Outside the council hall, the area was so deserted that if Athena hadn’t been present for today’s court case, she would have thought no meeting had been held.
Yet, it was quite understandable; the excitement was over, and everyone had rushed home as the day began to fade.
"Is it snowing now? Seriously?" Antonio asked, just at the same moment that Athena saw the cold white flakes land right in front of her.
A childish happy smile stretched across her lips as she looked up and beheld the falling snow. Not only had an unfortunate event been thwarted today, but it felt as if nature was favoring her. She thought this as she put out her hand to catch some of the flakes.
"Goodwill?" Antonio muttered, his eyes fixed on Athena’s smile with fondness and love.
"I will take it as so." Athena responded, chuckling softly at the freedom she felt; a chuckle which was followed by a deep laughter at the case well won in the elders’ council today.
Athena laughed until her eyes became wet, happiness washing over her in waves as she spread her arms out, swirling slowly and catching snow in her hands while intermittently sniffing them.
Beside her, Antonio watched with a deep longing evident in his eyes.
"You really like the snow, Athena. I didn’t know that."
Athena’s enjoyment was cut short by Sandro’s voice.
She swiveled and looked at him. Although his eyes were sad, there was a thin smile on his lips.
"Yeah, I do like the snow. It’s been a while since I’ve been blessed with its presence. Did you change your mind? Are you heading to the hospital now?"
Sandro furrowed his eyebrows. "Not exactly. The cleaners are already here, so I have to take my leave."
Athena’s eyes were riddled with confusion as she turned and looked at Antonio, but the latter chuckled softly. "Yeah, they arrived on foot. When they saw how engrossed you were with the snow, I gestured for them to use the other entrance."
Oh. Athena thought, shaking her head. Well, it was time to head out then. She could enjoy the snow later. "So, are you heading to the hospital now?"
"Yes." Sandro said, pointing at his car. "I’ll meet you there?"
Athena nodded and wished him a safe ride.
"You know, I still think it’s crazy that Ewan literally ghosted on his friends’ advice, choosing to listen to the witch. Do you think the drugs had anything to do with it? Do they have compelling or manipulative abilities?"
Athena pressed her lips together, her mind racing with theories. "I’m not sure really. I haven’t treated the effects of the drug before, but I’ll know after today when I conduct the necessary tests."
Just then, she noticed a lady in a black face cap approaching them.
"Who is that?" Antonio asked, immediately standing slightly in front of Athena, ready to shield and protect her from any potential attacks.
Athena found it cute but she already knew who was approaching.
"Stand down..." She said teasingly to Antonio when the lady halted before them.
Antonio glanced back at her with furrowed eyebrows, concern etched clearly on his face, before stepping aside.
"I take it the case went well..." The lady spoke, tilting her head up so Athena could see her face. Although that wasn’t even required.
"Yes, everything went well, Susan—or should I call you Magdalene?"
Susan laughed, shaking her head. "That was my most tiring role yet. Please don’t ask me to play that witch’s maid again. I lost count of the many times I thought of strangling her, whether for sending me on ridiculous errands, or for poisoning Ewan, or while she dressed up to entertain Morgan. You are really going to increase my pay, even though it was oddly satisfying for me to make that video, knowing her game was up."
Athena laughed. The reason she had been waiting around the council hall was actually for Susan; the latter’s identity needed to remain unknown to both Morgan and Fiona, or else the real Magdalene would be in danger, and she didn’t want an innocent person to suffer for nothing.
"Sure, I had already planned on doing so after watching the video. What about Magdalene?"
Susan shrugged. "She will be resuming at the mansion tomorrow. I already told her a couple of things that happened, things she needed to know, so she won’t be caught unawares. I even gave her a few fashion tips... anything can happen."
Didn’t she know? Athena thought, though she hoped that the "anything" wouldn’t involve Fiona.
"And what about your mask?"
"Burnt, as it should be. Seeing it reminds me of the hell I went through at the hands of that witch. You don’t know how happy I am to be free from that role."
They shared a pause, laughing together.
"The gang is on their way to blow up the hall. Should we intercept them?"
She swiftly typed away, resuming her movements. "Intercept them, but do it in a way that seems coincidental. Thank you, my friend."
"Stop thanking me, Athena. By the way, I’ll be waiting at your place. I think the children need some company."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife The Twins Are Not Yours
Please when will you update it...