Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours! - Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Budding Historians
At Athena’s question, Aiden looked away, his gaze focused on an unseen matter outside.

Athena sighed, sensing the weight of unspoken thoughts between them. “Aiden, I can’t take this away from you. I know how much you wanted to spend time with your daughter! You’ve ached for her these past months! You must go!”

He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Soon. I will go soon. But first, I need to hire a new driver for you. I don’t think I can rest until that’s accomplished,” Aiden muttered, determination seeping into his voice.

“I actually have someone in mind,” He added, a hint of excitement creeping into his tone. “He’s quite skilled, just like me—young, fresh blood…” He chuckled at his own jest, but when he turned his gaze back to Athena, he noticed her serious demeanor.

“Forgive me if I’m not thrilled about this. You know I don’t take to people easily. I’ve been burned more times than I can count. Left to my own devices, I’d gladly drive myself. I won’t take cabs, either,” Athena replied, her tone firm.

“No, I can’t accept that,” Aiden countered, shaking his head. “You work too hard. You can’t add driving to your already full plate. What about your children? You’d be responsible for shuttling them around, and you know Gianna can’t drive.”

Athena sighed. Ever since the accident that claimed her parents, Gianna had developed an aversion to driving. A fear rooted deep in survival; the doctors had claimed it was a miracle she’d come out unscathed.

“Fine, then. Once you’ve completed the hiring process, I’d like to meet this person you think is on par with you.”

Aiden laughed, swinging open his car door as he stepped out. “You are really obsessed with me, woman…”

Athena scoffed, a smile breaking through her feigned annoyance. “As if. You just want to humor yourself.” She stepped down and shut her door, but before she could walk away, Aiden called out.

“I was coming to open it, my lady!” he joked dramatically. “Greet the children for me!”

Rolling her eyes but maintaining her smile, Athena waved him off as she started toward the building.

Aiden shook his head, entering the car. He drove off, leaving Athena to reflect on their conversation. He had a meeting with the chief of the team, and he hoped it would bring good news.

Upon entering her apartment, Athena was greeted by the sight of Nathaniel and the twins sprawled on the floor, immersed in the new Lego set Ewan had given him.

However, the moment Nathaniel sensed her presence, he threw the Legos behind him, and the trio quickly sat before them, eyes wide.

Athena couldn’t help but laugh, her heart swelling at their antics. “You don’t have to hide it, Nathaniel. I love the gifts he sent, too. He’s quite thoughtful, isn’t he?”

Relief washed over them as they relaxed once more. The twins exchanged relieved glances, and Kendra joined them on the floor, giggling.

Athena settled into her routine, sending a message to the head nurse inquiring about Kendra’s aunt’s response to treatment.

She then messaged Ethan about finding a suitable apartment, hoping for a nurturing environment for Kendra.

Even though the little girl wasn’t hers—and was likely the daughter of an enemy—she couldn’t help but feel a soft spot for her. She wanted the best for Kendra.

Thinking of daughters and hearts, she sent another message to Chelsea, asking about the DNA results.

Satisfied with her day’s progress, she made her way to the kitchen, craving a refreshment.

“Y’all have eaten, right?” She called out from the kitchen.

“Yes, Mom. We had no problem with the microwave. Like I assured you earlier, it’s easy peasy,” Nathaniel replied proudly.

Athena nodded, chuckling. “I see! Thank you for taking care of the girls.”

“You’re welcome, Mom! It’s my duty, and always a pleasure,” he declared.

Feeling grateful for her children, Athena poured herself a glass of juice.

Just then, Kathleen piped up, “So, Mom, how did it go?”

Athena furrowed her brows, when she noticed Kendra was absent. “Where’s Kendra?”

“She went to use the toilet,” Nathaniel explained, plopping down onto the sofa beside Kate.

“I see. So, did you track my watch?” She asked, sitting down next to them and feeling reassured by their presence.

The twins shook their heads in unison.

“Not at all, Mom. You mentioned heading out to check on a patient this morning,” Kate responded.

“Right…” Athena mused.

“Trust us, Mom,” Nathaniel chimed in. “Even though you assured us we could track anytime, we’ll only do that in cases of emergencies. You can be rest assured we won’t breach your privacy.”

