Chapter 141
hapter 141
Tears streaming down her face, Gale choked out, her voice trembling, “Three years I’ve searched for you, never dreaming you were right before my eyes! Just cure my son, and I’ll agree to anything, anything at all p>
With that, Gale completely broke down, her regal composure shattered as she slumped forward in uncontrollable sobs.
Athena helped her sit back in the chair and said calmly, “All I ask is that you keep my secret. That’s my only condition p>
“Then… what about the engagement?” Gale asked eagerly, her eyes shining with hope.
“Your Highness, please help me delay the engagement until Ferris recovers,” Athena said, her heart swelling with emotion.
She never knew Ferris felt this way about her, but her heart had long since gone numb.
Athena thought, ‘My heart has no room left for anyone else.
‘If I accept Ferris’s kindness now, I’ll owe him an emotional debt I can never repay.
‘I cure him, and he keeps my secret. That way, we are even p>
Gale fell silent. In her heart, she still hoped that once Ferris recovered, he would marry a girl from an equally noble family.
As for Athena, though she was a miracle healer, her reputation had already been tarnished the moment she set foot in a place like the military camp. No respectable woman should ever go there.
Gale had to admit that Athena was being quite considerate in how she handled things.
Gale gave a firm nod. “Very well, you have my word p>
Athena and Gale exchanged a knowing smile, and the Princess visibly relaxed.
With everything settled, Gale sent for Eloise and Henry.
Before long, Eloise and Henry entered, their faces adorned with diplomatic smiles.
Eloise feigned nonchalance as she said, “It seems Her Highness and Athena have hit it off splendidly since you have talked for so long p>
Eloise looked at Athena expectantly, hoping she would say something.
But Athena ignored her expectant gaze, lowering her head to sip her tea.
Gale was positively glowing with joy, her smile radiant. “Indeed, Athena and I have found an instant connection. For our family to welcome such a wonderful girl is truly our greatest fortune p>
As she spoke, Gale shot Eloise a meaningful look, her eyes glinting with a hint of hidden mockery.
A subtle trace of mockery flickered in her eyes, almost too fleeting to notice.
She thought, ‘If Eloise ever discovered just who her real daughter was, she’d regret it so bitterly it would haunt her forever!
Yet Gale found Eloise utterly undeserving of sympathy.
A woman who would even exploit her own flesh and blood was no good person after all.
1/2
Chapter 141
Eloise couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off ever since Athena had that private conversation with Gale.
Previously, Gale treated Athena with open contempt, never giving her a kind look or word.
But now, Gale’s fondness for her seemed to come straight from the heart, so genuine it took her by surprise.
The way she looked at Athena was strange, different somehow.
It wasn’t the way one’d look at a junior, more like the way they’d regard someone truly remarkable.
Henry looked eagerly at Gale. “Has the marriage alliance between our two houses been finalized, Your Highness? ”
“Everything is settled,” Gale replied with a smile, “But we still need to carefully select an auspicious date. After all, this is a lifelong matter and deserves our utmost care p>
Henry and Eloise exchanged bewildered glances as they thought, ‘What is going on?
Just moments ago, she was in such a rush to get engaged, so why the sudden change of heart?
‘Moreover, we’ve heard that Ferris has been gravely ill for quite some time. They even have a coffin prepared. Wasn’t that precisely because they feared the worst might happen p>
Henry and Eloise exchanged utterly bewildered glances, but since Gale didn’t elaborate, they didn’t dare to press further.
After seeing Gale off, Eloise turned to Athena.“Weren’t we supposed to discuss your engagement today? Why did Her Highness leave just like that without even mentioning it p>
She was tempted to ask if Athena had said something to offend her, causing the engagement to fall through.
Athena chuckled lightly. “What could possibly be the matter? It’s simply that the two weddings are scheduled too close together. Her Highness just wants to pick another date, that’s all p>
“That excuse was far too flimsy,‘ Eloise thought to herself.
But Athena had already walked away, leaving Eloise no choice but to let her go, though she couldn’t shake the nagging sense that something was off.
2/2
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.