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“Miss Chancellor, are you certain about canceling the wedding? This location was reserved a
year in advance. If you withdraw it’ll be at least two years before you can secure it again.
Wouldn’t it be wise to consult with Mr. Davidson first?”
Athena Chancellor’s weary countenance revealed her fatigue, but her gaze remained. determined. She responded with a decisive nod.
“There’s no need for discussion. Cancel it.”
As the anesthetic wore off, a sharp twinge in her lower belly intensified, enveloping her body with relentless force. Each utterance felt like a struggle, her resilience barely holding up.
Nevertheless, upon regaining consciousness, her initial action was clear. She reached for her mobile and called off the wedding, her resolve unwavering despite the turmoil ravaging her body.
After all, had she not canceled, the prospect of two ceremonies with the same groom would have been utterly absurd.
The receptionist on the other end paused momentarily but swiftly processed Athena’s request, adhering to the principle of customer priority.
Within moments, a text message confirming the cancellation appeared on her device.
Gazing at the message, a year’s worth of planning crumbled before her. Yet, rather than heartache, Athena experienced an unexpected sense of freedom, as if a burden she hadn’t realized she was carrying had been lifted.
“Please keep this confidential. Don’t mention a word to Emmett.”
The staff assured her repeatedly, though their inquisitiveness persisted. Just a month prior, on Athena’s birthday, Emmett Davidson had made headlines by illuminating Ravenloch’s sky with fireworks. This grand gesture had captivated social media.
At the time, everyone marveled at how Emmett and Atheną, after five years together, still appeared to be deeply in love, the ideal couple in everyone’s eyes. How could things have deteriorated so rapidly, culminating in the cancellation of their wedding mere weeks later? Athena ended the call, her fingers already reaching for a ticket, when the door to her hospital. room slowly opened, interrupting her thoughts.
Emmett had just returned from an overseas conference, his suit still rumpled from the lengthy journey. Without hesitation, he rushed to Athena and wrapped her in a tight embrace, his voice filled with remorse.
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“Athena, I apologize. I’m late”
“How are you feeling? Is it still painful? I was only away for two days, and now you’re
hospitalized. What did the physician say?”
Athena was held so tightly she struggled to breathe. Just as she prepared to respond, a faint, almost imperceptible aroma filled the air.
It was the same scent she had once detected on another woman.
Suddenly, a wave of queasiness hit her, settling in her stomach like a heavy stone.
Wasn’t it more probable that he had spent that so–called international conference in someone else’s bed?
The thought struck Athena like a blow to the gut, and in an instant, she broke free from Emmett’s embrace. Gripping the bed railing, she doubled over, retching violently.
Emmett froze, a look of surprise crossing his face before he hurried to her side. His handsome eyes were filled with a mixture of worry and something else, almost like anticipation.
“Athena, could you be expecting?”
Athena straightened up, carefully distancing herself from him.
“No, my stomach’s just been a bit unsettled lately.”
“Is that so?”
Emmett’s voice dripped with skepticism, and just as he opened his mouth to inquire further, his phone chimed.
The moment he saw the name on the screen, all his questions vanished, replaced by a subtle smile that played across his lips.
But instead of responding to the message, Emmett quickly switched off his phone and, like an affectionate puppy, leaned in closer to Athena, completely abandoning his earlier concerns. “Athena, I’ve already distributed all the wedding invitations. We’ll be married soon!”
“Let’s have a boy first, shall we? We’ll raise him well, and when he’s grown, I’ll retire early and spend every day with you.”
Emmett spoke with such enthusiasm, oblivious to Athena’s ashen face, as if everything were perfectly fine.
Meanwhile, the television broadcasted Allana Forbes’s first interview since her return to the country.
Just two weeks ago, Aliana had abandoned her flourishing career in the Canadian film industry; her decision was unwavering as she opted to return home. Upon arrival, she promptly
