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

Chapter 363: Disrupted Dinner

Athena cussed the next second when Ewan’s image filtered into her mind then — uninvited, vivid, and warm. It was like she had summoned him by claiming he was bad.

She saw clearly: him pushing their little boy on a swing, their laughter tangled in the breeze and dwindling sunlight. It hit her like a blow, that moment suspended in time, the way his face had softened as he looked at Nathaniel, how he’d wiped the sweat off his brow with one hand while steadying the swing with the other. Her chest clenched.

And then another image — the flash of Ewan’s arms around her, saving her from the collapsing scaffolding days ago, his firm voice barking orders, his hand on her back. He had saved her life more than twice, Aiden too, and that included the mission.

He had been present. He had shown up when it mattered. How could she claim him worse? Should a man be judged by his past alone?

Now, seated across from Antonio, surrounded by candlelight and expensive wines, with the taste of saffron and lobster still lingering on her tongue, her heart tugged in two directions — hard.

She blinked at her plate. There was no need ruminating on this matter. She thought, wincing slightly. She shouldn’t be thinking of Ewan now, not while on a date with her partner.

Antonio is my choice. Antonio is my choice. She repeated the mantra over and over in her mind, each time a little more desperate, like she was trying to beat back the rush of memories that didn’t belong in this perfect evening. The words started as reassurance, but the more she said them, the more they began to feel forced, like a veil too thin to block out the truth.

She straightened a little, adjusting the napkin on her lap. She was still disoriented, still not entirely here. And that was wrong. She was supposed to be glowing, happy — this was what she wanted. Wasn’t it?

Athena bit down on her lower lip. How did she go from fawning over Antonio to feeling like this in a matter of minutes? What was wrong with her?

Meanwhile, Antonio’s eyes were trained on her, soft but intent. "Athena, what’s wrong?"

She looked up quickly, too quickly, her expression faltering into something between guilt and confusion. "I’m fine," she replied, with a faint, dismissive smile. "Just a little... tired."

Antonio didn’t believe her, not for a second. She wasn’t as composed as usual, wasn’t the Athena who arranged her expressions like polished stones.

No, as of three minutes ago, she was a little undone. There was a flicker of panic in her eyes. Her fingers played with the stem of her wineglass too often.

"Don’t lie to me," he said quietly, reaching for her hand. "If something’s wrong, tell me. I will solve it immediately."

Before she could muster a reply — or worse, a lie — her phone dinged, vibrating gently against the table. She snatched it up, grateful for the distraction.

"It’s Nathaniel," she said automatically, though she hadn’t checked. When she did glance at the screen, relief which flooded her shifted away a little.

It wasn’t her son that had just sent a text. It was Shawn.

The cells are secure. All culprits tucked away. No leaks. Rest easy.

A stage completed. Athena hadn’t realized how tightly her shoulders were drawn until she read the words. One part of the plan was now neatly boxed away. A quiet sigh escaped her lips, almost unconscious.

her with narrowed eyes. "Nathaniel sent you a report that has you sighing like

caught. "He— It’s just something

suspicion flashing, but he let it go. The night was too beautiful to mar with arguments. He glanced toward the dessert tray being

clearing his throat. "If you’re not going to tell me what’s bothering you, at least let me tempt you

"I could use

with ganache and drizzled with raspberry coulis. Antonio’s plate held a lemon sorbet, dusted with mint and

spoke about

mock-scowled at him.

from his thumb.

mind screamed that something still felt off, something that made her nerves

Then came the intrusion.

came a too-familiar voice, smooth and poisoned with charm.

in her seat, and there they were: Cedric and Victoria. So, that was

announcement — Cedric in a sharply tailored cream jacket, offset with a royal blue shirt that clung

in a sequined champagne gown that

his eyes. "Congratulations again on being a Thorne. Quite the reintroduction

quiet smile on her lips. "Thank you, Cedric. And

were dining in the east

the gentleman. "Good to see you

Athena blinked.

was subtle, but

"Don’t mind

was joined to theirs, waiters rushing to reset silverware and lay

wine slowly, watching as Victoria took the seat beside her — far too close for comfort —

not to compare. But she

have allowed

herself. She shouldn’t

Cedric down with one look. Would’ve made the room turn cold and uncomfortable for them. Not

room? Why didn’t he seek her

been, settling into the Thorne estate? You must be busy, especially with the upcoming introduction

"Everything is moving smoothly. I have

do," he chuckled. "And Antonio... congratulations, man. Bagging the family jewel,

flicker of irritation in his brow. "I’m lucky," he said, reaching for her