From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 296

296 A Glimpse of Warmth

Miranda’s compliment brought a subtle smile to Athena’s lips, though she carefully kept it restrained. She nodded her thanks with grace and assured Miranda she would return the next day for another session of simulation. This was just the beginning, after all, and Athena was determined to improve with every practice.

As she gathered her belongings, Athena suddenly realized her phone had been off the entire time. Earlier, she had switched it off deliberately to avoid distractions. Now, turning it back on, she noticed multiple missed calls from Zaden.

He must be frantic, searching for her.

“Professor Gordon,” Athena said hurriedly, “my husband has been trying to reach me. I should probably go before he gets too worried.”

Miranda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait—you’re married?”

Her voice carried a mix of astonishment and a slight hint of disappointment. “I was just thinking that someone as incredible as you deserved an equally amazing partner. I even considered introducing you to my nephew! But it seems someone else already beat me to it.”

Meeting a talent like Athena was rare, something Miranda recognized instantly. She admired Athena deeply and had secretly hoped to draw her closer, perhaps even welcome her into her own circle.

Athena chuckled softly at Miranda’s words, feeling a warmth in her chest. Zaden was, indeed, extraordinary. Both of them had endured heartbreak and setbacks, yet fate had somehow brought them back together. To Athena, that felt like a rare and precious destiny.

“Professor Gordon,” Athena said with a genuine smile, “my husband is truly remarkable. If the chance ever arises, I’d love for you to meet him.”

Miranda caught the light in Athena’s eyes when she spoke of Zaden. It was unmistakably the look of someone who loved deeply and was loved in return. Resigned, Miranda sighed quietly and let the thought go.

She smiled warmly. “Alright then. I’ll look forward to meeting him someday.”

With a polite goodbye, Athena left the hospital and headed back to her hotel.

—

When Athena opened the door, she froze in place. Standing there was Zaden, his expression tight with concern and worry. The moment he saw her, his voice sharpened. “Where have you been?”

“I…” Athena hesitated briefly before deciding to be honest. “I went to another hospital for a surgery simulation.”

Zaden’s brows knitted together even more deeply.

“Didn’t I tell you to let me handle these things? You went off on your own without even telling me. You don’t trust me, do you?”

Athena stood still, stunned by his sudden anger. She had never witnessed Zaden this upset before.

For a moment, silence hung heavily between them.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify