From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 220

Chapter 220 Goodbye Under the Fireflies

Athena went quiet for a moment.

She never expected Zaden to be this romantic. Too bad…

Finished

Even though the scene was beautiful, she knew she had to ruin the moment. After thinking it over, she said seriously, “Zaden, I need to talk to you.”

Zaden’s brows tightened, as if he already sensed what was coming and knew it wouldn’t be good. Still, he said softly, “Alright. Go ahead.”

“I…”

Before she could finish, a soft flicker of light drifted by. Athena froze, eyes widening in surprise.

“Wow… there really are fireflies here!” she whispered, reaching out. One landed gently in her palm, glowing faintly in the dark.

For a moment, she completely forgot what she was about to say.

Zaden’s face grew more serious.

His gaze lingered on her face before he leaned closer, his strong hand cradling the back of her head. Before Athena could react, his lips pressed against hers, stealing her breath.

Her heart clenched, and for a moment she forgot where she was.

Zaden was kissing her.

Last time, he had only kissed her forehead—polite and restrained. Now, without warning, he went further, catching her completely off guard.

Her mind spun, her thoughts a blur.

After a long moment, Zaden finally pulled away. He brushed her lips gently with his thumb, his tone warm and steady. “So, what did you want to tell me?”

Then he added quietly, “Whatever it is, just know this–I don’t make decisions easily.

“And once I decide, I never change my mind.”

Athena finally understood.

He was telling her that he had already chosen her, and he wasn’t going to waver. He must have already guessed what she was trying to say.

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12:27 Mon, Oct 27

Chapter 220 Goodbye Under the Fireflies

For a moment, she hesitated.

475

75

Finished

But then, Lewis‘ cold, cruel smile flashed through her mind. The brief softness in her heart hardened again. Sure, things felt light and happy now, but what about later?

With Lewis constantly stirring up trouble, she and Zaden would never have peace.

Better to end it now than let it drag on.

They hadn’t been together long anyway. Their feelings hadn’t gone that deep.

Zaden noticed the change in her expression and frowned.

Athena took a deep breath. “I think we should break up. We’re just not right for each other.”

She finally said it.

The words left her feeling both relieved and strangely hollow. She forced herself to stay calm.

“Is it because of Lewis?”

Athena hesitated, then nodded.

She needed a reason. If she said it was for Zaden’s sake, he’d never accept it. Better to let him

think this.

Zaden’s face darkened, his voice low but firm. “You’re not getting back together with him.”

She wasn’t, but she also couldn’t stay with Zaden.

“I spent eight years with him. You can’t just erase that. Everyone makes mistakes. As long as you’re willing to change, that’s what matters.”

The words spilled out all at once, leaving her breathless.

She didn’t dare look at him, afraid her face would give her away.

She sighed silently to herself. That’s it. It was over.

Zaden didn’t speak. The car was silent except for their breathing.

Athena tried to stay composed, forcing herself to seem colder–maybe that would make it easier for him to let go.

After what felt like forever, Zaden finally said, “If that’s what you’ve decided, I’ll respect it.”

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