Athena’s heart pounded wildly as she met Xander’s gaze, his face mere inches from hers.
She thought, ‘How could the illustrious Xander, so unparalleled in status, be
confessing
his
feelings to me in such an almost pleading tons?
‘I’m not some stunning beauty, nor am I a renowned talent in Pidence City. I’m just an ordinary girl.
‘Do I even deserve this?‘
But Athena just couldn’t bring herself to ask any of these questions out loud.
By the time Athena came to her senses, she had already fled far away.
When Trina finally found Athena, she was startled to see Athena’s cheeks flushed crimson, clearly flustered.
Trina immediately reached out to feel her forehead.
Muttering to herself, she said, “This isn’t a fever… so why is your face so red?”
Athena’s mind was still replaying what had just happened.
In her panic, she had actually shoved Xander into a snowdrift beneath the tree.
His eyes, wide with shock and disbelief, locked onto hers, silently asking, “How could you be so bold?”
Athena slowly covered her face with her hands and said to Trina, “Trina, let’s get out of here.”
“Right now?” Trina asked in surprise.
Athena nodded firmly. “Yes, right now.”
She had already overstayed her welcome at the Xander Manor for days. She couldn’t stay any longer.
Athena had few belongings, so Trina quickly packed up and followed her out of Xander Manor.
When Nelson saw Athena about to leave, he quickly stepped forward to stop her, his face full of panic. “My lady, why are you leaving when everything has been so comfortable for you here? Have I failed to serve you properly?” he asked anxiously.
As he spoke, he quickly and discreetly waved his hand behind his back in an urgent gesture.
The attendant immediately caught on and hurried off to inform Xander.
Athena noticed Nelson’s subtle gesture and sighed. “Nelson, there’s no need to inform Prince Xander. Since we’re not yet married, my stay here would only invite gossip.”
Nelson’s expression froze. She had a point.
‘But if Lady Athena leaves, Prince Xander will be in a foul mood for days. It’s rare to see him smile at all, except when she’s around,‘ Nelson thought anxiously.
He genuinely wished Athena would stay longer at the manor.
Yet the matter concerned her reputation, leaving him in quite a dilemma.
Athena gave Nelson a slight nod and said, “Nelson, thank you for taking such good care of me these past few days. I truly appreciate it.”
Nelson waved his hands anxiously and replied, “Miss Monson, please, you’re putting me to shame. Looking after you is merely my duty.
1/4
20:25 Fri, 11 JUL
Chapter 194
Seeing Athena’s determination, Nelson knew further persuasion would be futile. He needed to report her location to Xander.
he asked respectfully, “Miss Monson, may I know where you plan to settle down? Should you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Athena had already mapped out her next move when she left the Xander Manor.
She wasn’t without options.
Her maternal grandfather’s residence was in the west of the city. Although the mansion was confiscated, at least she could purchase a house nearby and
settle down.
at least she could purchase a house nearby and settle down.
Staying close to that place felt like keeping her grandfather’s memory alive.
“Blue Alley, west side,” Athena said to Nelson.
Blue Alley used to be bustling with life, but after Athena’s maternal grandfather’s family fell from grace, the area declined.
Once, this entire alley was inhabited by Kurtis Perkins’s family.
After Kurtis was convicted, the place was considered ill–omened.
Most residents moved away, leaving only a handful of families behind.
Athena didn’t have to put in much effort to buy a house there.
There just happened to be one that had been sitting empty for years, and the price was a steal.
Without a second thought, she bought it.
The residence looked surprisingly spacious and well–proportioned.
Trina promptly hired a dozen or so servants and maids, just as Athena had instructed.
With everyone busy cleaning and settling in, the once desolate alley was soon revitalized with new energy.
The old nameplate above the entrance was removed, making way for a new one that proudly displayed “Monson Residence,” marking a new beginning.
At the entrance to the alley stood a small clinic, newly renovated and just opened for business.
For three days, Athena offered free medical consultations there.
Now that Athena’s clinic was offering free medical care, it seemed like half the city had flocked there.
Athena walked over with her umbrella, stopping a few paces away from Ferris.
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