Chapter 641
Dusk was falling, and the carriage was cloaked in dimness.
A faint fragrance from Athena drifted into Xander’s nose. He stared at her full lips at th
as they moved up and down, speaking.
The rich hun reminded him of cherries on a tie, ending a sweet aroma.
Kander unconsciously swallowed. Though the summer heat had long passed, he will felt a bit hot.
He raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Athena noticed and asked, “Are you very hor?
Just then, the carriage jolted violently as it rolled over a stone, and Athena fell forward.
Xander instinctively reached out to catch her by the waist. Even through the brocade, he could feel her body warmth.
Her hair brushed against his chin, carrying a subtle scent of cedar.
Inside the carriage, the two looked at each other awkwardly. Athena’s face flushed red like she’d been boiled
She quickly pulled away from Kander, not knowing where to look
Thankfully, the coachman stopped the carriage in time, and his voice came from outside. “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the Duchess Manor p>
“I’ll go first” Athena hurriedly got out of the carriage as if escaping.
Xander watched her back with a trace of disappointment. That sudden embrace had left his mind blank.
He had meant to take the opportunity to interrogate her, but by the time he recovered, she was already gone,
He liked the curtain and looked out, wanting to call after her, but Athena had already disappeared from sight.
Xander chuckled helplessly and muttered, “Am I really that scary p>
A missed opportunity. It seemed like he’d have to wait until the wedding night to settle the score.
Just then, Ansel rode up beside the window and whispered a few words to Xander before handing him a sealed letter.
Xander opened the letter and read it. His expression grow serious. He then ordered the coachman, “To the palace”
The day before the wedding, Athena sat talking with Kurtis,
The entire residence was filled with festive joy, and Kurtis was beaming with happiness.
Lately, Athena had taken good care of him, and he had become robust and even gained a bit of weight.
Her uncles had also transformed from sallow and thin to rosy and healthy–looking.
Even Claudia and Freya seemed like completely different people.
They looked at Athena with warmth in their eyes, giving her a long–lost feeling of home
“Athena, this is a gift for you,” Claudia said with a smile as she handed Athens–box
Athena took it, thanked her, and opened the box, Inside was a gilded beaded bracelet.
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Chapter 641
She quickly shut the lid in a luster and said, “This is too precious I can’t accept it p>
She remembered seeing Claudia wear this when she was a child.
Such an expensive bracelet should be worn by Freya, not given to her,
But Freya seed and said, “Athens, just keep it. Even though you weren’t been to my mother, she treats you as her own daughter. This bracelet is a pas One was given to me, and the other to you if you don’t accept it, Mother won’t feel at ease”
fit weren’t for Mhena, the Perkins family would still be suffering in the northarst,
They had only just returned to Pidence City and been reinstated in their official positions. Their foundation was still shay. So, Athena didn’t want to accept such a costly it from them.
Athena said, “I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I truly can’t accept this bracelet.” Unable to bear imposing such expense on Claudis, she persisted in retoming it.
Suddenly, Claudia pulled a long face and said, “Could it be that you think our gift is too shabby p>
Athena gasped and shook her head quickly. “Of course not! I would never think that…
“Or are you afraid of being associated with poor relatives like us? ” Claudia added.
Athena was left speechless. She took the box back and said, “I’ll keep it, I will. Just please don’t say that again p>
Seeing Claudia and Freya giggling behind their hands, she finally realized they were using reverse psychology-
Athena let out a helpless laugh. That really had startled her.
Kurtis and the uncles chuckled as well Kurtis said, “Your wedding is a big deal. We may not be wealthy, but we’ll give all we can for your dowry p>
He added, “Your uncles, the Perkins family, and I gathered forty chests of items. It may not be much, but it comes from our hearts”
Athena’s eyes widened. Her grandfather had only just returned to Pidence City. They wouldn’t have found the extra money?
They must have emptied their coffers. But if she didn’t accept it, they would be heartbroken.
Athena forced a happy expression and said, “Thank you, Grandpa ahd Uncles. I accept it p>
Sexing her accept the gift, Kurtis finally smiled in relief, and the uncles all laughed happily.
After returning to her room, Athena called Trina and handed her a box. “Give this to Grandfather after I leave
“What is it, Miss?” Trina asked curiously
Athena replied, “Banknotes. I’ve already sent people to restore the general’s estate. Grandpa will not live here permanently, and since he wants to return, I’ll make sure he has nothing to worry about p>
The box contained one hundred thousand silver coins, enough to support the family for several years.
Claudia was good at business, and Athena knew how to make money grow.
Trina respectfully responded, “Yes. But it’s getting late. You should rest. We’ll have to rise before dawn to start dressing up. Th
“Alright,” Athena replied, yawning and lying down to sleep
a lot to do!
It felt like she had only just fallen asleep when Trina began shaking her awake, “My lady, wake up.
Time to get ready p>
Athena reluctantly opened her eyes and saw the pitch– black sky outside. “What time is it?” she mumbled.
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Chapter 641
ought
ch, th
est and placed it on the
helping Athena change
the repl
washed up and was promptly seated before the vanity to have her makeup and hair
The process took over half an hour.
Even after she was fully dressed, it was still dark out. There was still time before the groom arrived.
She sat on
wedding bed to rest her eyes.
The wedding
ess made her look delicate and radiant. The full satin shirt fanned out like towing clouds,
nd celebratory
Her head was adorned with a silver tar studded with gemstones Fine filigree formed a floral prodant that make her neck ache.
ted between her brows, hazy whough to
She didn
now how long had passed before the room gradually lit up
he would be too excited to sleep on her wedding day. But the endless preparations had already worn her ou
Now, she just wanted to get the ceremony over with and have a good, long nap
At last, daylight broke, and outside came Claudia’s voice. “is the ready? The wedding procession is about to arrive
Claudia was also dressed fectively today, looking very cheerful.
She walked in and stood before Athena, inspecting her from head to toe with a wide grin. “So beautiful! There’s no bride in the world more Athena p>
“Aunt Claudia, you’re teasing me again,” Athena said with an embarrassed smile.
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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.