if I weren't an omega.
The thought gnawed at me as I toiled in the kitchen, but I swallowed my frustration, knowing it wouldn't change anything.
'I can only escape this situation when I am strong enough.'
Ever since my mother's death, when I was too weak to save her, I had desired to become as strong as an alpha. I only wished to prove my worth, not to be so helpless again, and to protect the pack my mother so dearly treasured.
But I had to train in secret. Veliciah would never allow me to grow stronger; she liked me weak, so I would be easier to trample upon.
'Not for long.' I silently promised myself. Once I break the engagement, I can return my focus to what matters the most—my dream.
Preparing the entire feast took me over two exhausting hours. Once the table was set, a maid hurried over and informed me that my father wanted to see me. My heart sank. He never had good things to say.
Wiping my hands hurriedly, I went to see him. But as soon as I entered the living room, he shouted. "What's wrong with your appearance? Go and get ready, quickly!"
I was confused, "What do you—"
But before I could finish, Veliciah interrupted, "Silly girl, didn't I tell you to get ready? Go, now. Wear something nice, and put on makeup. You're supposed to look like a daughter of the Alpha."
'She lied to me!'
Knowing there would be no use telling my father about this, I silently returned to my room.
All my dresses were old. But I had kept some of them in good condition.
I slipped into a white knee-length dress with puffed shoulders, a soft, simple choice that felt elegant but not overdone.
The memory of my makeup blunder from yesterday still lingered, making me uneasy.
I could still hear the laughter from the people at the café, mocking the uneven foundation and smudged lipstick I had foolishly applied for my date.
"Let's not try so hard this time," I murmured, deciding to go along with a more subtle look.
My makeup was minimal—just enough to appear presentable but not so much that it drew unwanted attention.
"This feels so strange," I sighed as I stared at the reflection, "Who are these guests?"
Why were they arriving so suddenly? And why would my presence matter? Something about the whole situation left me uneasy.
Before I could think much, a knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Miss Athena, please hurry down," the maid called from the other side.
I quickly brushed my hair, letting it fall softly around my shoulders, and hurried out of the room. My heart raced as I descended the stairs, 'Who could it be? No matter how much I think, this feels too strange!'
Just as my steps reached the living room, I froze.
My eyes landed on them—the Toler Brothers, seated comfortably in the living room. Damon, Sebastian Zion, their father, Alpha George, and their mother, Luna Marie, were all here.
The sight of Damon made my stomach churn. I hadn't forgotten how he had been so cruel to me at college, how he bellowed at me this afternoon instead of his bully girlfriend, who liked to trouble the weak.
The memory burned, making my skin prickle with hatred. And now, here he sat, his gaze holding mine as if I was his worst enemy.
But I took a deep breath, calming myself, ‘Perhaps they are here to break the engagement. Damon must have come to his senses by now… right?’
"Athena, come dear," Veliciah said in such an affectionate tone that I wanted to laugh. "You must be so happy. You're finally going to be engaged with the Toler brothers."
My breath caught in my throat, a wave of horror washing over my heart.
'Engaged? Already?!'
- Writer
