From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 345

**Chapter 345: Cheering Zaden Up**

Athena had been on the verge of expressing her thoughts, her heart racing with a blend of anxiety and determination, but the moment was shattered like glass. The courage she had been mustering dissipated in an instant, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Zaden, with his keen eyes fixed on her, inquired, “You mentioned wanting to ask me something earlier. What is it?”

Her heart raced as she stammered, “N-nothing…” She shook her head, her lips trembling slightly before finally admitting, “I just wanted to know what we’re having for dinner tonight.”

At her words, a hint of a smile crept onto Zaden’s face, a flicker of warmth that brightened his expression. He had assumed that Athena was still hesitant about returning home tonight, but the fact that she had brought it up herself indicated a desire to be there. The irritation that had earlier simmered within him evaporated like mist in the morning sun.

“I’ll make arrangements for someone to prepare dinner. Once you finish work, we’ll head straight home, and dinner will be waiting for us. Teri’s nanny will pick her up too, so you don’t need to worry about that,” he assured her, his tone soothing.

Athena felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, recognizing the effort Zaden had put into making things easier for her. A soft warmth blossomed in her chest, a feeling of comfort that she cherished.

“Alright then. I’ll get back to work,” she replied, her voice steadier now.

As she turned to leave, Zaden’s hand shot out, catching her wrist gently but firmly. She glanced back at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Lowering his gaze to meet hers, Zaden said, “I was feeling upset just now. Aren’t you going to cheer me up?”

Athena had initially brought him here with the intention of lifting his spirits, but the moment had slipped away from her grasp.

A smile broke across her face at his playful reminder. “Weren’t you already over it?”

“I am—but there’s still a little something lingering,” he replied, raising an eyebrow, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

“And how do I fix that little something?” she challenged, her heart racing at the playful banter.

Zaden’s expression shifted to one of smug satisfaction, his eyes glimmering with triumph. “I don’t know. It depends on how you perform.”

This teasing side of him was new to Athena, and it sparked a sense of urgency within her. She glanced around nervously, as if searching for inspiration, before leaning in and planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

Just as she was about to escape, Zaden caught her again, pulling her back into his embrace. This time, his lips found hers, and the kiss was fervent and possessive, as if he intended to reclaim every breath she had. After days of distance following their quarrel, the kiss felt electric, igniting a fire between them.

It took some time for Zaden to finally release her, and as she slowly regained her senses, a dazed expression lingered on her face.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify