From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 305

305 The Awkward Night

As their relationship grew closer, it was clear that neither of them was completely satisfied with just that.

After Athena lay down, an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist. She flinched, her breath catching for a second. Then she heard Zaden whisper beside her ear, his voice low and husky. “Can I kiss you?”

Her cheeks turned warm instantly.

It wasn’t their first time being intimate; why was he suddenly acting like such a gentleman now?

Still blushing, Athena gave a small nod.

In the dim moonlight, Zaden could see her delicate face, tinted with a soft pink glow. She looked like a

tomato.

His throat tightened as he lowered his head and planted a gentle kiss against her cheek.

Athena hadn’t expected that. For days, Zaden had been finding excuses to make her stay in his hotel room. She had known what he was up to. Men are all the same.

She felt his lips trail from her cheek to the corner of her mouth, then lower toward her neck.

Her body trembled slightly.

But just then, Zaden stopped. He leaned his head against her shoulder, his breathing rough and uneven. Athena blinked in confusion.

What’s wrong with him?

As if sensing her thoughts, Zaden murmured softly, his voice deep and strained, “We’re not home, and this is a foreign country.”

Athena quickly understood what he meant. Unlike Vlephia, it wasn’t easy to find certain things at night. The hotel didn’t provide them either. Now wasn’t the right time for mistakes.

Besides, she had bigger things to handle–Maya’s challenge was still waiting. Even though her feelings for Zaden had grown, they weren’t ready for having children.

Athena felt her face burn even more. She never imagined their first real moment together would end like this–awkward, interrupted, and unforgettable.

Zaden looked a little helpless. “Should I just have someone send it?” he asked.

Athena quickly grabbed his arm. “Don’t!”

That would be far too embarrassing!

She couldn’t even imagine what the staff would think if they delivered it now.

Athena hit him lightly on the chest and scolded, “Didn’t you say you planned a candlelight dinner? How could you forget to prepare the protection?”

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Chapter 305 The Awkward Night

Finished

Zaden looked guilty. “I just wanted to have a meal with you. I didn’t think that far ahead.” His voice softened as he added, “We’ve been upset with each other for days. When I saw you tonight, I couldn’t hold

back.”

Athena frowned. “If you’ve held back for days, you can hold it for a little longer!”

Then she pushed him away.

Zaden respected her. He didn’t force her into anything she didn’t want. In fact, he agreed it wasn’t the right time for them to take that step.

He stood up and said, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Athena stayed in bed, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket. She could hear the water running in the bathroom and buried her face under the covers, her cheeks burning.

Their first attempt at intimacy had ended in complete failure.

The next morning, Athena opened her eyes and found herself lying against Zaden’s chest. His arm was still draped over her waist.

Instantly, the awkward memories of last night came flooding back.

After his shower, Zaden had climbed into bed beside her and couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself. The result? He ended up taking three cold showers throughout the night.

Athena only had one comment. You had it coming!

Athena couldn’t help but feel a little impressed by Zaden. He respected her enough to take a cold shower instead of pushing her into something she wasn’t ready for. That small act made her feel a warmth she didn’t expect.

When Athena stirred awake the next morning, Zaden opened his eyes too.

They exchanged a quick glance before she sat up. “Get up and start packing,” she said. “We’re going back to Vlephia today.”

She had come abroad to complete her training and earn her certification. Now that she’d passed with a perfect score and her hand had fully recovered, it was time to return and deal with Maya once and for all.

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