25 25#25
25
The documents overflowed with conversation records, each one a merciless taunt from Aliana
to Athena.
The content ranged from harsh remarks to suggestive pictures, the combination of text and images revealing the harsh reality of Emmett’s supposed loyalty, destroying Athena’s perception of him.
What shocked Emmett most was the duration of these exchanges; the messages spanned a considerable time, each one boldly showcasing Aliana’s intentions, while Athena never replied. Had he been in her place, facing such open provocation from another woman, jealousy, anger, and confrontation would have overwhelmed him. Yet Athena, seemingly unaffected, had remained as tranquil as a placid lake, her composure unshaken by the turmoil surrounding her. Emmett believed he had cleverly concealed his deception, balancing his relationships with two women. However, it became clear that Athena had seen through it all, silently observing as he made a fool of himself.
Athena had, without his knowledge, discreetly set her plans in motion, relocating her parents‘ remains and removing all her possessions, disappearing completely from his life.
The woman who had always been as gentle as a lamb, who had once been open and honest with him like a blank canvas, had slipped away entirely, turning his careful schemes into nothing more than a cruel jest.
Everything had gone awry.
Emmett gripped the pile of documents, feeling a sharp and persistent ache in his chest.
The vacant grave’s looked back at him, like two lifeless eyes that seemed to see right through him.
His thoughts drifted back to the times he had visited those graves with Athena. He would always embrace her tightly, comforting the grieving girl as she clung to him, on the verge of breaking down.
“Athena, you still have me. I’ll look after your father and mother, forever, he had vowed to her.
Athena would give a faint smile, that soft, forced expression, leaning into him as if she relied on him completely.
But now, the bodies were gone. The graves were empty. Nothing remained but the hollow achet
in his arms.
Emmett was suddenly gripped by an icy, constricting fear. A deep sense of foreboding gnawed at
C
him, and he knew that this time, he might truly lose Athena forever.
“No, Athena, you can’t escape me, You will always belong to me!”
Ills voice was a low snarl as he turned, storming out of the cemetery with a dark rage clouding his face. He barked an order to a subordinate who had arrived with the files, his tone so icy it made even the bravest tremble.
“Where is Allana? Find her, immediately!”
The subordinate, pale and quivering like a leaf in a gale, quickly assured Emmett before hurrying to follow him out.
The caretaker, hunched and too frightened to speak, was startled by a sudden chill. His back stiffened as the cold gust swept through, and he instinctively pulled his jacket tighter.
Only then did he dare to look up. The once–clear winter sky had rapidly darkened, heavy clouds. engulfing the horizon.
A torrential downpour was approaching Maplewood City.
At that moment, Allana was oblivious to the danger rapidly closing in on her.
Allana had intended to meet her sisters, eager to celebrate her success in driving Athena away. But now, the sudden rainstorm confined her to her home, her plans dissolving as she continued her live broadcast.
Although Emmett’s behavior toward Athena had recently become unpredictable, Aliana had long been skilled at manipulating situations. She had used her acting abilities and the leverage of her pregnancy to ensnare Azrael, leaving him powerless against her.
Now, with a sense of triumph welling up inside her, she felt certain that the position of the young mistress of the Davidson family was practically guaranteed.
In high spirits, she sat before the camera, casually touching up her makeup, reveling in the excitement of her perceived victory.
Since her debut, Allana had meticulously crafted an image of innocence and purity. The controversy surrounding her pregnancy checkup had been nothing more than a momentary blip In the gossip columns, easily overshadowed by her charm.
Over time, she had effortlessly captured the public’s affection, cementing her status as the darling of her fans. She had perfected the portrayal of a beautiful first love, presenting herself as the embodiment of grace and gentleness.
“Thank you all for your kind wishes and concern. I’m doing splendidly now. Marrying my first love is truly a dream come true. I hope you all find the love you’ve been searching for!”
<
