His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 81: Movie Marathon

Chapter 81: Movie Marathon

[ At Gael’s Place... ]

Gael moved around the living room, his excitement evident on his face as he arranged the furniture into a makeshift cinema theater layout. He pushed the coffee table aside and unfolded a large plush rug in the center of the room, creating a cozy space for lounging. Athena and Gael decided to have a movie marathon tonight.

Soon, he set up rows of cushions and pillows on the floor, arranging them in a semicircle facing the blank wall where he would project the movies. Soft blankets were draped over the cushions.

While Athena was preparing for their cold drinks and snacks, Gael carefully positioned the projector on a sturdy stand, adjusting its angle to ensure a clear image on the wall. He connected it to his laptop and queued up a selection of movies, ranging from classic favorites to recent releases.

"What do you want to watch?" Gael asked Athena.

"Let’s watch an anime series! For old times’ sake."

Gael chuckled when he heard her response. He already expected that. Ever since their childhood, she and Gael often watched anime series together.

Athena put down a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table as she joined Gael. As the first anime started playing on the projector screen, Athena and Gael settled onto the cushions, nestled comfortably amidst the pillows. They chose "Black Cover" anime.

Gael reached for the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table, offering it to Athena with a grin. "Care for some popcorn?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Athena nodded, accepting the popcorn while she passed a can of beer to Gael. "Thanks, Gael," she replied, popping a few kernels into her mouth.

As the first episode unfolded on the screen, Gael and Athena became engrossed in the storyline, their laughter and gasps filling the room. They exchanged playful banter and commentary throughout the movie, sharing inside jokes and memories from their past movie nights together.

"Sabby... I’m so happy tonight. I thought we won’t be able to do this again." Gael glanced at Athena, a surreal feeling washed over him.

Meanwhile, Athena shared the same sentiments with Gael. She couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity and comfort brought by Gael’s presence. With a gentle smile on her face, she leaned on his shoulder, her eyes fixed on the anime movie playing on the wall.

"I’m also grateful, Gael to spend this moment with you just like old times. Whenever I was troubled, you always entertained me like this, comforting me and helping me divert my attention. You are my best friend for life." Athena felt like like stepping back in time, to the countless movie nights they had shared in the past.

When he heard that his lips curled up yet his eyes held a glint of his hidden feelings. His smile was faint but hopeful as a thought crossed his mind, ’I hope next time... you’ll see me as more than just a friend.’

Gael wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her body closer to him while Athena rested her head on his shoulder.

After a few hours, the credits rolled on the first anime series. Gael stretched his free hand above his head, feeling thoroughly entertained. "What did you think about the first anime?" he asked, turning to Athena with a curious expression.

Athena grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It was fantastic!" she exclaimed. "I can’t wait to see what’s next."

With renewed enthusiasm, Gael queued up the next movie, eager to continue their marathon into the night. This time he chose the movie adaptation of The King’s Avatar and the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling.

As the night progressed and the movies played one after another, Athena’s eyelids grew heavy, weighed down by the warmth of the room and the comfort of Gael’s presence. Eventually, she succumbed to exhaustion, her head coming to rest against Gael’s shoulder as she drifted off to sleep.

Sensing that Athena was no longer responding to the movie, Gael glanced down only to see Athena’s peaceful expression. She was sound asleep in his arm. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty. She might have altered her face but Gael could still vividly remember her original face. She was beautiful in and out.

"Sabby... how can you sleep comfortably like this? Do you trust me that much? Aren’t you afraid that I might do something to you? I’m still a man." Gael murmured, shaking his head helplessly.

Of course, he wouldn’t do anything to her. But being so close to his beloved woman like this was a great torture to him. He praised himself for having great self-control.

"Good job, Gael. You endured it until now."

With a tender smile, Gael reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Athena’s forehead. Then he traced the curve of her cheek in a feather-light manner. As he stared at her for a long moment, Gael felt a swell of affection for Athena.

His eyes continued to scan her face, marveling at the delicate lines of her features and the way her lashes brushed against her cheeks as she slept. "She is so pretty even in her sleep."

It was moments like these that Gael cherished the most– wherein he could simply be with Athena and lose himself in the comfort of her presence. He held Athena close, feeling her warmth.

As he watched over her sleeping form, Gael couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him, grateful for the opportunity to share this intimate moment with the woman he held dear.

It did not take long before his gaze fell on her lips. At that certain moment, he felt the urge to kiss her.

"I love you, Sabby," Gael murmured as he brought his face closer to hers. His lips were inching nearer and nearer to her lips. However, even before he made contact with her lips, Gael moved his head upward, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

He knew his limits. He wouldn’t do anything without her consent. He loved her so much that he didn’t want to take advantage of her. He respected her and he was willing to wait for the right time.