Athena nodded slowly, impressed by her children’s understanding and vocabulary. Their teacher had praised their excellence in every regard, including sports, in a message she received earlier.

“That’s okay. Thank you, my dear ones. The day went well. Although my week will be swamped soon. The town I allowed work access to is filled with patients afflicted by the disease,” she replied.

“That’s a pity,” Nathaniel said, his little brow furrowing in concern. “Can you treat them all?”

“Yes,” Athena affirmed with a smile. “I can.”

“That’s great! We’ll do all we can to make your work easier!” Kathleen echoed, beaming at her mother.

Athena felt a swell of pride as she looked at her children. She leaned down, patting their heads fondly, and dropped soft kisses on their foreheads. “Thank you, my babies.”

“Quick question, Mom…” Kathleen began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Yes, go ahead,” Athena encouraged.

“Tell us about towns and cities. What’s the difference?” She asked, genuine interest lighting up her face.

Athena paused, her eyes checking out her children’s curious expressions. Knowing them well, she knew they didn’t do random questions. Worse, the question could be easily checked out on a search engine.

There was a reason for this question, but she humored them.

“Okay, my lovely budding historians,” She began, a smile playing on her lips, “let me tell you about the difference between towns, cities, and clans.”

“Cities are often larger, bustling places filled with all kinds of activities and many different people. Towns, on the other hand, are smaller. They might have a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other, like your school where you see familiar faces every day.” She glanced at them, gauging their understanding.

Nathaniel furrowed his brow. “So, the more people, the bigger the city?”

“Exactly,” Athena replied, nodding with pride. “In cities, there are often many different cultures and traditions intertwined, which can make it beautiful, but it can also mean more disputes and conflicts. Towns can be simpler, but they often have histories rooted in generations. There’s a sense of loyalty and tradition.”

“Histories rooted in generations? Is that why Mr. Ewan is seen as head in Z town? Is that why you lived in Mr. Ewan’s town? Why not in the city?” Nathaniel queried, alerting Athena to the main reason behind Kathleen’s question.

Her children has been scooping again. Howbeit, she believed they deserved answers.

Her mind began to drift to her own past. “You see, six years ago, before Ewan’s company blossomed exponentially and became as successful as it is now, we temporarily lived in the town where his family had ruled for generations. It was a self-sustaining community, and people relied on one another. His family had power over the land, and there was always a balance between the people and their leaders. Sometimes, they had disputes with nearby towns, each trying to maintain their territory and resources.”

She paused, recalling how those disputes sometimes threatened to tear the fabric of their small world apart. The tension, negotiations, and the old loyalties were hard to navigate, especially when it involved Zack’s town; her town.

Was it really hers though? Her lineage was unknown yet.

“Did you ever have to help during those disputes, Mom?” Kathleen asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Athena chuckled bitterly.”Not really. There wasn’t a room for that. I wasn’t give a chance to do that.” I was just there to breed.

Nathaniel was sharp enough to understand his mother’s saddened countenance, yet he had to know a few more things, before making his next step.

“Will you forgive him?”

Athena took her lips in, contemplating her answer. “I really don’t know.”

“If he ever has the disease, will you treat him?” Kate asked, testing her.

“Yes. I will treat him if he needs it, because no matter what, he is still a patient, and… he is your father,” Athena said, her tone resolute.

“Are you sure Kendra is in the toilet?” Athena asked thereafter, switching topics. Talking about the past was depressing.

The twins shrugged. “She is sleeping,”

Athena didn’t bother commenting on that, she instead led them to their rooms.

As she tucked each of them into bed, a familiar routine which brought her comfort, she kissed their foreheads and whispered words of reassurance, watching as their eyes began to droop.

Her heart swelled with love as she watched them drift into slumber, their gentle breaths calming the room.

After turning off the lights, she walked quietly into the living room, her heart heavy with thoughts. The memories of Ewan, the towns they once inhabited, and the disputes that marred their lives rang in her mind. The narrative had twists and turns, just as life itself did. Why not choose to embrace the changes ahead?

Suddenly a thought crossed her mind, pushing her heart into a racing beat: why not start now?

She picked up her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen as she typed.

‘I accept your invitation. Let’s meet tonight.’