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In years gone by, Athena had consistently celebrated New Year’s Eve at the Davidson family’s ancestral home, providing companionship to Azrael.
Now advanced in years, Azrael’s spirit was burdened by the demise of his child and daughter–in–law. He had become increasingly reticent with time, relying heavily on a walking stick as he stood solitary in the garden.
It was only during festive periods that Emmett would bring Athena back, and these occasions offered the elderly man some solace, alleviating his sense of isolation.
However, in recent times, Emmett would frequently concoct excuses about fraternal gatherings or business engagements, vanishing into the night more often than not.
In retrospect, Athena now understood that he must have been sneaking off for clandestine rendezvous with Aliana.
She massaged her temples, chiding herself for allowing these distressing recollections to resurface once more.
Having resolved to put the past behind her, Athena recognized she should have maintained her forward momentum.
With this thought, a gentle smile graced her lips as her eyes followed little Eira, who was joyfully navigating through the throng.
Meanwhile, Azrael, having just witnessed Emmett’s “handiwork, was consumed by fury. His visage flushed crimson, and he forcefully cast his walking aid to the ground.
His wrath intensified as he directed someone to contact Emmett, and his voice, deep and resonant, permeated the room. It was a tone that demanded attention and held the others in tense anticipation, each reluctant to disrupt the silence.
“Emmett! What have you done?! After years of instilling in you the importance of careful consideration, have you learned nothing?”
At that precise moment, Emmett was seated in his private medical facility, dispassionately observing Aliana’s distress on the operating table.
“Grandfather, I’m in full possession of my faculties. I’m well aware of my actions. There’s no need for such concern. This is merely the initial step in reclaiming Athena.”
Lucid, my foot! Just look at the public uproar and market reaction; there were better solutions available. Why choose this course of action?!”
Emmett clenched his jaw, restraining the urge to interject, his frustration simmering beneath
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“Is any of that truly significant? I’m indifferent to financial ruin! Only through these means can Athena witness my contrition and potentially return to me!”
“Grandfather, I won’t allow anyone who’s harmed Athena to escape retribution. I’m determined to win her back. I’ll locate her.
Azrael laughed bitterly, “So, is the next phase of your plan to sacrifice yourself to demonstrate your sincerity? Haven’t you been Athena’s primary source of pain?”
A moment of quiet passed between them before Emmett spoke again, his voice laden with
emotion.
“…In any case, I’ve already declared I’d forfeit my life for her. If that’s Athena’s desire, then so be it:
Azrael exhaled deeply, the gravity of his words settling in. The pair remained silent until the elder man resumed speaking.
“Your life or death is your decision, but don’t coerce that woman into terminating her pregnancy. Regardless of your disdain for her, she carries an innocent life. actions.”
Emmett shifted his gaze to Aliana, writhing in agony on the operating table, and with unwavering determination, he reached a decision.
r your
“I only desire Athena’s offspring. Isn’t that your wish as well? Once I find Athena, our family will be complete again.”
Without awaiting a response, he terminated the call and entered the operating room. Aliana watched Emmett approach, his presence as foreboding as Death itself, an aura of icy malevolence enveloping him. The terror within her intensified, constricting her chest.
Her voice, hoarse from desperate pleas, cracked as she beseeched him for clemency. “Emmett! Please, Mr. Davidson! Release me! I acknowledge my wrongdoing! It won’t happen again! Can’t I simply kneel and beg Athena’s forgiveness?”
At that moment, the physician, following Emmett’s directives, raised Aliana’s garment and
apply the ultrasound probe to her abdomen.
prepared to
Summoning all her strength, Aliana thrashed and contorted, frantically attempting to escape like a fish out of water.
“No, please! Don’t touch me! Emmett… don’t you recall? You were clated upon learning of this child! You’re the father, how can you be so cruel?”
i recall? You were clated upon learning of this
Emmett’s expression remained impassive, and the smile that curved his lips was devoid of
