Chapter 2 Chains of Deception

"How? Did you make sure everything was safe before the police and the hospital staff started the evacuation?"

A faint voice gradually pulled Athena out of her long unconsciousness. She winced in pain, realizing that parts of her body couldn't move freely. Athena tried to identify the voice she had just heard, but she heard nothing further until the sound of a creaking door made her instinctively close her eyes again.

"Is she still unconscious?" Athena tried to calm her pounding heart as she recognized Leon's voice. Her breathing became shallow as she gripped the thin blanket that partially covered her body.

"The doctor said Mrs. Athena will wake up soon, Sir. She didn't suffer severe injuries thanks to the immediate help she received, but...."

"But she has some minor wounds and a broken right arm? Tsk, how disappointing! Why couldn't it be more serious?"

Startled again, Athena found it increasingly difficult to swallow. Her husband's cold tone echoed clearly in her ears. Her eyes began to fill with tears, especially as she felt Leon's rough touch on her injured face.

She never imagined her husband could be this cruel. Athena had thought Leon's infidelity was the worst he could do, but now it was evident he was actively orchestrating her misery.

"You should have died, darling! But it's fine. This way, you can personally hand over all your wealth to me!"

Athena held back her tears as Leon whispered harshly into her ear. She struggled to contain the whirlwind of emotions within her. She decided to continue pretending to be unconscious. Her left hand, lying at her side, clenched weakly as her heart shattered upon discovering her husband's vile intentions.

What had she done wrong to deserve this? How could Leon be so ruthless? Wasn't it enough for him to cheat on her with her best friend? Hasn't she been trying her best to be a good wife for him? Athena was even willing to sacrifice the peak of her career fame for Leon and even gave up her family's company to be led by him.

"Make sure she drinks that when she wakes up, Ed. Even if her hand doesn't fully recover, that's not enough. I want her silenced forever so she can't interfere with my plans!" The sound of steps came afterward, making Athena think Leon had moved away from her.

"Yes, sir!"

"You better make sure of it. I've already instructed a special team to fabricate her medical condition so the public believes the accident left her voiceless!"

Shocked once again, Athena could barely breathe. All her inner strength seemed to crumble. Her heart ached, realizing she was surrounded by people who wanted nothing but her downfall.

"No! I can't just stay silent and let this happen! I refuse to be trapped in Leon's devious games, reduced to a puppet he can control!" she whispered faintly.

After hearing the door close again, Athena slowly opened her eyes. She accidentally knocked over a glass of water beside her and then glanced at her heavily bandaged right hand.

"One day, I'll regain full use of my hand! I refuse to stay crippled because of my husband's evil schemes!" she muttered as she struggled to sit up.

Despite the sharp pain coursing through her injured body, Athena's determination remained steadfast. She had to leave the hospital before Leon and Edward returned, especially since they were planning to silence her forever.

No, she wouldn't let that happen! Athena wouldn't lose her voice or mobility before she could expose Leon's plans to the public.

"Excuse me, Doctor. The police just arrived. They said they want to interview you about Mrs. Athena's condition after the accident," said a nurse, prompting Athena to hide behind another room.

She glanced left and right, searching for the police the nurse mentioned. Unfortunately, her gaze accidentally met Edward, who was approaching from the opposite direction.

"Mrs. Athena!"

Struggling, Athena tried to avoid her treacherous assistant. She pressed on, her vision blurry, her breaths ragged, and her body wracked with pain. Suddenly, she nearly collapsed after bumping into someone.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I-"

"Get your filthy hands off my wife!"

Unexpectedly, Leon appeared from another direction. His piercing gaze was intimidating, making Athena's face grow pale and her hands cold.

"Help me!" Athena whispered, breathless, as she clung to the muscular arm holding her. She looked pleadingly into the man's brown eyes, but to her despair, he merely returned her gaze with an unreadable expression.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to bump into your wife."

"Tch! Are your eyes not working?!"

Without further argument, the man quickly left. Athena cried out in pain as Leon yanked her roughly. Her eyes widened as his threatening glare pierced her.

"Tell me, Athena. What do you know? Did you try to escape because you've uncovered my plans?"

Shaking her head rapidly, Athena silently responded to his question. She had never expected to confront Leon's terrifyingly cruel side directly. Any hope of escape seemed futile as his grip tightened painfully around her.

"How could this happen? Why wasn't she stopped? Did you give her the drink?" Leon demanded, turning to Edward, who stared suspiciously at Athena.

"I haven't given her anything, Sir. I just stepped out to check on the police investigation at the hospital."

Fighting back her sobs, Athena remained silent. Let them believe she couldn't speak; she needed to protect herself until she could find a way to escape.

"Hey! Speak up! Has your voice really disappeared?" Leon barked, grabbing her pale face roughly.

Suppressing her cries of pain, Athena shook her head again. She couldn't hold back her tears as Leon's sharp nails dug into her skin, forcing her to open her mouth, trembling, though she tried to stay silent.

"Good! The drug seems to be working quickly!"

Unbeknownst to Leon, Athena, and Edward, a man was watching them from a distance. His expression was unreadable before he stepped away to make a call.

"Prepare a place for me in this city. I have something important to finish that I've delayed for far too long!"