Seducing My Ex's Enemy

I won't be coming home today. Athena pursed her lips, dropped her phone on the table, and drank her wine in frustration as she looked at the food she had prepared for their supposed dinner on their third anniversary. Nathan was supposed to come home—he had promised to make it up to her—but he didn’t. Athena ate the dinner silently, but after a few bites of the steak, she pushed the plate away. "Carmen!" she called the maidservant. A woman in her late forties stepped inside. "Yes, young lady?" Carmen said. "Nathan's not coming home again today. You can share the food with the others. Just throw mine away since I already ate some," she said with a small smile. "Are you sure, young lady?" Carmen asked. "Yes, Carmen. Thank you for helping me prepare all of this earlier, but sadly, it seems our efforts were all in vain," she whispered. "Young lady..." "It's okay, Carmen. I’m fine. I'm starting to get used to this," Athena said before walking out of the kitchen. She climbed the stairs and entered the master bedroom. As she removed her dress, she changed into comfortable sleepwear, then got into bed and turned on her phone. Athena heaved a sigh when she found no messages from her husband. Yes, Nathan's busy, but a minute of break to message back his wife wouldn't hurt him, yet he still won't do it. "I don't know what to do anymore," she whispered and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep. When Athena woke up, it was already morning as the sun had already risen. She looked beside her, hoping that Nathan came home yesterday to make peace, only to find an empty space next to her. Athena frowned. "What a great day to start, huh?" she sarcastically said. Suddenly, she heard her phone ringing. Athena took the phone and answered the call. "Hello, Mom?" she said and sat, resting her back on the headboard. "When are you going to come home? We miss you already!" Alicia, Athena's mother, said through the phone. "Your dad and I will go to Drums for business; would you like to come with us?" she added. "I'm going today, Mom, but I’m not going to Drums with you. I'll just get bored there," she replied. Athena is the heir to Hart Corporation, a leading technology and electronics company and the third richest family in the country. "Alright, sweetie. What about Nathan? Bring him with you," Alicia said, making Athena roll her eyes. "I’ll try, Mom. He's been quite busy these past few weeks because of work," she replied. "Is he considering expanding his business?" she inquired. "Yes, Mom. He's also in talks with investors from another country. Something about securing funding or forming a partnership to expand his business internationally. He’s been traveling back and forth, handling negotiations," Athena replied. "That's good! If he'll keep that up, I won't worry about your future when you two get married," she said. Athena let out a small sigh. "Yeah, that explains why he's been so hard to reach lately. He barely has time for anything else, let alone marriage," she said, whispering the last part. "What was that, sweetie? I didn't catch that one," Alicia asked. "Nothing, Mom," Athena said. "Well, if he comes home, remind him to take a break. Even businessmen need to breathe," she said before ending the call. Athena's parents knew that she and Nathan had been living together for two years and frequently asked about their future plans. Athena wanted answers too, as Nathan seemed to be forgetting the promises he had made to her when they first started dating. Athena got up and dialed Nathan's number. After three rings, he finally answered. "Hello, babe?" Nathan said. "Where are you?" Athena said as calmly as possible. "In the office," Nathan answered. "You don't remember what the date was yesterday?" Athena asked. "Athena, I don't want to argue with you early in the morning," Nathan said with indifference. Athena's ears perked up at what she heard, and her forehead creased. "Clearly, I’m not arguing with you, Nathan. I was just asking because yesterday was our anniversary, and you promised to be with me," she said, gripping her phone tightly. If looks could pierce through the screen, Nathan would be on the receiving end of her relentless glare. "Oh f*ck," Nathan cursed. "I'm sorry, babe. I'm really sorry; it slipped my mind because of all the work," he said apologetically. "I promise I'll make it up to you today," he said. "I'm going home today, and Mom is asking about you," she said. "Alright, I will come home quickly so we can join them for lunch," Nathan said. "I'll see you, babe," he added and ended the call. Athena looked at the phone and groaned. She hated this feeling of being ignored. Athena heaved a sigh and went inside the bathroom to wash. Athena descended the stairs, and the maid immediately greeted her with a warm smile. Athena returned the smile, her expression as gracious as ever. Though she was the heiress of Hart Corporation, her parents had always taught her the importance of kindness and humility, values she held dear despite her wealth and status. "Just a light meal, please. I'll be going out today. Tell the driver to get ready after this," she said. The chef employed by her family for her cooking did what she requested, and while waiting, she scrolled in her social media account when she heard the maidservant greet Nathan behind her. "Good morning, babe. For you," he said and handed her the bouquet of flowers and a box. "I'm sorry about yesterday. Will you forgive me? I was really busy," he said and sat next to her. Athena pouted her lips and took the bouquet and box. She opened it and found a beautiful sapphire necklace. "These will do for now," Athena said and raised her eyebrows. Nathan chuckled and kissed her on the cheeks. "I’ll make it up to you, babe. Let’s eat?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood. Athena smiled softly and nodded, happy to move past it. After they finished their meal, they got into the car for the two-hour drive to Athena’s parents’ house. The road stretched ahead, peaceful and quiet, and Athena couldn’t help but feel a little more relaxed as they got closer to her family’s home. When they arrived, the mansion looked just as grand as ever. Athena’s mother, Alicia, greeted them at the door with a warm hug. "Welcome home, sweetie," she said to Athena, then turned to the man beside her. "It’s good to see you again, Nathan," she added. Leone, Athena’s father, came in from the study and gave them a quick nod. "Come inside," he said, leading them through the grand hall. He immediately got straight to the point. "There’s some business I need to go over," he said to Athena’s partner, his voice calm but direct. "Love!" Alicia said, but Nathan stopped her. "It's alright, Alicia," he said. "Sweetie, I'll just talk to your boyfriend for a bit," Leone said and kissed Athena's cheek. "Alright, Dad," Athena said, and they watched them disappear. Alicia smiled and took Athena’s arm, guiding her to a cozy sitting area nearby. "How have you been, dear?" she asked softly. "You look well," she added while caressing Athena's hair. Athena nodded, feeling at ease. "I’m doing good, Mom. Just been busy," she said and smiled, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere. Athena also managed some of her parents' business, but she's more focused on her own boutique. As Athena and Alicia talked, so did Leone and Nathan in the study. The visit was simple, comfortable, and full of family warmth, just as Athena missed.