His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 56: Protector

Chapter 56: Protector

[ At Fortuna Grande Island... ]

Enzo toured Athena around the town center where they enjoyed the various lantern displays on the streets and parks.

Those lanterns were colorful and intricately crafted, representing traditional symbols, animals, and characters from folklore.

"This is amazing. The lanterns are so bright and beautiful at night." Athena blurted out in awe, her eyes scanning the streets filled with different types of lanterns.

Enzo could only smile as he watched her. "I’m glad you like it here."

As they navigated through the crowded streets of the town center, Luna kept following them from behind.

"I think it’s time for the town folks to release floating lanterns. Let’s go to the lake." Enzo grabbed Athena’s hand, guiding her to the spot.

Upon reaching the Fortuna Lake, they saw a sea of people, holding different designs of floating lanterns.

Enzo led her to the stalls where they could buy their own floating lanterns.

"Pick your lantern, Athena. You can write your wish. After that, we will release it onto the lake."

Athena’s face brightened up from excitement. "This is my first time doing this!"

Enzo just chuckled because of her enthusiasm. Soon, the two of them wrote their wishes on their respective floating lanterns.

Enzo and Athena glanced at one another before they released their lanterns on the lake.

It was a beautiful sight to see the water illuminated by the glow of countless lanterns drifting gently downstream.

"Enzo, what did you wish for?" Athena asked her brother expectantly.

"I wished for my memories to come back," Enzon answered her truthfully.

Athena was taken aback for a moment. She had conflicting thoughts about Enzo recovering her lost memories.

"Aren’t you afraid that painful memories of your past will return?" She looked concerned about Enzo.

But Enzo just gave her a reassuring smile. "Before, I haven’t thought about it. But after meeting you and Lanny, I’ve realized how important my past memories are. I want to remember you, Lanny, and my family. There might be painful memories, but I also want to remember those happy moments with family and friends."

"Those are precious memories I must remember," he added, his gaze fixed on the floating lanterns.

’Oh... my brother. I was too selfish to think that losing your memories was a good thing. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about your feelings.’ Athena thought to herself while watching Enzo.

"Don’t worry, Enzo. Lanny and I will do what we can to help you regain your memories. You can count on us," Athena replied with determination.

"Thanks, Athena. I appreciate that." He smiled at her.

’When the right time comes, I promise to tell you everything.’ She vowed to herself inwardly.

"How about you? What did you wish for?" Enzo was curious about her wish.

"Hmm. It’s a secret. But I’ll tell you once my wish is granted," Athena said playfully, letting out a soft giggle.

"Alright. I’m willing to wait." Enzo also laughed at her remarks.

"Hey, Enzo... can I ask you a favor?"

He blinked with amusement before nodding his head. "Sure. What is it? Just tell me."

"May I hug you again?" She asked with her pleading eyes. She just missed her brother so much and she wanted to seize this moment with him.

Enzo scratched the tip of his nose, feeling a little bit embarrassed. "Uhm. O-Okay. You can hug me as you want."

Upon hearing that, Athena pounced on Enzo, wrapping her arms around his body. She buried her face on his chest as she tightened her embrace.

Enzo couldn’t explain it but he felt comfortable hugging her, with no malice at all.

"Can I call you bro? Aside from being my friend, you are also a brother to me." Athena explained. She didn’t want Enzo to misunderstand her longing for him.

"Oh. No wonder... I feel the same way," Enzo softly mumbled, rubbing her back.

The siblings remained hugging each other for a few minutes before they parted. They continued watching the floating lanterns while talking about Enzo’s life on the island.

"Athena, I’m going to fetch Alice in the hospital. Do you wanna come with me?" Enzo consulted Athena after receiving a message from his girlfriend.

"Sure. I want to meet her," she promptly responded.

"Let’s have dinner together. I will bring you to the famous restaurant in our town. They serve various delicious seafood dishes."

