NovelEnglishHe'd assumed she genuinely wanted to broaden her horizons, so he hadn't given it a second thought.
That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Tyler wrapped his arms around her and began quietly undoing the ties of her
nightgown. But Athena turned away, her voice cool and distant.
“Not tonight. Actually, not for a while.”
The spark in Tyler's eyes faded, but he understood there was no use pushing. “Alright,” he murmured.
They fell asleep in each other's arms, the silence between them unspoken but palpable.
Maggie's birthday party was a lavish affair, with a guest list that seemed to include half the city. Athena spent the evening
surrounded by stylists, being prepped and polished. She knew she’d see Maggie that night—and could already imagine how furious
Maggie would be at the sight of her. But it was a birthday party, after all; Maggie wouldn't dare cause a scene, not with Abner
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtkeeping her in check.
In the days leading up to the party, Athena had learned all she could about Abner from Tyler. Everyone in the Olson family
respected—no, feared—Abner, Maggie included.
As long as Abner was around, Maggie wouldn't dare step out of line.
Tonight's party was being held at the Olson family’s Greenfield estate, a grand mansion they'd acquired only a few years back.
Tyler was ready first, and when he saw Athena step out in a form-fitting mermaid gown that hugged her waist perfectly, his eyes lit
up and his breath caught.
“Athena, you look stunning tonight.”
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Athena said nothing, quietly slipping her hand into his as they headed out.
When they arrived at the Olson estate, Athena noted the line of luxury cars parked at the entrance—a clear sign of the family’s
influence and wealth. She couldn’t help a small, wry smile as she followed Tyler inside.
The grand hall was awash in designer dresses and sharp suits. Athena spotted Carol almost instantly, chatting and laughing with
friends. Felix stood close, his arm slung around Carol's waist. She nudged him away, only for Felix to pull her back in, the two of
them radiating that easy kind of affection that made it look effortless.
Athena lowered her eyes, quietly staying at Tyler's side.
Tyler, ever the socialite, mingled with ease. He seemed to know everyone, but no one asked about Athena—everyone knew about
Tyler's reputation, and bringing a date was hardly out of character. Still, tonight was different. Tyler acted as if he was under some
kind of spell, introducing Athena to every person they met.
“This is Athena, my wife. We've made it official.”
Most of the guests looked surprised, then quickly offered awkward congratulations.
Tyler beamed, delighted to introduce her to everyone.
Athena, on the other hand, felt out of place. She disliked the way people’s eyes lingered on her, measuring and weighing.
Soon, she caught sight of Maggie making her entrance, descending the spiral staircase with perfect poise. To be fair, Maggie was
beautiful, and her outfit tonight suited her perfectly. On her arm was a young man—mid-to-late twenties, with a rugged cross-
shaped scar by his eye that only added to his strong, masculine aura.
Athena overheard the guests buzzing around her.
“Marlon and Maggie really are inseparable. He genuinely dotes on her.”
“Marlon never used to be interested in women, but after Maggie saved him, he swore he'd marry her. He's really kept his word.”
“A match made in heaven. The Keller and Olson families are even more closely tied now.”
—— The price is only 1/4 of what others charge —
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