From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124 One–Year Limit

Finished

Zaden seemed to sense that his earlier question had unsettled Athena. He offered a quiet, sincere apology. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” she said, brushing it off. She tried to steer the conversation back to the main point. “Still … I just feel like getting legally married only for this summer camp is reckless and impulsive. I think you should really reconsider.

“I could call them and see if they’d make an exception and let us cancel.”

Athena spoke earnestly, hoping he would pause and think this through.

But Zaden’s brow furrowed slightly. “Do you have another concern? Or …

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately, “Have you not gotten over Lewis? Are you hoping there might be a chance to reconcile one day?”

The mention of Lewis made Athena recoil.

No way. Not in this lifetime.

Any lingering feelings she once had for him had been wiped out when his affair with Nina came to light. There was no chance that she would go back to him, ever.

Rubbing her temples, she asked helplessly, “Zaden, are you serious? You’re acting kinda weird today.”

He wasn’t the type to act impulsively, yet here he was, insisting on marriage. It baffled her.

Zaden let out a quiet sigh. “Did Harriet ever tell you my mother’s been arranging blind dates for me?”

Athena blinked, then nodded.

“I thought about it earlier. If we got married, my mother would finally stop pressuring me. And with Teri … we don’t know how long her situation will last. I can’t keep staying at your place forever, but if we were married, there’d be no problem.”

He added, “Besides, Teri wants you to be her mom. Maybe if her wish comes true, it’ll make her happy. From every angle, marriage makes sense.”

The underlying truth was that Zaden didn’t dislike Athena; in fact, he felt a quiet warmth toward her.

Athena’s eyes widened as realization struck.

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11:23 Wed, Oct 22

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Chapter 124 One–Year Limit

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So that’s what’s going on!

I guess his sudden proposal isn’t random at all. First, it deals with his mother. Second, it avoids gossip about him living at my place long–term. Third, it makes the summer camp possible.

It all makes sense logically. Still… is that really enough reason to marry? It seems kinda crazy.

Zaden continued, “We can set a one–year limit. Or if you ever want out, just tell me. I’ll make sure you’re properly compensated.”

Athena’s eyes went wide.

Wait. Does that mean if I want a divorce later, I’ll even get a share of his fortune?

Seriously? This is too good to be true. Should I actually agree?

Zaden laced his fingers together and looked at her. “Any other concerns?”

“N–no,” she said automatically, still reeling from the shock.

He seemed relieved, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Then tomorrow we’ll go to city hall and register.”

Athena opened her mouth to protest—but before she could, he was already on his feet, heading off to find Teri.

Her shoulders slumped. Why did I agree to that?

That night, in the main bedroom.

Teri slept soundly beside her, but Athena lay awake, staring at the ceiling, tossing and turning.

Her mind was in chaos. She still hadn’t fully processed what Zaden had said.

Somehow, without even realizing it, she had agreed.

And now, regretting it felt pointless.

“Sigh…”

Pushing the blanket aside, Athena sat up. She glanced at Teri, carefully pulled the covers back over her, then slipped quietly into the living room for a drink of water.

But she froze when she noticed a dark figure on the couch. Her heart leapt.

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11:24 Wed, Oct 22

Chapter 124 One–Year Limit

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