Enzo, Athena, and Luna headed to the hospital where Alice was waiting for them. He already mentioned that he met a friend and Alice was excited to see Athena.

*****

Fortuna Town Hospital...

Alice stood at the entrance of the hospital. She smoothed down the fabric of her nurse uniform, her heart fluttering with nervousness as she waited for her boyfriend to arrive.

’Enzo met his friends. I wonder if they are from York City. How did they find him?’ Alice didn’t feel right about this encounter.

’I have to meet them and get to know them better. Are they truly his friends? I must make sure that they don’t pose a threat to Enzo’s safety. I was tasked to protect him.’

After a while, she spotted Enzo striding towards her, his silver hair catching the light. Beside him walked a woman whose presence exuded grace and elegance. It was Athena.

With a warm smile, Enzo approached, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Alice. "Hey, Sweety! I hope you haven’t been waiting too long."

"Not at all," she replied, her voice tinged with affection.

Enzo planted a soft kiss on her forehead before turning to Athena. "Alice, I’d like you to meet Athena. My friend," he explained, gesturing to the beautiful woman beside him.

Athena extended her hand with a friendly smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alice," she said warmly.

Alice returned the gesture, accepting her hand. "Likewise, Athena. Enzo has mentioned you. Welcome to Fortuna Grande Island. I hope you enjoy your stay here."

"Yes. I do enjoy my stay here. Enzo toured me around the town the whole day, visiting beautiful spots on this island," Athena replied enthusiastically.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Alice couldn’t help but scrutinize Athena from top to bottom. ’She looks so pretty and harmless.’ Alice thought to herself.

It did not take long before Luna joined them. "Oh, by the way, this is Luna. She’s the reason why we found Enzo here. She was having a vacation here when she happened to see Enzo." Athena introduced Luna to Alice.

Luna said a simple hi to Alice.

"Oh. What a small world?! I guess, by now you all know that Enzo is suffering from amnesia." Alice darted her gaze back and forth between Athena and Luna.

"Yes. Enzo told us everything."

"Ladies, we can continue your conversation in the restaurant. Shall we go? I bet you are both hungry." Enzo had to cut their conversation so that they could proceed to the restaurant.

The three ladies agreed to Enzo’s suggestion. The four of them headed to the famous seafood restaurant in town.

Twenty-five minutes later...

The aroma of freshly grilled seafood wafted through the air as Athena, Enzo, Alice, and Luna stepped into the renowned seafood restaurant in town– The Fisher Clam.

Seated at a cozy corner table with a view of Fortuna Bay, the four of them settled in.

Athena’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she recommended her favorite dishes. Alice and Enzo allowed Athena and Luna to choose their menu.

Soon, the table was adorned with an array of culinary delights—platters of grilled prawns, plates of buttery scallops, lobster tail drizzled with garlic butter, and bowls brimming with savory clam chowder.

"Athena, can you tell us more about yourself?" Alice seemed interested in Athena’s background.

"Sure," Athena happily obliged.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as Athena talked about herself and her friendship with Enzo. She used Gael as her reference as she continued to pretend as Enzo’s friend.

In the middle of their dinner, Alice excused herself. As she left their table, she secretly took a photo of Athena. Then she headed to the backdoor of the restaurant to make a phone call. She chose the spot with a strong signal.

"Hey, Bro. This is urgent. Someone appeared today, claiming themselves as Enzo’s friends. They look harmless but just to make sure, I want you to make a background check on them." Alice spoke direct to the point.

"I’ll send you a photo and their details," Alice added.

"Have you reported this to our Boss?" The man on the other line asked.

"No. I haven’t. Don’t worry. I’ll inform him as soon as you are done with your background check. Send it to me, ASAP!" Alice demanded.

"Okay. Leave this to me. Just send the photo. By the way, do you think Enzo will try to go back to York City?"

Alice fell silent for a moment, her brows twitching in a deep frown.

"I hope not. Our Boss didn’t want him to return to York City for his own safety. I’ll do my best to dissuade him."