From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 372

**Her Rise 372**

**Chapter 372: Emergency Call**

Athena’s thoughts swirled in a tempest of emotions, each one vying for her attention as she grappled with the reality that Teri might be Zaden and Maya’s biological child. The anticipation that had once sparked mere curiosity had morphed into a gnawing anxiety, a heavy weight that pressed down on her chest ever since she had submitted the paternity test. Now, as the results loomed ominously on the horizon, she felt a complex mixture of dread and fragile hope.

What was it that truly troubled her more—the possibility that the results might not align with her desires, or the fear of unforeseen consequences that could ripple through her life? The uncertainty was almost unbearable, a constant hum in the back of her mind that refused to quiet.

As she wrestled with these conflicting emotions, a wry chuckle escaped her lips. “What a tangled web I’ve woven,” she mused, shaking her head at the absurdity of her situation. Yet, deep down, she understood one immutable truth: there was no turning back. Whatever the outcome, she would face it head-on, no matter how daunting the prospect.

Earlier that day had been a whirlwind in itself. Zaden had been summoned back to the Storm Estate for dinner by Drake, leaving Athena to navigate the evening alone. As she wrapped up her work at the hospital, the thought of returning to an empty home weighed heavily on her mind, a shadow that loomed larger with each passing minute.

Upon arriving at the hospital entrance, she prepared to call a cab, her heart sinking at the prospect of solitude. Just then, a sleek black car glided to a stop beside her, the window rolling down to reveal a familiar face framed by the car’s interior. Elijah’s half-smile, so characteristic and inviting, beckoned her closer.

“Where are you headed? Need a ride?” he asked casually, his voice smooth yet laced with an unspoken tension that hung in the air like a storm cloud.

Athena felt a rush of memories flood her mind, recalling their previous conversations and the weight of unaddressed questions that lingered between them. But the thought of Zaden’s grievances loomed large in her heart, a constant reminder of the conflict that separated them. She hesitated, acutely aware that Elijah stood on the opposite side of the divide, and the last thing she wanted was to provoke Zaden’s ire by engaging too closely with him.

“No thanks. I already called a cab,” she replied, her tone distant, as if she were erecting an invisible barrier between them.

Elijah’s expression shifted, disappointment flickering across his features. “You really don’t need to avoid me. We’ll be seeing each other often from now on,” he said, his voice tinged with a mix of sincerity and frustration that made her heart race.

Athena pressed her lips together, grappling with her response. Words eluded her, and silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Moments later, her cab arrived, and she slipped inside as if escaping from a brewing storm. As the car pulled away, she let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have evaded the awkward encounter.

Yet, Elijah’s words echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain. They would indeed cross paths again, and the thought sent a shiver down her spine. Did he harbor ulterior motives, or was it simply that she was Zaden’s woman? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a relentless itch she couldn’t scratch.

Once back at the villa, she pushed those troubling thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment.

Inside, the maid had returned with Teri, who was now happily engrossed in a TV show in the living room. The moment Teri spotted Athena, her face lit up like a beacon in the dark. “Mommy, you’re home!” she exclaimed, rushing toward Athena with an infectious smile that melted away the weight of the day.

In that instant, Athena felt her heart swell with warmth. All her worries seemed to dissipate, replaced by the pure, unadulterated joy that only a child could bring. A sudden realization struck her: no matter what the test revealed, Teri was her child, and that bond was unbreakable.

Teri’s curious gaze darted behind Athena, and she asked innocently, “Mommy, where’s Daddy? Why isn’t he back yet?”

Typically, by this hour, Zaden would have already returned home, but the clock ticked on, and his absence was palpable. Athena’s heart sank slightly at the thought of his delay.

Teri, wise beyond her years, nodded without protest. “Okay, I’ll be good while you’re gone,” she promised, her understanding melting Athena’s heart further, a reminder of the strength they shared.

After calling Harriet to explain the situation, Athena felt a mix of urgency and gratitude. Half an hour later, Harriet arrived, and Athena quickly briefed her on what she needed before heading out the door.

With one last look at Teri, who was already engrossed in her coloring book, Athena drove toward the hospital, her mind racing with thoughts of the impending chaos awaiting her.

As Athena navigated the tumultuous waters of her emotions, she found herself at a crossroads between uncertainty and undeniable love. The looming DNA test results weighed heavily on her mind, but the pure, unadulterated joy radiating from Teri reminded her of the unbreakable bond they shared. In that fleeting moment, she realized that no matter the outcome, her role as a mother was steadfast and unwavering. Teri’s innocent excitement and affection brought clarity to Athena’s swirling thoughts, reinforcing the notion that love transcends biological ties. It was a poignant reminder that family is not solely defined by genetics but by the moments of connection and care that shape their lives together.

Yet, as she rushed back to the hospital, the chaos of her professional life loomed large, intertwining with the personal turmoil she felt. The urgency of the emergency call pulled her into a world of responsibility and sacrifice, forcing her to compartmentalize her emotions for the time being. Athena understood that she had to confront her fears about Zaden and the potential implications of the test results later; for now, she needed to focus on the lives that depended on her expertise. The duality of her existence—being a devoted mother and a dedicated doctor—was both her greatest strength and her heaviest burden. As she drove toward the hospital, Athena steeled herself for the challenges ahead, knowing that whatever lay in store, she would face it with resilience and love, ready to rise to the occasion.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As Athena arrives at the hospital, she will be thrust into a whirlwind of chaos and urgency, navigating the complexities of a multi-car pileup that demands her full attention and expertise. The pressure will mount as she encounters not only the physical injuries of her patients but also the emotional toll that such a crisis takes on everyone involved, including her own conflicted feelings about the paternity test results. Will she be able to compartmentalize her personal anxieties and focus on saving lives, or will the weight of her unresolved issues cloud her judgment in the heat of the moment?

Moreover, the dynamics between Athena, Zaden, and Elijah are set to intensify. With Zaden still absent and the tension from their earlier encounters lingering, Athena might find herself grappling with her feelings for both men. Will Elijah’s reappearance at the hospital complicate matters further? As she faces the challenges of her demanding profession, the emotional stakes will rise, forcing her to confront not only her role as a doctor but also her identity as a mother and partner. The chapter promises to delve deeper into her psyche, revealing how she balances the chaos of her career with the heartwarming moments she shares with Teri.

Anticipation builds as readers wonder how Athena will manage the dual pressures of her professional life and her personal dilemmas. Will she find clarity amidst the storm, or will the unfolding events lead her to a crossroads that could redefine her relationships forever? The next chapter promises to be a gripping exploration of resilience, love, and the choices that shape Athena’s journey.