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"I'm sorry for bumping into you, dear goddess of wisdom, Athena." Aphrodite was polite. As it was her first meeting with the legendary goddess, Athena.

Athena raised her brow "How do you know I'm Athena?"

Aphrodite had a smile on her face "Ares told me a lot about you, so I know even your physical appearance."

Athena was surprised. Ares told Aphrodite about her? She didn't know Ares was that talkative.

Again.. her heart clenched a little bit at this thought. Just like when she first heard of the news. She came here in hope to inquire about it to Ares directly.

Athena didn't know anything at all. She thought she and Ares were friends. She thought she was the only goddess he was close with.

Athena couldn't really describe her feelings towards him. The two of them were partners in battlefield. She knew him better than anyone else.. or so she thought.

Now Athena wasn't convinced anymore. She and Ares were just friends so why was she so shocked about the news of his marriage?

'Maybe I've never expected him to marry anyone at all..'

"I've heard a lot about you, goddess Athena. You're a kind person and you're also gentle! You know about Ares a lot and I'm grateful for that." Aphrodite said as her eyes twinkled in delight.

Then she continued excitedly "I love hearing how you come up with strategy in war, goddess Athena. Oh! Can I just call you Athena?"

"Yes, of course." Athena was overwhelmed by Aphrodite's energy so she just nodded her head without thinking.

It surprised her that Aphrodite wasn't like how she first imagined. She was kind and quite naive.

And ever since that day, Athena and Aphrodite became acquaintances. It wasn't hard to like someone like Aphrodite because she was truly a precious existence. Athena realized how much Aphrodite was missing out in the world because she was told to stay in her mansion like a bird in a cage.

Aphrodite learned a lot from Athena about the situation outside. She also learned other gods and goddesses' name since she never interacted with them since forever.

It was safe to say that Athena was the only goddess to be friend with Aphrodite without having jealousy and envy shrouding her due to Aphrodite's beauty. Many others wanted to befriend Aphrodite but they were so easy to read.

Their viciousness knew no bounds and they would always be chased out by Athena without a glance. Athena became very protective of Aphrodite ever since.

Soon, the day of the marriage came. The people of the entire land of Eden were there to witness the wedding of two infamous figures of Olympus.

One was the powerful and ruthless god of war, Ares. Who had a strange color to identify himself and wasn't very likable within the Olympus society.

Another one was the famous and sensational woman of all realms, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite. Who was surrounded by too many rumors it was hard to keep up. She was also the subject of envy and attraction due to her appearance.

The two made an uncanny yet very unique pair. Even after their wedding, others still kept up with their relationship to see where it was going for them. They didn't wish for it but attention was always thrown at them by the door.

And ever since Aphrodite married Ares, her power was significantly evened out. She was able to walk around without covering her face anymore.

Others would still stop on their track to see her walking by but they weren't enchanted anymore. Aphrodite could control the spell well now that she had a powerful partner.

It wasn't in her books that it would turn out like that but it was a pleasant surprise for her. She could go anywhere she wanted without fearing for other's fascination.

At later times, Aphrodite also learned to be bold. She stopped wearing too much fabrics on her body and she showed a dominant side towards the crowd.

Aphrodite was finally free. She gained freedom alongside love.

Falling for Ares on their first encounter was the best thing that ever happened to her. But it came second when she heard from his mouth that he also felt the same towards her. His confession became the first best thing that happened to her.

Ares' appearance in her life changed her for the better and she appreciated it. And with how Athena and Hephaestus were close with him, they also began to care for her.

Hephaestus learned to let go although it was hard at first. And to his surprise, it was easier for him to forget Aphrodite now that she could control the intensity of her spell.

*

It was midnight, a year after Ares and Aphrodite's wedding. They were having their own anniversary celebration, just the two of them by the mystical lake.

The lake was given to Ares and Aphrodite from Zeus as a wedding gift. Now the whole east and south border were Ares and Aphrodite's territory.

They could roam the entire area and no one would disturb them. Another mansion was built on the surface of the water, right by the center of the lake. This mansion was their new home together.

It was named the Mansion of Mystical Lake.

Just like its name, the mansion's foundation was the water from the lake itself. The mansion's exterior was that of an ice castle. But when one went inside, the interior was grand but cozy. Warm and fuzzy.

The mansion was blue in color, taking in the lake's appearance.

Aphrodite was staring into the open space as she stood by the window of their new home. Suddenly, a hand crept up onto her body from behind. It sneaked around her waist and stayed there.

Aphrodite's smile was wide and unrestrained. She called his name affectionately "Ares."

They had just finished enjoying their candlelight dinner as to commemorate their first year anniversary.

"My love, what are you looking at?" Ares asked, his voice was deep and gruff against her neck.

She could feel his hot breath fanning her delicate skin. It sent shiver down her spine and for some reason, Aphrodite was excited.

"Nothing much, just the pretty scenery outside." she replied, still adorning her genuine smile.

"Nah.. you're the pretty one." he hummed softly.

Aphrodite laughed at his sudden compliment as she put her hand over his, which secured her stomach. Her back was facing him but she knew what kind of expression he was making right now.

"I love you, Ares." she said, remembering how they had their romantic dinner just now. It was great and she was surprised by what he had prepared for her.

Ares always surprised her- not just within their one year of marriage. But ever since they met 10 years ago.

She learned that Ares was different from anyone and anything. He was her best person in the world who would always make her smile.

He rarely complimented her beautiful appearance. Since he knew she had heard enough of it in her entire life. But at rare occasions, he would tell her how pretty she was. And usually, it happened over something.. very hot and steamy.

"I love you too.. my love." he said, inhaling her scent from her neck.

He wondered how he could have been patient for 10 whole years before deciding to confess his feelings and claim her as his.

'I'm surprisingly a slow person in that department..' he mused.