From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 348

**TITLE: Her Rise 348**
**Chapter 348 Were You Avoiding Teri?**

Athena opened her mouth, but the words seemed to vanish before she could speak. A heavy silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions. How could she possibly articulate the whirlwind of feelings that had just swept through her?

Zaden, observing the embarrassment etched on her face, paused for a moment, his mind racing to find a way to ease the tension that enveloped them. Suddenly, he turned his attention to Teri, his voice steady and calm. “Teri, your mom just got back from the hospital. Why don’t you let her take a shower first? After that, she’ll be ready to give you a big hug, okay?”

Athena felt a wave of relief wash over her at Zaden’s words. What a brilliant excuse! It was as if a lifeline had been thrown her way.

She quickly chimed in, “Teri, hospitals are full of germs. If I hug you right now, those germs might get on you, and I wouldn’t want you to get sick.”

Teri blinked, her eyes wide with uncertainty. “Really?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Absolutely,” Athena affirmed, nodding with conviction, trying to convey the seriousness of her words.

In an instant, Teri’s tears dried up, and a small, hopeful smile broke across her face. “I don’t mind at all, Mommy.”

Those innocent words pierced Athena’s heart, filling her with a mix of guilt and sadness. She reminded herself that Teri was just a child, untouched by the complexities of adult grievances. Whatever bitterness she felt towards Maya could not, must not, spill over onto Teri.

With a gentle smile, she replied softly, “Teri, I’m going to take a shower first, okay? Just give me a few minutes.”

As she spoke, Athena gathered her clothes and slipped into the bathroom. Staring into the mirror, she confronted her reflection, letting out a long, heavy sigh. A dull ache pulsed in her head, a reminder of the turmoil swirling inside her. How had everything spiraled into such chaos?

Once she finished her shower, she changed into something light and comfortable, the fabric soft against her skin. The coolness of the air helped clear her mind, and she felt a bit more centered. She had unintentionally hurt Teri earlier, and stepping out of the bathroom, she immediately reached for the girl, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Teri was initially taken aback but then beamed with joy, her smile lighting up the room.

So Mommy doesn’t hate me after all!

With a tight grip, Teri wrapped her tiny arms around Athena’s waist, nestling her little head against her mother’s chest, radiating love and trust.

Athena held her daughter close, a swell of indescribable emotion rising within her. It was a mixture of love, guilt, and a fierce desire to protect this innocent soul from the messiness of the adult world.

Zaden stood a few steps away, observing the tender moment between mother and daughter. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but his eyes narrowed slightly, troubled by Athena’s earlier instinctive reaction. Something felt amiss, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“Let’s eat,” Athena finally broke the silence, her voice warm yet slightly strained. “Teri, are you hungry?”

“I’m starving! I could eat a horse tonight!” Teri exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The three of them made their way to the dining room, where the maid had already set the table with care. Athena settled beside Teri, who eagerly piled food onto her mother’s plate, trying to impress her.

Athena chuckled softly and placed a succulent chicken drumstick on Teri’s plate. “Here, eat more, my little chef.”

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