CHAPTER 425: PARTY TIME IV

It didn’t matter that she had only given Ewan a second to push Victoria away when the latter had sneaked up beside him; that all her riotous feelings had taken place in mere nanoseconds; that Ewan had been torn between looking at her, admiring her, and glancing at whoever had grabbed his arm—Athena felt only justified when she kissed Antonio in public.

She kissed the surprised fellow fully on the lips on the elevated platform, after taking him along to give a short speech, after thanking him for being on her side through the ups and downs, confirming the rumors and guesses that had buzzed around the party hall.

Her lips lingered on his just long enough to ignite whistles and claps, her chest tightening at the warmth of his hand that instinctively cupped her cheek before sliding down to hold her.

All this came after she had dismissed the poison event as a case of expired wine, her calm but firm voice cutting through the murmurs to reassure the guests. She hadn’t wanted to spoil entirely the efforts of her grandparents to make this party a reality, a success.

Yet, in the shadows, her agents and Aiden were already working behind the scenes to uncover what had happened; how their enemies had managed to infiltrate the celebration and poison her own drink particularly with Cyanis Venin, a rare venom notorious for killing instantly.

And now, standing on the platform with a very happy Antonio, she felt justified for allowing him to claim her, his hand wrung possessively around her waist, holding her as though she might vanish if he let go.

Amidst cheers and whistles, Athena smiled, her face glowing under the chandeliers, still feeling justified when she announced their engagement—one that Antonio himself hadn’t been aware of.

The latter had the self-control not to look shocked. His dark brows only twitched, his mouth curving into a grin that concealed his astonishment. He wasn’t aware of what had caused the spontaneity, perhaps thinking it was his roses, his eagerness to smoothen their rough landings, but he was extremely happy that things were going as he had envisioned.

Athena still felt justified when she announced, her clear voice carrying over the room:

"Our engagement party will be holding on Monday, which is also my birthday... It’s going to be a private affair, but we will appreciate the well wishes, gifts and prayers. There will be a channel created for gift bringing."

She felt justified still, when she noted the unsure glances her family exchanged with each other. That’s except Jessica, whose scream seemed the loudest, her delight echoing in the hall.

Athena’s heart jolted, though, when she caught sight of Ewan walking out of the hall, his shoulders drooping in defeat.

For a heartbeat, justification cracked—then strengthened all the more when she noticed Victoria watching his disappearance with an unreadable gleam, only to slip out after him.

Inhaling deeply, Athena smiled widely, gave a curt nod to the people, and stepped down from the platform, still holding Antonio’s hands. And when he took over the leading, taking her backstage, ignoring the guests coming to congratulate, she allowed him.

Her mind was yet as steeled on the decision she had taken.

"What was that?" Antonio questioned softly, stopping when they came to a point where they were alone.

His tone wasn’t angry. No. It was rather joyful, albeit surprised. His dark eyes shone with boyish wonder.

"I should be surprising you, not you springing something like that on me on the platform!" he chuckled heartily, the sound rumbling from his chest, and dealt a quick, tender kiss to her smiling lips.

"Have you had that decision for a while?" he continued, pausing, resting his forehead on hers. His breath mingled with hers as his hand brushed her cheek.

"To think I had let my pride get in the way..." He gave a soft snort, his jaw tightening as though ashamed. Then, his voice softened. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world."

Happiest woman in the world? Wasn’t that a tall order? Athena wondered, though she kept smiling, her eyes shining with an instilled happiness.

Had she had the decision in a while? Not at all. She had never even considered it. But Ewan had made the decision for her—had shown her that it was no use being torn between choices. Life was too short for that, after all.

Now, she would grab the bull by the horns. She would marry Antonio, because he loved her. And that was okay.

"Yes. You’ve been there for me the most, Antonio," she said softly, her words carrying both gratitude and resolve, before covering the distance between their lips again.

Antonio, floating on clouds, grabbed her closer to himself, deepening the kiss, grateful for his patience that had paid off, as usual. His arms tightened around her, his fingers splaying against her back, while Athena melted briefly into his warmth.

A throat being cleared stopped the couple’s stolen moment.

Athena turned around, flushed, her cheeks tinged pink, to see her grandfather standing just a few feet away.

"Can I borrow my granddaughter for a while? She needs to dance with her old man."

Antonio laughed, gave a curt bow, winked at a smiling Athena, and stepped back with grace.

"I will dance with Lady Florence then," he threw over his shoulder with a laugh, drawing a chuckle from Old Mr. Thorne’s lips.

When they were alone, he took the hands of his granddaughter, his grip both firm and tender, and stared deeply into her eyes, making the latter shift under his piercing gaze, a little uncomfortable.

"Are you sure about this?"

Athena nodded without hesitation, knowing that a second too late would make her grandfather worried, suspicious.

"Follow me." He said it in a low, commanding tone, and when he moved toward the opposite side of the hall, Athena frowned.

"I thought we were going to dance..."

"We can dance enough at your engagement party." Old Mr. Thorne didn’t pause as he spoke, his back straight as ever. Athena had no choice but to follow.

He led her to another corner of the yard, where the noises from the hall dulled, where there was no servant, just a yard converted into a large garden.

Athena, who had never seen this part of the mansion despite the number of days she had spent here, had her mouth agape.

"Grandpa... this is..." Words failed her, as did her mind, unable to capture the beauty before her.

The garden stretched wide under a sky freckled with stars. A small swimming pool gleamed like liquid sapphire under lantern light, its surface kissed by petals drifting lazily.

Swings hung from the sturdy branches of an old oak, swaying gently with the night breeze, inviting and nostalgic. Winding stone paths led to benches carved from wood, their edges softened with climbing roses.

Soft lights were woven into trellises, casting a golden glow that mingled with the cool night air. It was a sanctuary, hidden away, a world within a world.

"Come sit down, my dear..." Old Mr. Thorne said, gesturing to the space beside him on the wooden bench.