Chapter 240: Long Night IV

Athena balled her fists at her sides, frustration coursing through her as she processed Nathaniel’s words.

She wasn’t entirely sure what it was, but both his and Kate’s comments made her realize she had been neglecting her duties in a certain area.

Did they really think they couldn’t have comic books or painting materials? How could she not know that her children loved these things? And now Nathaniel was saying he thought she wouldn’t let him have them?

What ignited that thought pattern within him? When had she ever expressed that she didn’t want them to have fun?

Nathaniel, who had been staring at his father in confusion—baffled at how Ewan had also figured out his wants—turned to his mother, shrinking back immediately upon seeing her disapproving expression.

The poor boy felt the weight of his mother’s disappointment, convinced she was upset with him for admitting his feelings aloud. Cursing himself internally, he reluctantly stretched out the comic books to Sandro. "My words were false earlier. I don’t like comic books."

"Now, that’s my boy!" Antonio cheered, throwing a fist in the air as if he had just won a milestone victory.

His enthusiasm echoed through the room, but Athena felt nothing but annoyance as she wiped a hand across her brow, heart racing with anger and disbelief, especially as Ewan suddenly looked worn out again.

"What are you doing, Nathaniel? Do you think it’s a joke to mess with someone’s feelings?" She asked hotly, her voice rising a notch, no longer bothering to glare at Antonio.

"Eh..." Nathaniel stuttered, glancing at his sister, who was staring at him with an expression he couldn’t quite grasp. He felt lost and confused. He didn’t understand his mother either.

Had he truly misread her earlier countenance? He sighed, folding inward and withdrawing his outstretched hands. "I’m sorry." He quickly turned to Ewan and added, "I’m sorry, Mr. Ewan. Thank you for the gifts. I really like them..."

"You’re welcome, Nathaniel. But why did you turn them down? You know, if you don’t like them, you can let me—"

"I do like them. I just..." Nathaniel interrupted, his voice faltering momentarily, realizing his next words were unprepared.

"He’s just way above it," Antonio chimed in, causing Athena to raise her brows in sheer anger.

Was Antonio behind this absurd idea? Telling her children they couldn’t have fun because they were "above it"?

the first time since the

ability to read one’s children, to anticipate their true needs, was a crucial aspect of being a nurturing parent. Ewan had been able to do that, without even having

true. But Nate is a genius, and doesn’t need comics to dull his brain, neither does Kathleen

if they were a lifeline, her fingers curling

mouth, however, fell open. So, Antonio was behind this stupid thought pattern her children had developed. That because they were geniuses, they didn’t need comics and painting. Was that why

she had thought it just excitement, and nothing more. But she

could she have been blind to

Aiden, he gave her a curt understanding nod, then spoke: "Comics and a painting hobby won’t dull their brains, Antonio. It would only open

them, the other adults exchanged surprised glances, unsure how to react to

Yet he restrained himself,

Antonio, especially as the

The only games they should keep busy with

called out Antonio’s name, but everyone in

mouth, nostrils flaring when he realized

I wouldn’t want them having

shook his

inhaled and exhaled deeply. She needed to control herself however angry she was. Antonio was still her friend, she couldn’t bash him in public. "Nate and Kate, please spend some time with Mr. Ewan, alone. I’m sure he has some things to tell you. Antonio meet me

if her words were being

after her?" Aiden asked Antonio, who was still consumed with shock at

and not against him! Antonio thought. However, he followed her out, without saying a word of reply to

the room then, silence streaked with tension because the twins didn’t know how to go about speaking to their father, and Ewan was still preparing his words carefully, for he thought: "I can’t

near the porch, a deeper, more unsettling silence loomed between Athena and

the signs wrong?"

face a mask of stoicism, eyes cast

his hands on her shoulders, seeking

it not to quench whatever hope Ewan has of making a connection between you two, between the children? Why are

air wrapping around them, Athena turned to face him, their faces mere

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