96 Peacemaker
Fiona’s demeanor immediately changed when she heard Ewan’s steel voice; she transformed from a fiery serpent poised to strike into a gentle dove ready to be slaughtered.
“Ewan,” she cried, dashing over to him as if a life raft had just appeared in the tumultuous sea of
her drama.
Public displays of affection were in order, and Ewan obliged her, allowing her to perch on his chest and wrap her arms around his waist. However, his eyes remained focused on Athena, the unexpected source of tension.
He had popped by to meet the manager over a deal, thinking it would be a quick in–and–out. If he had known he was walking into a battlefield of sorts, he would have changed course. His head throbbed with the weight of an impending headache, and seeing Athena after many days left him feeling strangely bereft.
Still, he focused on the pressing matter at hand. “What’s the problem, Carlos? What happened to my fiancée?”
Carlos, taken aback by the instantaneous transformation of Fiona from a feisty diva to a seemingly fragile creature, composed himself to respond quickly, knowing Ewan’s short temper all too well. “She wants the dress that Doctor Athena already picked for herself for the gala tomorrow night.
Fiona shrieked again, this time infused with both anger and pain. “That’s a lic, Ewan! How could I do something like that? I picked the gown first–you can ask the workers! The manager just came down here!”
Ewan pivoted to the workers, his expression hardening. “Is that true?”
All the workers nodded dutifully, except for the one who had been assisting Athena.
Ewan noticed this and called the girl out. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you agree Miss Fiona?”
with
The girl pinched her palm, thinking desperately about her position, then gave a reluctant nod.
But Athena wasn’t phased. She had anticipated this outcome and understood the pressure the girl was under. Rather than condemning her, she smirked and cocked her head, waiting for Ewan’s decision.
Seeing that smirk triggered something in Ewan, and he fought to suppress a curse. That infuriating smirk always made him feel a mix of annoyance and discomfort.
With a flick of his wrist, he dismissed the workers and focused on Athena. “Please, give her the
gown.
“Why should I do that? Athena shot back, her smile still teasing at the corners of her mouth, unfazed by Ewan’s dilemma.
“Because she picked it first, according to the bystanders.”
Do Placemaker
“Do you believe that nonsense yourself, or are you doing this just because she is your fiancée?”
“It’s the right thing to do, Ewan replied calmly, fixing his gaze on Athena as if she would crumble under its intensity.
Athena laughed, a delightful sound that broke the tension. “Give her the gown before she cries a
river.
The worker hurriedly packaged the gown and presented it to Fiona, who beamed like she had just won a coveted trophy. “Thanks, Ewan,” she chirped.
But Ewan, still fixated on Athena, wasn’t finished. “Doctor Athena, you prefer an Areso gown, right? Why don’t I make an order for you?”
Silence lingered in the room, a heavy blanket of tension enveloping them.
Even Athena appeared shocked, no matter how much she tried to maintain a cool facade. Fiona opened her mouth but only managed to shut it again in disbelief. She finally croaked out, breaking the spell. “You are buying her an Areso gown? What about me? I haven’t worn the designer’s works before! You always claimed it wasn’t a necessary expense!”
“You already have the one you wanted, Fiona. Right now, I’m merely trying to appease a
customer.
Ewan’s eyes were still on Athena, as if she were the sun and he was the earth in orbit. “Should I go ahead?”
Athena chuckled, holding back her mirth. “Areso, you said? Mr. Ewan, are you planning for me to miss the gala tomorrow We both know you can’t reach Areso on such short notice. It’s next to impossible, no matter how deep your pockets run.”
Ewan’s heart blazed with annoyance. He knew she was correct, but he was prepared to do anything for Areso’s attention at the moment.
Why couldn’t Athena just stay low and avoid baiting him?
“Fine, just send me the money for the gown. Will you do that at least?” Athena continued, sensing Ewan’s thoughts.
Ewan nodded. “I will send the money for the Areso gown. Which account?”
Athena smiled, about to rattle off the number, but just then, her phone rang.
When she saw the caller ID, she smiled like a kid on Christmas morning and put the call on speaker. “Hello, Areso…”
Fiona, Ewan, and everyone in the floor, couldn’t believe their cars when they heard the designer’s laughter on the other end of the line.
How could a designer Ewan had been pursuing for years be so casually included in Athena’s circle?
“Athena, you are a bad friend! You called me just once this morning, and you didn’t call again? Don’t you know I’m a busy person?”
Athena laughed genuinely. “I’m sorry, Areso. Did you get my message?”
“Yeah, I have a gown for you. It will be delivered this evening. Trust me, it will be excellent.” Athena smiled gently, her eyes sparkling. “That’s good. Send the bill.”
Areso’s laughter echoed through the phone again. “Bill? Come off it, Athena! Since when does that exist between us sisters? Send my regards to the twins, and I’ll see them soon.
The call ended.
her “So…” Athena paused as she surveyed the shocked looks on the faces of Ewan, Fiona, friends, the manager, and even the workers who had been peeking at the unfolding drama. “Doctor Athena, you know Miss Areso? We’ve been trying to…” Carlos began, but Ewan cut him
off.
“That’s okay, Carlos, he interjected, reverting back to Athena. “It seems you have what you
wanted.”
Athena smirked, her poised demeanor unyielding. “Does that mean you won’t fulfill your promise?”
Ewan shook his head slowly. “Not at all. Just send me the account details.”
Fiona was appalled. “But…”
Ewan ignored her completely, busying himself with his phone as he input the account information Athena had just provided.
When the name of the account holder popped up on his screen, he was taken aback–it was a charity organization that ran a shelter a few miles away.
“Good charity?”
“Yes, I saw their placard and saved their number for future reference, but since money is coming in now, why not send it to people who need it more?”
“I see…” Ewan gritted, a mix of frustration and admiration swirling in his chest as he sent the huge sum of money to the charity.
When he showed Athena the receipt for the transaction, laughter erupted from her once more, a bright sound that chased away the lingering anger in the air.
“Thank you!” She exclaimed, her eyes bright with contentment. She turned and walked out then, leaving Fiona fuming in her wake.
Fiona’s rage transformed into a bright shade of green, her anger palpable. “You can’t just give her that!” she yelled, arms flailing dramatically. “I’m your fiancée!”
Ewan sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. “Fiona, you know this isn’t just about us. It’s about making things right.”
“Right? You’re making it right for her instead of your own fiancée?!” Fiona sputtered, incredulity coloring her voice. “What are you? A peacemaker?”
96 Peacemaker
Ewas turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s just a dress, Fiona. And you’ve already gotten what you wanted. So, cut the crap out and head home.
Fiona: “…”
But Ewan didn’t wait around for her agreement. Rather, he signaled Carlos, and together they walked out of the large room to discuss business.
