She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 8

At

As Athena pulled up to the apartment building, she could already sense that Wesley and Claire weren't well-off. But she hadn't expected just how cramped their home would be. the entrance, she took in the modest two-bedroom apartment. The layout was straightforward-kitchen and bathroom on one side, bedrooms on the other, with a tiny balcony in between. The living room was simple, functional even. Big cabinets and storage units filled most of the space, with shelves lining the walls, all crammed with different odds and ends.

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A long sofa and a table were pushed against one wall, while a dining table with three chairs sat in the center, cluttered withi dishes. The room was so tight, just moving around seemed like a challenge. Athena slipped i I into a pair of house Are t these She wor she wondered.

my brother's kid's toys?ppers and stepped inside, noticing toys scattered across the sofa-clearly a child's.

Her eyes were drawn to a family photo hanging above the TV. Eleven people, she counted.

In the photo, Wesley and Claire stood with an elderly couple, five young men, a young woman, and a little girl.

Wesley noticed where she was looking and proudly pointed out the figures. "Those are your grandparents, the five young men are your brothers, and the young woman and little girl are your sisters, Athena's confusion deepened. "Sisters "Sisters?' she thought. Does he men my twin?

But as she looked closer, it was clear the young woman looked nothing like her-definitely not a twin. A new question began forming in her mind. Where is my twin sister? Why isn't she in the family photo!" Sensing her confusion. Wesley quickly explained for fear that Athena might think the family doesn't welcome her. "Athena, let me explain...

He glanced around the small living room, visibly uneasy. "Everyone was so excited when they heard you were coming home. -They all wanted to see you right away, but the house is just... well, too small. "They thought it might be too cramped for you if everyone came at once. So, they figured it'd be better if you had a chance to settle in first, you know.... get used to things."

But there was more to it, something left unsaid. The real concern was that Athena, raised in luxury, might not handle their modest home so well.

Claire nervously fidgeted with her hands, her eyes glued to Athena. She couldn't help but marvel at Athena's beauty. Innocent, like an angel, and here she was, brought back to this old, cramped apartment. Will she be disappointed with our home? Will she even want to visit us again?' Claire's thoughts raced.

gave her a warm smile. "It's fine, really. I'll have dinner with you and Dad tonight,

could see the effort Wesley and Claire had put into preparing for her visit. The house was spotless-no dust anywhere. Even the balcony railing and the tight corners under the table were clean. The kitchen was grease-free, and the bathroom was fresh and tidy. Athena appreciated the sincerity behind their efforts

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Claire as they experienced Athena's kindness. One had reddened eyes, while the other's

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Chapter 8

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misty with unshed

Whether or

family, they felt content knowing she was kind and thoughtful.

your journey, Claire said, wiping away her tears with the back of her

Thank y

said, placing her bag on the sofa and sitting

was large enough to accommodate the family but designed to be folded and

"Athena, let

not in the best health. Your eldest brother moved in with them to care

did the paternity test

your brother who called to tell

and I had to leave so abruptly. I'm

when Athena, likely their biological daughter, deserved more of