Chapter 317
Chapter 317
“ My dear Athena, are you alright? ” Gale asked anxiously, her eyes full of concern as she looked at her.
After Athena left, the more Gale thought about it, the more uneasy she became. In the end, she decided to return to Pidence
City.
Seeing Gale’s anxious expression, warmth blossomed in Athena’s chest. She shook her head gently, forcing a smile. “I’m alright, really. Don’t worry about me p>
Athena forced a smile, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Gale’s expression froze. “What’s wrong, my dear? Has someone wronged you p>
However, Athena simply smiled without a word. She had grown up with no one to rely on.
Athena thought to herself, ‘I’ve always yearned for family love, that warm feeling of being cherished by my parents.
‘Yet in the end, it is an outsider who offers me this warmth.
‘How bitterly ironic.
‘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 I keep you company while we wait for Ferris together p>
Gale paused briefly, then nodded eagerly. “That would be perfect p>
Gale had always worried that, since Athena and Ferris weren’t married yet, it wouldn’t be proper for Athena to move into the Mcgee mansion.
Gale thought to herself, ‘But now that I think about it, I was worrying too much.
‘Let the outsiders gossip all they want. Athena is marrying into the Mcgee family anyway.
‘By my count, Ferris should be home any day now!
Time flew by in the blink of an eye, and soon it was Christmas Eve.
There were less than seven days left until Ferris finally came home.
Upon receiving Ferris’s letter, Gale rose at dawn, bustling about to organize the servants for preparations.
Gale said to her servants, “Ferris loves pulled pork. Let’s have everything ready ahead of time, so he can enjoy them the moment he gets home p>
Worried the servants might not meet her exacting standards, Gale personally oversaw every detail.
Athena watched, her heart swelling with wistful envy.
Back at the Monson family, no one had ever gone to such lengths for her like this.
Eloise’s most frequent refrain was, “Athena, don’t fight Willow for anything. She’s your younger sister, you must always give way to her p>
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Chapter 317
Henry and Athena’s three brothers never missed a chance, whether openly or subtly, to hint that Willow felt insecure because Athena had come back.
Willow feared being seen as an outsider, worried she might steal the affection meant for Athena.
Athena thought bitterly, ‘So they doted all the more on Willow, while willfully turning a blind eye to my feelings.
‘Maybe I’m just too needy, is that why nobody ever loved me?
‘In the end, it wasn’t that I was too needy, it was just that the Monsons had never truly held me in their hearts!
“And prepare some extra chestnut cakes too. Atheny loves those,” Gale’s voice carried to Athena’s ears. Athena couldn’t help but smile. ‘Now I have someone who cares,‘ she thought, her heart filling with warmth.
“Let me help you, Gale,” Athena said as she stepped into the kitchen and approached her.
Gale beamed at Athena. “Perfect! Come and help me shell these nuts, Atheny p>
Gale handed Athena a small basket of chestnuts.
The two women sat together, chatting and laughing in perfect harmony.
The servants in the mansion couldn’t help but smile too, noticing how Gale’s face brightened with increasing joy in Athena’s
company.
The servants couldn’t help but marvel, ‘It is truly rare to see such a close bond between Gale and her soon–to–be daughter- in–law, Athena p>
Gale doted on Athena as if she were her own daughter.
Athena was just as considerate toward Gale, always looking out for her and making sure she was comfortable and well cared for in every possible way.
Just then, the butler entered, bowed to Gale, and said, “Your Grace, Princess Lizzie has sent over a formal invitation p>
“An invitation?” Gale’s smile froze instantly. “Why would Princess Lizzie send me an invitation p>
The butler approached and respectfully handed the invitation to Gale.
Gale, visibly irritated, handed the invitation to Athena. “Atheny, take a look at this. What does Princess Lizzie want this time p>
AD
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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.