Chapter 185
The last time Athena made that oatmeal, it was just to play a prank on Xander. She never thought he’d actually ask for it again.
After much thought, Athena told herself, ‘I can’t bite the hand that feeds me!
Athena hesitantly suggested to Xander, “Your Highness, if you’re not feeling well enough to eat much, perhaps you could try some light food. Oatmeal might not be the best choice for you…”
Athena’s voice trailed off as her guilt grew stronger.
‘Had I known this would happen, I wouldn’t have messed with Xander,’ Athena thought remorsefully.
Xander looked at her, a rare smile in his eyes. “So, what would you suggest I do instead, Athena?”
Athena looked visibly uneasy in front of him. Xander’s icy demeanor cracked like a frozen river thawing, revealing a rare warmth in his eyes.
His thin lips curved into a rare smile.
‘Xander… is he really smiling?‘ Athena thought, stunned.
Athena had never seen Xander smile before, and she found herself utterly captivated by the sight.
Athena thought, ‘It’s not that I’m lovestruck, it’s just that Xander’s smile is simply breathtaking.
‘He’s got the looks, the power, and such striking handsomeness, so unfairly blessed it makes me both envious and jealous.’
A soft cough from Xander snapped Athena out of her daze.
Athena blinked sheepishly. “I could prepare some appetite–stimulating medication for you, Prince Xander.”
Athena quickly added, worried you might think she was being perfunctory, “Don’t underestimate these medications, Prince Xander. The preparation process is extremely intricate. Each step requires considerable time and effort. And to make them more palatable for Your Highness, I even add sugar and honey!”
Just then, the delicate fragrance of winter plum blossoms drifted into the carriage.
Athena’s eyes lit up with inspiration. “It’s plum blossom season, if we add some to the honey, it’ll really enhance the flavor!”
Xander watched Athena’s lively, playful demeanor, feeling a gentle warmth spread through his chest that gradually melted his usual reserve.
He thought, ‘This is the real her.
‘Not the cold facade she wore, nor the defensive thorns she wrapped around herself while pretending to be strong.
He knew Athena all too well.
He knew that she dreaded being alone.
She longed for warmth, for the comfort of being surrounded by people who cared about her.
That was why she remained haunted by Thalia and Macy’s deaths, and was determined to eliminate Willow completely.
Noticing Xander’s prolonged silence, Athena called to him softly, “Prince Xander?”
‘Could it be that Xander doesn’t like my idea?‘ Athena wondered anxiously.
Xander’s gaze shifted thoughtfully before he nodded. “As you wish, Athena.”
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10:04 Tue, 1 Jul
Chapter 185
Athena breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” she said gratefully.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt.
Athena looked at Xander, puzzled, only to see him smile gently at her. “Go on,” he said softly, “someone’s here for you
Athena was taken aback. ‘Who’s here for me?‘ she wondered, quickly pulling aside the carriage
curtain.
Outside the carriage window, Gale’s carriage suddenly came into view.
Upon seeing Athena, Gale gave her a gentle smile, then graciously nodded to Xander. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your timely and generous assistance.”
Athena looked from Gale to Xander, and it all clicked into place.
‘Gale must have petitioned Xander to rescue me, Athena thought.
Seeing Athena’s eyes darting about, Xander immediately knew she’d drawn the wrong conclusion.
It was entirely his own choice to save her. He did it simply because he wanted to.
However, he saw no reason to explain himself.
“It would just sound like I’m seeking credit,‘ Xander thought dismissively.
As Athena stepped out of the carriage, the interior suddenly felt emptier, and Xander’s heart grew even more desolate.
Xander watched as Athena approached Gale. The way they smiled at each other pierced his heart like a dagger.
He thought, ‘Athena is dead set on marrying Ferris.
‘All she ever sees is how well Ferris treats her.
‘But how could she possibly know all I’ve done for her?‘
When Athena turned around, Xander’s carriage had already left the spot. “He just left like that… I didn’t even get to say goodbye, she thought, her expression freezing in dismay.
Athena thought to herself, ‘I’ve always yearned for family love, that warm feeling of being cherished u, my parents.
‘Whatever. I’m done caring about that. From now on, Gale will be my mother.
Athena linked arms with Gale and smiled warmly. “Christmas Eve is almost here. How about keep you company while we wait for Ferris together?
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