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23

In times past, whenever he found himself in an alcohol-induced fog, Athena would invariably be there. She'd tenderly prepare a restorative broth, assist him in changing his attire, plant a gentle kiss on his brow, and murmur a soft goodnight.

Those days, however, were now a thing of the past.

"I'll track you down... Athena, don't you dare think about abandoning me."

Just as his thoughts began to spiral, Aliana's voice pierced through the quiet with a phone call.

"Emmett, our child will arrive in a matter of months. When are we going to tie the knot?"

Emmett massaged his pounding temples, the inquiry barely eliciting any reaction from him.

"We'll discuss it another time."

"Athena's vanished; how much more time do you need to look for her?"

"Have you forgotten that you once claimed I was your most cherished person? You and Athena were merely stepping stones to wed me, weren't you?"