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

Chapter 127: Christmas Dinner

"Gianna, you are so funny! How does your boss deal with you?" Sandro asked, his voice filled with amusement as he helped himself to yet another generous serving of the Christmas turkey and mashed potatoes.

Gianna let out a melodic laugh while reaching for a plate of gingerbread cookies adorned with icing.

"He doesn’t really have to deal with me; he just has to keep his side of the bargain, and I’ll do my job," She replied with a cheeky grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

The table erupted with laughter, all except for Zane, who pretended to be overly focused on the sweet potato casserole brought by old Mr. Thorne for the evening’s dinner.

He furrowed his brow, wondering what was so amusing about Gianna’s quip.

Grabbing another slice of prime rib, he closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the explosion of flavor in his mouth. How had he gone twenty-nine years without tasting something as spectacular as this?

Caught up in his culinary delight, Zane didn’t notice the shift in attention until he opened his eyes, startled to find everyone staring at him. "What?" He asked, confusion etched on his face as he noted the inscrutable expression on Gianna’s face before she turned away.

"Zane, you should stop moaning while you eat. It’s weird," Sandro chastised lightly, shaking his head as if he was scarred for life by the noises his friend had made.

Athena chuckled, reaching for another of her cookie creations. She was surprised to find herself enjoying the evening more than she had anticipated. "Let him be, Sandro. He’s someone who appreciates good food—one of the reasons why I keep him around,"

Zane made an exaggerated grimace at Athena’s half-hearted compliment, eliciting laughter from the twins, Kendra, and old Mr. Thorne, all of whom had become inseparable since dinner began.

The atmosphere felt light, each moment filled with playful teasing and warmth.

Within the next few minutes, the table was cleared completely—no leftovers remained. Athena was pleasantly surprised. She had prepared an extravagant feast, aided by the twins and Gianna, and despite the little addition of just three men and two women—one of them a child—the food had vanished.

"Everyone to the living room!" Stella shouted merrily after the table was cleaned up, a pan of apple pie in her hands. She was standing by the kitchen. Athena was right behind her, carrying some other desserts.

the plush sofas, eager to relish the delightful

about past Christmas events minutes later, Zane and Sandro were careful to exclude their

of work, and none of them wanted to jeopardize the jolly mood with

died down as all eyes turned to Athena. She was holding her cup, a spoon in the other

she began to speak, Athena felt the love and support of those gathered around her wash over her like a gentle wave. "First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the presence of each and every one of you tonight. Christmas is a time for reflection,

Kathleen, you are the light of my life. Every day I see you grow and blossom, and it fills my heart with pride. Your laughter is the sweetest music, and your resilience inspires me

Zane chimed, raising his glass, the warmth spreading

her life. "To you, Gianna, thank you for being an unwavering pillar of strength. You bring joy, laughter, and adventure into my life. Your friendship is a gift I will cherish forever. I can only hope to offer you the same support you’ve always given me." She paused, allowing

eyes widened a fraction in surprise, a soft

to Sandro and Zane. "Zane and Sandro, you’ve brought so much light and laughter into our home. Your work ethic and spirit inspire all of us daily. I can’t thank you enough for the joy you bring to our

came Sandro’s enthusiastic response, clinking his

and allies, I also cherish your presence here today. It means

twinkle in their eye,

a deep breath, summoning the courage to conclude. "And finally, here’s to family. Whether by blood or by bonds forged through love and shared experiences, may we continue

to the twins, and then to Old Mr Thorne. He paused, however, when he noticed that Gianna was not

walked over to

remained motionless, as if she were

to gauge her reaction. "Won’t

Zane..." Her voice barely touched the air before she turned her attention away, leaving Zane feeling a

the unease. He only needed to remember her acts of unkindness to dispel his

observing this quiet exchange with knowing eyes, sighed and shook her head. Those two

of holiday cheer from the kitchen, a sudden knock on the door interrupted their moment of camaraderie.

there another invitation we are not aware of?" Gianna asked, her eyes