Chapter 165: Visiting Mr. Thorne IV

This again? Athena thought, cleaning her mouth elegantly with the wipe that had been kept for her.

The sensation of the soft cloth against her skin could hardly cleanse the discomfort she felt now at the dinner table; a stark contrast to her earlier feelings amidst the laughter and the bustling energy of family camaraderie while a few minutes ago.

"I guess people do have look-alikes in this world of ours. Part of life’s humor," She finally said, trying to inject a lightness into the conversation.

"I see..." Florence muttered soberly.

Athena could detect a trace of bitterness in Florence’s words, and her heart ached for the older woman, wishing she could do something to alleviate the evident distress the woman was in.

Florence’s eyes glossed over slightly, and for a fleeting moment, Athena could see the layers of pain and nostalgia weave through her expression.

"Tell me about her, your daughter, I mean... Emily..." She offered, surprised at how natural the question felt in the air.

A flicker of brightness illuminated Florence’s face, as if a distant candle had suddenly been reignited.

"Emily was a beauty to behold, the perfect daughter and child anyone could ask for," Florence began, her voice taking on a dreamy lilt that resonated with memory. "Of course, she had her flaws, but they were barely noticeable under the shade of all her goodness. She was a bright one, a purity in this dark world of ours."

bittersweet nature of Florence’s words. Grief had a way of twisting memories

her shoulders, rising to her feet with a heaviness that seemed to linger

statement hit Athena like a cold gust of

however, she began packing the plates from the table with

helped Florence clear the table first, then followed her into the kitchen, where

this bout of house chores, a familiar routine to help untangle her

Athena stood by her side, assisting with the rinsing and wiping down of the plates with a damp

so much like her, and I don’t even know if that is a good thing or a bad thing..." Florence remarked, her voice trailing off

nothing this time, focusing intently on the small duty in front of her, thankful

a good thing, I will do the same," Florence

I’m laughing with you, and the next, I’m pondering if it was a good decision to

shook her head soberly. "No, it’s okay. I understand the complexities of grief. If I were in your shoes, I’m sure I would have acted the same way. Grief can manifest

for the

crimes. As much as the drugs wreaked havoc on his brain, I’m sure he

Alfonso and his daughter because

said, collecting another plate from Florence’s hands. "But I wish he had accepted your offer. He would have turned out

gaze lost momentarily in thought. "But there’s a reason for everything, I guess. Maybe if he were with us, he wouldn’t have married you, and you wouldn’t

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