His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 20: Hero

Chapter 20: Hero

[ Starlight Group CEO’s Office... ]

Sasha entered Dominique’s office. But to her surprise, he wasn’t there in his usual spot.

"Where is he? Did he attend a meeting?" Sasha asked Ashton and Dominique’s secretary who had just stepped inside the room.

"He doesn’t have a meeting, Madam," the secretary responded.

"In his napping room," Ashton butted in, his forefinger pointing at the door leading to Dominique’s private chamber.

Sasha swiftly approached the door, eager to see her husband’s gorgeous face. She had missed him so much.

On the other hand, Ashton signaled the secretary to go back to her station, giving the married couple privacy. Ashton also exited the office. ’Sigh. I hope Dominique has sobered up by now.’ he anxiously watched Sasha as she entered the napping room.

Inside the room, Sasha saw Dominique’s sleeping figure lying on his comfy bed. Her expression softened, a gentle smile playing at the corners of her lips, while a trace of longing shimmered in her eyes.

"He must be exhausted from work..." Sasha murmured with a helpless shake of her head. She slowly traced her steps toward the bed.

As she drew closer, she noticed the deep crease etched on his forehead. A pang of empathy washed over Sasha as she observed him, her fingers instinctively reaching out to brush a lock of hair from his forehead.

Just when her hand was about to make contact with him, a soft groan escaped Dominique’s lips as if he were under the depths of a troubled dream.

"Is he having a nightmare again?"

She gently placed her hands on his shoulders to shake his body and wake him up. But even before she could do it, Dominique emitted another soft groan and this time he murmured Sabrina’s name.

"Sab... Oh Sabrina..."

Sasha’s heart sank as Dominique’s sleep-induced murmur reached her ears. The mention of Sabrina’s name produced a sharp pang in her chest.

She withdrew her hands slowly, a tremor of uncertainty coursing through her veins. At that moment, the room felt suffocating, the air thick with unspoken questions and lingering doubts.

"Sabrina again... She’s dead. Yet her presence still lingers, tormenting us, denying us peace!"

Fists clenched tightly, her eyes glinted with a mixture of anger and jealousy.

After getting his revenge, Dominique fulfilled his promise of giving her the title of Mrs. Smith, his wife. But in the four years of their marriage, something was missing– his heart... his love.

Despite her efforts, she still couldn’t win his affection. Dominique resembled a mechanical being, devoid of emotion, indifferent to the bonds of matrimony.

Her consolation was that Dominique provided her with everything– money, career, and fame. He was also a good husband to her, except... they couldn’t consummate their marriage.

Struggling to compose herself, Sasha wrestled with conflicting emotions. In the end, she decided to leave Dominique alone, marching out of his chamber with a heavy heart.

*****

Meanwhile, at Tan Group Hospital, Gael and Athena continued their catching-up in his office. On the other hand, Lanny left them after receiving an urgent call from her brother.

Gael and Athena were sitting together on a long couch while enjoying their coffee.

"Do you ever feel exhausted managing such a large hospital?" Athena inquired curiously, her eyes lingering on the stack of documents placed on Gael’s desk.

Gael assumed the CEO role just two years ago, handed down by his father.

"I’m used to it now. Besides, I want to prove myself. I have to become the most successful man in York City so that you can be proud of me." He chuckled, playfully tapping the tip of Athena’s nose.

"Hey! Stop doing that. I’m not a kid anymore!" Athena protested, swatting Gael’s hand while pouting her lips in a charming manner. Her cute gesture elicited another round of laughter from him.

Athena paused for a moment, just observing the man sitting beside her. Her heart was filled with gratitude for her best friend. In her darkest moment, he was always there for her.

"Hey, what’s wrong? W-Why are you staring at me like that?" Gael’s laughter subsided as he caught Athena’s intense gaze. He suddenly felt conscious and his heart began to race.

"Nothing. It just feels so refreshing to hear your laughter. I’ve missed you so much. Do you know that?" Athena leaned in closer, resting her head on his right shoulder.

Gael’s heart quickened its pace further because of Athena’s closeness. "I’ve missed you too... my Sabby." His left hand reached out to stroke her hair while he wrapped his other arm around her.

Athena felt so comfortable in his embrace. They remained in that position for what seemed like an eternity, Gael making an effort to soothe the racing beats of his heart.

"Gael, let me see it!"

Gael felt his heart nearly leap out of his body as Athena suddenly placed her palm on his chest. ’Damn! Is she trying to give me a heart attack? I barely managed to calm it down a moment ago. Now, her mere touch has set it racing wild again!’

"W-What do you want to see?" he stuttered a little when he asked her.

Smiling earnestly, Athena’s fingers loosened Gael’s tie. Rendered speechless, he just froze in his spot, holding his breath as he watched her unbutton his shirt.

"Your scar... I want to see it."

Soon, Gael’s sturdy chest came into her view. Positioned on the left side of his body, just above his heart, lay a long scar—a testament to a life-threatening experience he encountered in the past.

With sorrow reflecting in her eyes, Athena’s fingers delicately traced his scar. "I’m sorry, Gael. It’s my fault," she apologized. "If I hadn’t jumped off the bridge, you wouldn’t bear this scar. You saved me and protected me, but in return, you got hurt."

Gael lifted her chin so that he could meet her gaze. With a gentle smile on his lips, he consoled her. "This scar is nothing... as long as you are alive. I’ll choose to die than do nothing and watch you drown in that flowing river. I never regretted my actions even once. Don’t blame yourself. Okay?" His thumb caressed her cheek.