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In contrast, Finland’s New Year celebrations were subdued. The streets lacked the usual festive decorations, with only a few official banners and modest gatherings organized by American expatriates.
Athena reclined on the bed, perusing social media messages. The wedding planning company’s manager had shared their annual review. The wedding venue Athena had carefully crafted, one she had envisioned for herself, had been reserved by another couple. It had become the city’s most coveted wedding location.
Cascading green silk and white petals created a vision reminiscent of early summer’s bloom.
As Athena viewed the images, thoughts of Emmett intensified. An overwhelming surge of emotion enveloped her, prompting
an unexpected desire to shut off the screen and cease reading.
Just then, fireworks illuminated the night sky outside. Athena lay on her side, observing the display, feeling the weight of solitude.
Another firework burst forth, brilliant yet transient, leaving only traces of smoke behind. “See, Eira, this is your second time watching fireworks!”
Athena gently held Eira, lifting her to view the colorful explosions above.
Initially startled, Eira found comfort in her mother’s reassuring voice, her gaze fixed skyward. The fireworks surpassed anything she had seen before, momentarily captivating her.
As the final sparks faded, Eira nestled against Athena’s shoulder, pressing her forehead to her neck.
“Mommy, are you thinking about Daddy?”
“No, Daddy has gone somewhere very distant.”
Eira examined her mother’s expression, her tiny brow furrowing skeptically, but she remained silent. Whatever Mommy said was true, and she wouldn’t challenge it.
Eventually, Eira curled up against her mother, drifting off to sleep. Thoughts of Daddy faded; her world was complete with just her mommy.
As the year concluded, Maplewood City bustled with activity. The Davidson family’s annual traditions weighed on Emmett’s mind. Distracted, he decided to visit the Chancellor family’s parents‘ graves.
Upon reaching the cemetery, guided by memory, he halted abruptly.
The once–prominent graves marking the Chancellor family’s resting place had vanished, leaving
only bare earth.
Emmett stood motionless, his heart racing. No matter how many times he blinked, the scene remained unchanged. The graves were gone, replaced by untouched ground.
The stunned bodyguards quickly summoned the grave keeper, seeking answers.
“What happened to the graves? Emmett’s voice cut through the air, tense and demanding.
The grave keeper paled, stammering fearfully.
“Ms. Chancellor relocated the graves six months ago… She said you had agreed. Since you once mentioned she could handle Davidson family matters, I… I didn’t think I should trouble you…” “Relocated…” Emmett echoed, struggling to process the shock. Six months ago?
His vision blurred momentarily as the implications sank in. He staggered backward, feeling as if struck by lightning, his legs nearly giving way.
Athena must have known for some time… She had quietly moved her parents‘ graves without his knowledge.
All this time, he had been meticulously guarding his own secrets.
As the shock settled, the investigator Emmett had sent to look into Aliana returned. Noticing Emmett’s distress, the man hesitated before hastily presenting a thick file.
“Mr. Davidson… we found numerous records of communication between Athena and Allana…
Emmett’s eyes widened as he snatched the file. Before even opening it, the impact hit him like a physical blow.
The file contained chat logs and extensive exchanges, each one a provocative message from Aliana directed at Athena.
Emmett’s breath caught, his pulse quickening. He couldn’t look away as the full extent of the shocking revelation dawned on him.
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