From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 251

Chapter 251 New Beginnings for Teri

It was exactly what he was doing now.

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Athena thought she’d feel uneasy living in a strange new place–especially with Zaden around.

But to her surprise, she slept soundly through the night. In her dream, Zaden appeared. They didn’t do anything, but the dream was soft and beautiful, the kind that left a lingering warmth when she woke.

When she saw him sitting at the dining table the next morning, she froze for a moment.

For a second, it felt like her dream hadn’t ended.

“Good morning, Athena!” Teri’s cheerful voice broke through her daze. The little girl’s face was glowing with excitement.

“Morning, Teri,” Athena said with a gentle smile as she walked over and sat beside her.

“I’m starting school today!” Teri said proudly, grinning from ear to ear.

Athena was startled. Then, she remembered what Zaden had mentioned before. He wanted Teri to catch up with other kids her age. Smiling, Athena reached out and brushed a hand over her hair. “That’s great, Teri. You’re going to do amazing.”

Then, she added, “I don’t have much to do today. How about I come with you?”

Teri’s eyes widened, lighting up instantly. “Really?”

“Uh–huh!” Athena nodded.

Teri let out a small cheer, her earlier nerves about starting school replaced by pure anticipation.

She wasn’t afraid anymore, not when Athena would be by her side.

Athena couldn’t help but smile at her joy. Seeing Teri so happy made her mood brighter too.

After breakfast, Zaden drove them both to the school as he left to handle enrollment.

Athena finally realized why Zaden had suddenly decided to move into this new villa. It was close to the school, making it easier for Teri to get to class every day.

Athena and Teri sat together in the back seat while Zaden drove.

21:07 Wed, Nov 5

Chapter 251 New Beginnings for Teri

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Starting school was a big deal for Teri. Athena knew Zaden always took things involving his daughter seriously; he liked to handle everything himself instead of leaving it to others.

Athena wondered if Teri would be able to make friends at school. She hoped the girl could live like any other child–carefree and happy–but she still worried Teri might feel insecure because of her mother’s absence.

And what if other kids asked her about it?

Well, now that Athena and Zaden were together, that technically made her part of Teri’s family. She might not be Teri’s biological mother, but if the little girl ever called her “Mom,” Athena thought, that would feel perfectly right.”

After thinking it over for a while, she asked softly, “Teri, if your classmates ask about your parents, what would you tell them?”

Teri thought for a moment. “My dad is Zaden, and my mom … ” Her voice trailed off. She bit her lip, hesitant, because the truth was–she didn’t have a mom.

Before she could finish, Athena said gently, “You can tell them your mom is Athena.”

Teri’s head shot up, her eyes wide in surprise. She looked at Athena as if making sure she had heard correctly.

Athena smiled and nodded, reassuring her with a warm expression.

“Then can I call you Mom?” Teri asked carefully, her voice soft and uncertain.

…

She had wanted to say that for so long but never dared to. After all, Athena and her dad weren’t officially together.

What if Athena left one day? But now Athena had said it first, and that gave her courage.

Athena’s smile deepened. “Of course you can.”

Teri took a deep breath, then called out brightly, “Mom!”

“Athena is my mom! My mom is Athena!” Teri shouted over and over, her voice bubbling with joy. Athena couldn’t help laughing, her heart melting as she watched the little girl’s pure

excitement fill the car.

After two days, Athena finally felt her mood settle.

She wasn’t as tense about her daughter anymore. Finding Teri had brought her a quiet kind of comfort. She knew Teri was a good kid, and when her real daughter was found one day, she hoped the two girls could be friends.

21:07 Wed, Nov 5

Chapter 251 New Beginnings for Teri

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