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.

plush sofas, eager to relish the delightful

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

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

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

want to express my gratitude for the presence

my children, Nathaniel and 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

Zane chimed, raising his glass, the warmth spreading among

continued, her eyes sparkling as they turned to her best friend, Gianna, whose presence has always been a bright spot in 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 a smile to touch her

in surprise, a

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

Sandro’s enthusiastic response, clinking his glass

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

trio smiled and nodded, a twinkle in their eye,

Athena couldn’t help but feel a sense of profound contentment and gratitude. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to conclude. "And finally, here’s to family. Whether by blood

Sandro first and then turning to the twins, and then to Old Mr Thorne.

over to her. "Merry Christmas,

as if she were

gauge her reaction. "Won’t

"Merry Christmas, Zane..." Her voice barely touched the air before she

the unease. He only needed to

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

the door interrupted their moment of camaraderie. Silence fell over the group as they looked at one

not aware of?" Gianna