Chapter 13

Athena's POV

As much as I loved Esty's company I had to let her go early. If anything we'll be spending more time togetheron the business trip and I can't wait.

I only have to meet up with Mr Damien to sign a couple of agreement contracts,he wants a partnership with my company since it's more successful than his.

He better offer me a huge deal I can't be partners with a failing company.

I better ask Harry to dig secrets on him.I will not be associated with frauds and illegal business. I already have too much on my plate to add on more dirt

Taking out my phone I dialed Harry. "Hey Athy what can I do for you?"He asked

"Harry I'm leaving on Monday for Delta,before then I want you to get me information on Damien Ares. He owns the Southern Jewellery." I explained.

"Alrighty then,....going with little miss Esty?"he playfully said.

"Oh shut up you,it's only a business trip,"I said.

"Business.... that's all to it hmm" he hummed

I chuckled,"Come on Harry you know me,business is business"

"Yeah right,"he scoffed.

"And it's Es to you Mister,I'm the only one who gets to call her Esty,"I said.

"Look who's getting overprotective,"he laughed.

"Shut it Harry I'm hanging up"I laughed hanging up.

Shaking my head I got up and picked my keys. I have a long weekend ahead before I see her again.

Taking the elevator to the garage I decided to take a detour to the first floor. I got off and stopped in my tracks when I heard the receptionist and some other employees talking.

"Have y'all noticed Miss Grouchy is changing?" I heard one of them say.

I could tell they were referring to me because that's just one of the nicknames they gave me. Along with stone face,cold hearted bitch,ice queen.

You name it.

"I know right,it all started when that doll face what's her name?Hestia? Yeah when she came here"another said.

"Maybe they have a thing going on,it wouldn't be a surprise if they were banging" one said and they all bursted out laughing.

I wanted to walk towards them and slap the shit out if their mouths but I stopped when I heard the receptionist,"You know you could get fired if caught and it's not nice to speak ill of others,how would y'all feel of it was you people talked about."

"Oh please like anyone could approach that bitch"I heard them say.

Deciding to announce my presence I cleared my throat loudly.

They all turned to me and gasped. Their eyes wide open and their jaws hanging low.

"We're so sorry Miss Ealwood we didn't me....." The short one started but I interrupted her.

"Save it Miss Kingston,"I clenched my teeth.

If I had heard them before Esty had come I would have fired all of them instantly save for Mr Sheldon,the receptionist. However I'm in a good mood so they should all be thanking her even if she didn't know.

I walked back to the elevator and pressed for the garage.You could hear them sigh in relief and scurry out of the building.

I chuckled at that,they were so brave while gossiping but thy left with their tails between their legs as they left.

Walking to my car I switched on the gear and left for home. On reaching I got a call from my mom.

"Hey honey, how's it going with Esty?"she asked.

"Oh mom,no hello Athy how was your day at work?Straight to Esty huh?"I teased.

She laughed "Hi honey how was your day at work?"

"Great mom thanks for asking" I said sarcastically.

"Don't be sarcastic Athy now tell me how's Esty?When are you bringing her home?"

"Mom she's not even my girlfriend yet you want her to come home?"I snickered

"Of course you know how much I missed her,I bet she looks a lot like her dad and she must have her mom's curves"she finished sighing sadly.

"Yeah she does mom,it's just so unfortunate she doesn't remember me. I want nothing more than to put my arms around her and comfort her."I said.

"I know baby just don't give up on her,she needs you just as much as you need her. She can be in denial now but that doesn't mean she'll always be."

"Thanks mom of course I can't give up on her,I have waiting for twelve years for her I can wait a few more months or years."

"That's the spirit honey,when am I seeing my granddaughter again?"she asked.

"Diana will bring her for a few days once I leave town."

"Uuh I can't wait to see my little princess"Mom chirped

"No candies mom you know she has a sweet tooth I don't want her teeth getting damaged"I scolded.

Knowing my mom she'll just feed her a lot of candy as my punishment foe not paying her a visit.

"Yeah yeah you say the same thing every time she comes over do I even listen?"she laughed.

"I'm serious mom please not the candy,"I said

"Okay okay I heard you,now kiss my girl for me would yah?"

"Sure thing,bye mom,say hi to dad for me." I said hanging up.

Getting inside I found Rose playing pillow fort with Diana. She had all the pillows and a sheet on the floor making a huge pillow fort.

"Is daddy allowed to join you guys?"i questioned.

They were too caught up in their game they literally jumped when they heard me.

"Daddy you scared me"my baby said clutching her tiny chest,while I laughed at them.

"Sorry baby now can I join you in your fortress your Highness,"I said doing a little bow.

Chuckling she said,"sure daddy join us,nanny is too old to crawl inside,"

"Hey I'm not too old"Diana protested pouting.

"Yeah you are,"I said smirking

"Two against one,you guys aren't being fair"she huffed getting up.

"I was only kidding nanny don't go away,"Rose pouted

"I'm coming baby,let daddy play with you for a while okay?"

"Alright,daddy come inside"she said to me

"In we go, I said crawling inside the tiny fortress.

"Yaay now daddy tell me a story,"she cried out excited

"Okay baby what story do you want?"I asked

"The one about princess who was locked up in a tower and had long hair"she said stretching her little arms.

"Alright well let's tuck you under the sheet first." I said opening the sheets so she could lay down.

"There was once a princess whose hair was so long that she couldn't braid it ok her own. Her hair was magical and had the power to heal. She was the prettiest princess in the whole kingdom but no one knew she existed because her wicked mother locked her up in a tower in a faraway kingdom......."

I was so caught up telling the story I didn't realise she had already fallen asleep until I heard her soft snores and her steady breathing.

"Goodnight my princess,I chuckled kissing her in the forehead. Daddy loves you so much"

I got out of the little fort and went upstairs to change out of my pants. Diana came in with a glass of orange juice.

"Thanks D"I thanked her taking the glass.

"Diana you're gonna take Roselia to her grandma for a few days after I leave,she wants to see her,and you can take a break if you wanna,mom can take care of her."

"Sure thing"

Athena,thank you so much for everything"she said.

"No,thank you Diana for taking care of Rose like your own kid,I appreciate it a lot."I said sincerely.

I really meant it she's been their when that bitch calling herself her mom didn't.

"It's nothing really Athy I love the kid you know,"she said dismissing herself.

Now to get some sleep,can't wait for the weekend to be over.

"Goodnight Esty" I whispered before sleeping with a smile.