From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129 Celebrating a Little Too Soon

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“Uh… “Athena gave up trying to hide her curiosity. Since Zaden could see right through her anyway, she just asked, “How did things go with your mother? From the look on her face earlier, it didn’t seem very promising.”

Zaden rested a hand on the steering wheel, half–smiling. “Relax. I’m not the type to marry you in a rush and then divorce you just as quickly.”

Athena froze.

So… that means they’ve actually reached some kind of understanding?

But judging from Beverly’s furious expression earlier, it didn’t look like a very pleasant conversation at all.

Still, since Zaden seemed confident, Athena decided not to dwell on it. After all, the real reason for their marriage was Teri.

After a moment’s thought, she said, “The staff from the summer camp told us not to bring much since they’ll provide everything, but I think it’s better to have a few essentials ready just in case.”

“Alright. Let’s go shopping,” Zaden said, turning the wheel toward a large mall.

Soon, they arrived, and Athena grabbed his arm, leading him straight into the supermarket. It carried just about everything they could possibly need. Athena walked ahead, scanning the shelves, while Zaden pushed the cart behind her.

As he watched her move, Zaden felt something unfamiliar stir inside him.

He’d never done anything like this before.

Growing up, his parents‘ marriage had been strained, and they never took him to do mundane errands like this. Everything the household needed had always been bought and delivered by

staff.

But now, he was walking side by side with Athena through aisles, picking out items together. He felt a warm, domestic kind of comfort he’d never known.

Athena moved efficiently, checking shelves and mentally tallying what they still needed.

Before long, the cart was overflowing. She looked at the pile and hesitated. “Do you think we bought too much? Maybe we should put some back?”

“No need,” Zaden said, glancing at the cart. “Everything here is essential anyway.”

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Chapter 129 Celebrating a Little Too Soon

He steered it toward the register.

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Zaden paid, then picked up one bag in each hand and strode toward the parking lot, leaving Athena free of any burden.

She watched him, tall and broad–shouldered, moving with effortless strength, and couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

Damn, he’s so manly!

Then again, she’d already seen how strong he could be when she’d hurt her foot last time.

“Get in,” he said, loading the bags into the trunk.

Still dazed, Athena lingered a moment before finally climbing into the car.

“Alright, let’s head home,” she said.

Back at the house, Harriet and Teri practically collided in excitement as they rushed over.

“Well? How did it go? How did it go?” Harriet’s eyes sparkled, darting between Athena and Zaden, as if afraid something had gone wrong.

Athena laughed softly. “It’s all settled.”

“Wow! Then we’re officially family! I thought Zaden was doomed to be a lifelong bachelor, and who would’ve guessed he’d end up with you after all this?”

Athena felt herself flush.

Before she could respond, Harriet pressed on eagerly. “Quick, show me your marriage certificate!”

Athena pulled the documents from her bag and handed them over. Zaden had given them to her for safekeeping after the registration.

Harriet kept staring, practically buzzing with excitement, like she was the one who had just gotten married. Athena watched her grin stretch nearly to her ears.

She wanted to remind her that this was just a marriage of convenience. Once Teri got better or if Zaden ever fell for someone else, they might separate.

It struck Athena that Harriet was celebrating far too soon.

Two days passed in a blur.

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