17 17#17
17年
Athena swiftly transferred the funds to the agent, suppressing her emotions as she steeled herself for the next steps. She planned to pack everything meticulously and discreetly while Emmett was absent.
However, she was caught off guard by the individual who greeted her as she entered.
In that fleeting, tense moment when their gazes met, Athena felt a strong impulse to run. Yet her eyes, almost involuntarily, traveled downward, focusing on the woman standing in her residence.
Aliana was clad only in a green camisole, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, water dripping
onto the floor.
Aliana broke the silence first, nonchalantly running her fingers through her damp locks as she offered a smile. “Hi, I’m Aliana”
She showed no remorse for intruding on Athena’s space. If anything, her smug expression intensified. “Your eyes… they’re so similar to mine.”
Previously, before Athena had uncovered the truth about Emmett, she would have retorted sharply, her pride too wounded to ignore such a taunt. Now, she simply smiled and nodded, her response composed and almost detached.
“They do bear a striking resemblance, Athena concurred, her tone even.
Aliana arched an eyebrow, her expression one of slight skepticism as she observed Athena. She had sent numerous messages, each filled with intimate photos of her and Emmett, flaunting their closeness. Yet, Athena had never once responded.
What Aliana was unaware of were the countless nights Athena had spent overwhelmed with sorrow over those images.
Through Aliana’s lens, Emmett appeared so naturally charismatic that even casual shots seemed worthy of a fashion magazine. But Athena couldn’t forget how much Emmett had loathed being photographed. Throughout their five–year relationship, they had never taken a single picture together.
Lost in her reflections, Athena was jolted back to reality when she noticed Emmett emerging from the room.
The Instant his eyes fell on Athena, his expression tightened as if caught red–handed.
“Athena, why are you back so unexpectedly?” Emmett rushed over, gripping her hand tightly as he stumbled over his words, “Don’t misinterpret this. Allana is engaged to one of my close
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friends. She’s filming nearby, and when their water heater malfunctioned, she came here to
freshen up.
Aliana’s expression soured instantly. The flash of resentment in her eyes was unmistakable as she glared at Athena.
Her gaze darted between Emmett and Aliana before she finally spoke, her tone frosty but polite. “I understand you’re getting married soon. Congratulations, Miss Forbes.”
Athena, holding Emmett’s hand firmly, gave a smile that could have thawed ice. “Since you two are old acquaintances, I won’t question your relationship,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet. “But arrives, I’ll gladly attend. And don’t worry, I’ll make
let’s do this: when Miss Forbes’s wedding da
sure to bring a very generous gift.”
As Athena spoke, she noticed the uncomfortable shift in Emmett’s demeanor; his face flushed Jwith awkwardness, but she feigned ignorance. With a steady smile, she met both their gazes as
if the tension was merely a passing breeze.
Aliana, of course, detected the sarcasm immediately, but her smile only widened as though she wasn’t bothered at all. “You’re more than welcome to attend,” she said with an almost boastful air. “My fiancé has spared no expense. The wedding gown is being custom–made, we’ve hired. makeup artists from globally renowned brands, and because I adore lily–of–the–valley, he’s even leased an entire farm to provide fresh flowers for the ceremony.”
Athena listened to Aliana’s saccharine words, but all she felt was a void deep within her.
She had been the one who had painstakingly planned every aspect of her own wedding. Emmett was always “occupied,” a convenient excuse. And whenever Athena voiced her frustration, he would placate her with words that seemed ideal at the time.
“You’re the bride, Athena; everything should revolve around your preferences. If you love it, I’ll love it too.”
But now, as the reality of the situation sank in, it became painfully evident. He wasn’t busy; he simply didn’t care.
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