His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 256: A Reminder to Strengthen Her

Chapter 256: A Reminder to Strengthen Her

When Dominique’s words sank in, Athena’s expression shifted. Without warning, she pulled his hands away from her face, her heart rapidly pounding against her chest. Instead of responding, she turned on her heel and bolted, her retreating footsteps echoing through the garden’s stone pathway.

Confusion, hurt, and disbelief swirled in her mind as she dashed out of the villa, her breath catching in her throat. She didn’t know where she was going—all she knew was that she needed to get away, to put distance between herself and Dominique.

Dominique stayed rooted in his spot as he watched Athena’s back.

"What I have done? I scared her away," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "I’m so stupid. Where did my confession go wrong?"

He didn’t mean to scare her away. Athena’s reaction was unexpected. He never imagined that she would suddenly run away after hearing his confession.

After a while, Dominique was interrupted by the ringing sound of his phone. An unregistered number was calling him. With a curious look in his eyes, he pressed the answer button.

"Hello, Mr. Smith, this is Miguel. Can you still remember me?"

Dominique’s brows furrowed as he recognized the voice. "Oh yes, Mr. Ivankov. I remember you," he said, his tone measured. "To what do I owe the pleasure of hearing from you today?"

Miguel chuckled from the other line. "Don’t be so formal to me, Dominique. I heard that you were discharged from the hospital today. I hope you are feeling better now."

"Thank you for your concern, Don Miguel. I’m recovering well."

"Oh. I’m glad to hear that. So I guess I can invite you tomorrow during our family gathering. I hope you can make it. I will send someone to fetch you. If it’s okay with you."

Dominique was surprised to receive this invitation from this person. ’I should go and meet them. Ivankov Family is still very mysterious. I have to learn more about them.’

"Of course, Don Miguel. It’s my honor to be invited. I’ll make sure to come tomorrow."

"Oh, That’s great. My grandchildren will be happy to see you," Miguel said meaningfully.

Aaron’s charming face flashed in Dominique’s mind when Miguel mentioned his grandchildren.

’I’m going to see my son. I’ll be there.’ A faint smile tugged on the corners of his lips. He was excited to spend time with his son, Aaron. He would seize this chance to get closer to him.

"By the way, have you made a decision about divorcing your wife? It’s not too late, you know. My daughter’s marriage isn’t set in stone yet." His bluntness echoed in the air, his tone direct and without hesitation,

Miguel was openly pushing the idea of matchmaking Dominique with his daughter, Lanny. He brought it up in a casual way as if he was discussing a simple business deal.

Meanwhile, Dominique couldn’t afford to correct Miguel’s assumption. He still didn’t know the situation in the Ivankov Family. Though Aaron and Athena were the reason why he wanted to get to know the Ivankov family, he couldn’t reject Miguel’s proposal of meeting his daughter, Lanny during the family gathering.

"Yes. I’m going to divorce my wife." he simply responded.

Miguel let out another chuckle. "That’s great. See you tomorrow then."

He didn’t wait for Dominique to say another word. He immediately hung up the phone. Dominique could only sigh helplessly, rubbing his temples.

"Why did you get involved with the Ivankov Family? What are they to you?" He wondered to himself.

*****

On the other hand, Athena was on her way to meet her best friend, Gael. He was the person she could talk to at this moment. After fleeing from Dominique at the Golden Villa, she went straight to the hospital, seeking the comfort of someone who understood her.

"Gael!" Athena ran into him, hugging her best friend.

"Athena," he called back as he caught her in his arms. He didn’t expect to see her today. "What’s wrong?" Gael sensed right away that she was troubled by something.

Athena remained silent for a few minutes. She just continued hugging Gael while burying her face on his chest. Her emotions were in turmoil. She didn’t know how she would accept and react to Dominique’s confession.

"Gael," she finally broke her silence. "I feel like I’m being played again. Tell me what to do. Something is making me waver... weakening my resolve." Athena expressed her concern. She was terrified. She didn’t expect that Dominique’s sudden confession would affect her like this.

Gael’s expression softened as he continued to comfort her. "Tell me what is this all about. I’m here to listen."

He broke the hug and guided her to the sofa, making Athena sit down. He also offered her some drinks.

"There are lots of things that happened today. I don’t know where to start."

He gently stroked her back, offering silent reassurance before he spoke. "It’s okay. Just tell me what’s bothering you at this moment."

"It’s Dominique," she admitted.

Gael’s face turned grim when Dominique was mentioned. ’So it’s all about him. He is making her waver.’ He secretly clenched his fist.

"I am very confused right now. Dominique saved my brother five years ago and he continued protecting him through Alice. I don’t know if he has a hidden agenda for doing those things."

"I understand your feelings. But I know you are a strong woman. If you feel like giving up, please remember that you’ve sacrificed a lot of things just to be here. Don’t let him affect you." Gael caressed her cheeks, encouraging her.

"He killed you once. Don’t let him mess with your feelings again." A cold glint flashed through his eyes when he reminded Athena about what Dominique had done to her in the past.

Athena’s heart tightened upon hearing those words. Gael was right. Dominique had killed her once. He broke her heart! And he made her suffer. She shouldn’t let him ruin her plan.

"You are right, Gael. I’m not stupid to let him play with me again. It’s my turn to make him suffer and get my revenge. I will destroy him and Sasha. I will make him feel the same pain I’ve gone through in the past. Thank you for reminding me this."

Gael stroked her hair. "That’s my best friend. Keep fighting. I’m just here for you. As always."