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Chapter 16 – The Birthday She Didn't Expect
Athena's POV
The week passed faster than she imagined. Every free moment between classes was filled with lists — dresses, decorations, songs, food. Her dorm slowly transformed from a quiet student room into a pre-party command center, glitter and fabric samples scattered across her desk.
Her small circle of friends—Clara, the shy girl she'd helped on her first day, and two others from her department—helped her pick colors and argue about cake flavors.
"Pink is too basic," Clara said, holding up a swatch.
Athena laughed softly. "Pink is classic. And it matches my dress."
"You've been glowing lately," Clara teased, nudging her arm. "Is it because of your birthday… or someone else?"
Athena rolled her eyes, pretending not to understand. "It's the birthday, Clara."
She didn't want to think about him.
Still, at night, when she sat by her window staring at the lights of Alderidge University glowing below, she caught herself remembering his voice, his stare, the way her name had sounded that day.
She shook it off every time.
This birthday was about new beginnings, not old wounds.
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The Day of the Birthday
Sunlight poured through the curtains like liquid gold, painting the room in a soft glow. Athena blinked awake and stretched, a sleepy smile spreading across her lips.
Her phone was already buzzing with messages.
🎉 Happy Birthday, Princess!
💖 We're so proud of you!
✨ You're finally 18!
Her heart warmed. For once, she felt like everything was perfect.
The evening came faster than expected. The small private hall she rented was elegantly decorated — soft fairy lights, roses in vases, a touch of gold in everything. Her long gown shimmered as she moved through the guests, greeting friends and laughing freely.
For the first time in months, she felt light. Free.
But then—
The music shifted slightly, a murmur spreading through the crowd. Someone whispered, "Is that… Damon DeVille?"
Athena froze.
Her pulse spiked before she even turned.
Standing at the entrance, tall and effortlessly composed in a charcoal suit, Damon's presence filled the room like gravity itself. His amber eyes found her almost immediately — and didn't look away.
She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around her glass.
He shouldn't be here.
He couldn't be here.
Yet here he was — calm, controlled, devastatingly handsome — walking toward her with that same steady gaze that once made her entire world tilt.
The chatter of the guests faded. Her heartbeat was the only sound she could hear.
When he finally stopped in front of her, he spoke quietly enough that only she could hear.
"Happy birthday, Athena."
Her breath caught.
Every emotion she'd buried all week came rushing back at once — anger, confusion, longing.
But she managed a small, polite smile.
"Thank you, Mr. DeVille," she said softly.
His eyes flickered. Mr. DeVille.
It felt like a knife wrapped in silk.
And just like that, the night that was supposed to belong only to her… no longer did.
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