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Was her beauty truly exceptional? If so, why had Emmett still been unfaithful?
How could he have misled her in such a manner?
Athena struggled to comprehend how the situation had unraveled so dramatically. She was uncertain about the duration of Emmett’s deception or the identity of the mysterious woman. She attempted to speak, but words eluded her, and tears streamed down her face, leaving wet trails on her checks.
Emmett’s expression shifted to one of alarm. He reached out, gently cradling her face and hastily wiping away her tears. “What’s the matter, Athena? Please don’t weep. Speak to me. Tell your spouse what’s troubling you.”
His eyes reflected genuine worry, with no hint of dishonesty visible..
His performance was so convincing that it seemed implausible that mere moments ago, he had been embracing another woman.
Athena struggled to regain her composure, her voice quavering. “It’s nothing… I’m simply overwhelmed with joy.”
Emmett exhaled in relief, his touch gentle as he dried the last of her tears, offering comforting words until she settled.
Before departing, Athena decided to use the pretext of forgetting an item to revisit the changing area.
She approached an employee and displayed the photograph she had surreptitiously captured earlier.
“That’s Miss Allana. She’s also preparing for her nuptials, the staff member commented, her eyes brightening as she recalled something. She indicated a nearby high–end bespoke gown. “What a coincidence. Miss Aliana’s bridal dress is from the same designer as yours and has a comparable style. And her fiancé even shares your last name!”
The revelation struck Athena like a bolt from the blue. The color drained from her face as her mind grappled to process the information.
During the journey home, Emmett glanced at her, his expression laden with concern. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke, mustering his courage.
“Athena, why do you appear so distressed?”
Athena slowly turned to face him, meeting his gaze, her volce barely audible,
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“Because today, I witnessed something I shouldn’t have.”
At her words, a flicker of uncase crossed Emmett’s eyes, and his demeanor shifted, his face. growing taut.
“Really? What did you observe?”
Athena held his gaze for an extended moment before responding, her voice calm yet firm. “I saw someone who bore a striking resemblance to you, holding hands with another woman while trying on a wedding gown.”
“That’s impossible!” Emmett’s reaction was immediate and vehement. He shook his head emphatically. “You must have confused someone else for me. While you were trying on your dress, I was waiting outside the entire time. I only visited the restroom for ten minutes, and the staff can confirm that. It couldn’t have been me!”
Athena stared at him as he raised his hand, declaring, “If I ever betray you, may I be struck down by lightning!”
His conviction was so unwavering that Athena almost doubted her own perceptions. But after , eye, even with her eyes shut.
loving Emmett for so long, she could visualize him in her mind’s How could she possibly mistake him for another?
A sharp pang pierced her heart.
So it was true; there were individuals capable of breaking hearts in two, juggling multiple lives, weaving an intricate web of deceit so complex that even they began to believe their own fabrications.
“I believe you, Athena whispered, her voice trembling. “I trust that you would never be disloyal
to me.
After the fitting, Emmett’s friends had organized a get–together.
Upon their arrival, the group had already begun playing games. Seeing Athena and Emmett enter hand in hand, the others eagerly crowded around, excited to greet them..
Athena wasn’t particularly acquainted with them. She smiled politely and exchanged brief pleasantries before quietly ascending the stairs, seeking a secluded spot away from the
commotion.
However, soon after, voices drifted up from the stairwell..
“Emmett, are you really planning to abandon Aliana and marry that orphan from your family?” Athena recognized the voice of one of Emmett’s former high school classmates.
She hadn’t intended to cavesdrop, but something about the conversation captivated her, and before she realized it, her feet had stopped moving, her body frozen in place.
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“What are you talking about? Of course, Aliana is the most significant!”
Aliana? Athena’s mind raced. She recalled overhearing the servants discussing a renowned actress who had recently returned to the country. That actress, it appeared, was none other than Aliana Forbes.
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