The Bigshot's Superstar Wife

The rain poured heavily that night, drumming against the canopy of trees and drowning out most sounds.

But Athena was a light sleeper, she always had been. The faint crunch of footsteps against the damp earth was enough to snap her eyes open.

She didn't move at first, keeping her breathing steady as she listened. The sound was close. Too close.

Then, voices.

"She's in the second tent. Move quietly."

"What about the other one? We can't mess this up."

"She's too eye-catching. The sponsors want her gone. We'll take her after."

Athena's eyes sharpened. They were talking about her. And someone else.

Her body tensed, instincts roaring to life. This wasn't a simple sabotage attempt. The way they spoke, the confidence in their voices, this wasn't their first time.

She didn't hesitate. Moving with silent precision, she slid out of her tent and into the darkness.

The rain masked her movements as she climbed a nearby tree, her muscles reacting like second nature.

She reached a sturdy branch and crouched, barely making a sound as she peered down. Two figures in dark clothing crept toward a tent a few meters away.

Not mine.

Her eyes narrowed. So I'm not their first target tonight.

Athena watched as one of the men carefully pulled back the entrance flap. A woman lay inside, sleeping soundly.

She recognized her, Renee, a model-turned-actress, one of the quieter contestants. One of the men nodded, and before she could stir, they lunged.

A rag was pressed over her mouth, muffling her startled gasp. She kicked weakly, but her body went limp within seconds.

Chloroform.

Athena's fingers curled against the bark of the tree.

Professionals.

The second man scooped Renee up with practiced ease, carrying her toward the jungle. The first stayed behind, scanning the camp.

His gaze flickered toward Athena's empty tent, and his brows furrowed. He took a step toward it. Athena exhaled slowly. I can't let them take her.

But she needed to be smart. If they had chloroform, they likely had other means of subduing their targets. If I rush in, I'll be next.

She reached into her pocket and found a small survival knife, standard issue for the show. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

Her eyes followed the man carrying Renee, noting his direction. They have a meeting spot. Her decision was made in an instant.

Follow them. Find out where they're taking her. Then strike.

Athena moved like a shadow through the trees, trailing the kidnappers as they wove through the dense jungle. The heavy rain worked in her favor, muting her movements.

They stopped in a clearing a few minutes later. A third man was waiting, taller, broader, exuding authority.

"Just one?" he asked, irritation in his tone.

"We'll get the other one next," the first man answered. "Athena's tent was empty. She must've gone to relieve herself."

The leader scoffed. "She's smart. Be careful. If she catches wind of this, we're in trouble."

Athena's lips curled. Too late. She scanned the clearing, noting their weapons, knives, tasers, and possibly firearms. Not an easy fight. But not impossible.

She pressed closer, her grip tightening around her knife. She needed a distraction.

Lightning flashed, and she spotted a pile of dried wood stacked beneath a nearby tree. Probably collected for a fire before the storm hit.

Athena pulled a small waterproof matchstick case from her pocket. Every contestant had been given a few essentials, this was one of them.

Let's see how well you handle chaos. With a flick, she ignited a match and tossed it into the pile. The flames caught instantly, spreading rapidly as they consumed the dry wood.

The effect was immediate.

"Shit!" One of the men jerked back. "Fire!"

"Put it out before it spreads!"

They rushed toward the flames, momentarily distracted. That was all Athena needed. She lunged from the trees like a striking panther.

Her knife found the first man's throat before he could react, cutting off his startled gasp. She caught his falling body and eased it down silently.

The second man turned just in time for her fist to crash into his face. His head snapped back, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

The leader whirled, reaching for his weapon, too slow. Athena was already on him. She drove her knee into his stomach, forcing him to his knees.

His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist, but she twisted effortlessly, breaking his grip. "You...!"

She slammed the hilt of her knife against his temple. He collapsed. The jungle fell silent once more, except for the crackling fire and the pounding rain.

Athena exhaled, her heart steady. She turned to Renee, who was still unconscious. Lifting her easily, Athena slung her over her shoulder. Time to head back.

By the time they returned to camp, the rain had slowed, and the sky was beginning to lighten.

Athena placed Renee in her tent, making sure she was safe before slipping back into her own. Her clothes were soaked, her muscles sore, but she ignored it. This wasn't random.

Whoever hired those men had influence. This was an inside job. She needed answers. And she had a feeling the next few days would bring them right to her doorstep.

Athena sat cross-legged on her cot, her wet clothes clinging to her skin. She didn't bother changing.

Adrenaline still hummed in her veins, keeping exhaustion at bay. Her mind replayed every detail of the attack, the way the men moved, their weapons, their conversation.

Who ordered this? She wasn't naive. Someone powerful wanted her gone.

"She's too eye-catching."

Was this just jealousy from another contestant? Or was there something deeper at play? She glanced toward Renee's tent. The woman was still unconscious.

Athena had two choices, lay low and pretend nothing happened, or take the offensive. Her fingers traced the hilt of her knife. I don't like being hunted.

A rustling outside made her tense. She grabbed the knife and silently moved toward the tent flap, peeking through the opening. A shadow passed near the trees. Someone was watching.

Athena's grip tightened. Whoever they were, they weren't attacking. Yet. She pretended not to notice, returning to her cot. If they thought she was unaware, they might slip up.

Let them watch. Let them think I'm just another oblivious contestant.

But Athena knew one thing for certain, this wasn't over. Whoever was behind the attack would try again. And next time, she would be ready.