From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 335

**TITLE: Her Rise 335**
**CONTENT:**
**Chapter 335: The Call She Didn’t Take**

As Zaden sat in the dim light of the living room, a furrow etched deep into his brow, he found himself lost in a whirlpool of thoughts, each one darker than the last. Suddenly, the silence was broken by the soft padding of little feet. Teri emerged from the hallway, her beloved stuffed animal clutched tightly to her chest.

With sleepy eyes, she rubbed them and looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. “Daddy, Mommy’s not back yet? I woke up and didn’t see her. When’s she coming home?”

Zaden pinched the bridge of his nose, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him like a heavy shroud. He had long since lost track of how Athena had slipped through the cracks of their lives, neglected amid the chaos of their daily routines.

And now… he was at a loss for what to do next.

Teri, sensing the storm of worry on his face, plopped down beside him, her stuffed animal sinking into her lap. “Daddy, what’s wrong? When’s Mommy coming back?” she pressed, her curiosity tinged with concern.

Zaden met her gaze, and as her innocent eyes bore into him, he realized there was no escaping the truth any longer. He let out a heavy sigh, the kind that felt like it carried the weight of the world. “She’s not coming back tonight,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a murmur.

“What?!” Teri’s eyes widened in disbelief, shock coloring her features.

“Why not? Didn’t she already move back from the hospital? It has to be your fault! You must’ve made Mommy mad, and that’s why she didn’t come home!” Teri accused him, her tiny finger pointing in his direction, laying the blame at his feet with all the seriousness a child could muster.

Zaden didn’t want to own up to it, but the truth hung heavily in the air, and he found himself nodding.

“Hmph! I knew it!” Teri huffed, her little face scrunching up in disappointment, clearly upset with him.

Then, with a newfound determination, she turned to him, her expression shifting to one of resolve. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to help you out. You are my daddy, after all. I’ll call Mommy and talk to her. Maybe I can get her to come back!”

A faint smile tugged at Zaden’s lips, a flicker of pride igniting in his chest at his daughter’s sweet, unwavering determination. This was one of those rare moments that made him truly grateful for the bond they shared as father and daughter.

With purpose, Teri retrieved her tablet, her fingers dancing across the screen as she initiated a video call to Athena. The line rang and rang, each tone echoing in the stillness of the room, but no one answered. Yet, Teri remained resolute, her little face set in concentration, refusing to give up hope.

Eventually, the call timed out, the screen flashing a message that left Teri’s heart sinking.

Athena hadn’t picked up at all.

Teri’s expression fell, her disappointment palpable. “Daddy, why didn’t Mommy pick up? Do you think she already went to bed?”

But beneath her innocent words, anxiety began to bubble up inside her. She and Athena had only just started to weave the threads of their relationship. What if Athena left for good? What if she decided to stop being her mommy?

The thought sent a shiver through Teri, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Zaden noticed the heartbreak etched on her small face, and his heart ached for her. He quickly reached out, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “Don’t cry, Teri. Maybe Mommy’s just taking a shower and didn’t hear your call. Or perhaps she’s already asleep,” he offered gently, hoping to soothe her fears.

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