She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter

225

The clock struck midnight, and the city outside erupted in fireworks.

Although there were restrictions on setting them off in certain areas, the vibrant explosions lit up the sky, their sound echoing across the entire city. "Time to set off the fireworks!" Arthur, Alaric, and Maria grabbed baskets filled with fireworks and excitedly dashed outside

the villa.

Josie and the elderly family members had already gone to bed.

The others, still wide awake, followed them to watch the show. As the fireworks burst overhead, their faces lit up with joy.

Even Wesley and Rufus, who were usually more serious, joined in, laughing with the younger ones as they lit fireworks and snapped photos

Athena, standing off to the side with her phone clutched in her hand, watched the fireworks but couldn't shake her thoughts. of Matthew. Why hasn't he called yet? she wondered, glancing at her phone. Doesn't he miss me?' she thought. She waited and waited. The fireworks continued until about 12:30 AM, but Matthew still hadn't reached OUL

Frustrated, Athena unlocked her phone. Fine, but the if he's not going to call, then I will."

She might look sweet and delicate on the outside, but Athena was far from timid. When she wanted something, she wasn't the type to sit back and wait. If she missed Matthew, she'd take the first step. No overthinking-just action. Just as Athena was thinking about reaching out to him, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Matthew.

elted away, and a smile spread across her lips as she eagerly opened the text. Happy Christmas? she wondered.

The stern look on her face melted What could

t could Matthew possibly say?

But when she read his message, her eyes widened, and her heart began to race, thumping like fireworks bursting in the night sky. His message simply said: [Turn left 300 feet; I'm waiting for you

A large magnolia tree stood exactly 300 feet to the left, its blossoms in full bloom.

Everyt

time Athena passed by, she was greeted by the sweet, intoxicating scent of the flowers.

With a glance at the tree standing tall against the cold night, she f***d her phone away and hurried in its direction. Underneath the magnolia, Matthew waited, his tall, elegant frame leaning slightly as he flashed her a smile. The son soft glow of a nearby streetlight illuminated his face, casting a warm light over the delicate red petals above him. His handsome features, as flawless as polished marble, seemed to shine in the dim light. His smile, cool and captivating, outshone even the beautiful flowers. Athena paused a few steps away, her hands clenched into tiny fists near her chin as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with surprise and joy. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely able to contain her excitement. Dressed in a sleek black trench coat, Matthew stood as tall and straight as a pine tree, his eyes warm as they met hers. "I spent Christmas Eve with my grandfather, he replied, a smile curling at the corners of his lips. "He always falls asleep by ten, so after that, I could leave. I drove straight here." A wave of emotion washed over Athena. "Thank you for driving from Valemont City just to see me, especially this late on Chapter 225 055%

Christmas Eve."

the care and attention he poured into every gesture. Matthew's smile widened, and for a moment, he even

of cake

indeed flown in a helicopter to a distant place in

affection; it was a secret

her eyes dancing with happiness. It was a long trip for you, but secuig, you here makes it all worth it. I'm really happy."

ago, her cheeks had been cold, but now they felt flushed

onto hers. He opened his arms wide. "Happy Christmas! How about a hug for

Al

an enticing offer,

see if anyone was watching. With

close, enveloping her

in the quiet night

layers of clothing between them. She longed to feel the warmth of his skin, to experience the comfort of his body

his face pressed against the

away by a

same dread. "Looks like it." Alaric sighed, "Should we go out there and stop them? Maybe find out who

"If you're brave enough to go, be

"I'm

"Neither am 1"

1" Arthur admitted.

two under the

a sideways glance. "They won't do

to stand here and do nothing while our little Athena gets taken

a long, resigned sigh. "You know what makes everything better? Games.

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11:04 Fri, Oct 18

Chapter 225

that, he turned and started to walk

for me!" Alaric called

the sprawling branches of the magnolia tree, Matthew and Athena reluctantly pulled

tucked Ia stray hair behind her ear and asked, "Are

head. "Not at