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.

into the plush sofas, eager to relish the delightful

Zane and Sandro were careful to exclude their hotheaded friend, Ewan, sensitive of the delicate

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

all eyes turned to Athena. She was holding her cup, a spoon in the other hand, a smile illuminating her face. "I want to make a

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, and I take this moment

their little faces beaming with innocence and joy. "To my children, Nathaniel and Kathleen, you are the light of my life. Every day I see you grow

chimed, raising his glass, the warmth

"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

eyes widened a fraction in surprise, a soft blush creeping onto her

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

hear!" came Sandro’s enthusiastic response, clinking his

and Old Mr. Thorne. "To my new friends and allies, I also cherish your presence here today. It means a lot to

trio smiled and nodded, a twinkle in their eye, visibly

She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to conclude. "And

echoed, clinking his glass with Sandro first and then turning to the twins, and then to Old Mr Thorne. He paused, however, when he noticed that Gianna was not approaching him to

over to her.

remained motionless, as if she were frozen

her reaction. "Won’t

voice barely touched

only needed to remember her

exchange with knowing eyes, sighed and shook her head. Those two were

sudden knock on the door interrupted their moment of camaraderie. Silence fell over the group as they

not aware of?" Gianna asked, her eyes