Athena’s brows shut up instantly, the first sign of emotion since her narration about Scarlett and Aiden’s betrayal.
She lifted her head from the old man’s shoulder. "What did you say?" She asked anger mounting on her voice ready to fire if old Mr. Thorne started defending Ewan.
"Ewan didn’t come here by himself." Old Mr. Thorne spoke, swallowing saliva.
Athena stared at him with widened eyes, a myriad of emotions flashing through her, seeing as she had accused Ewan without getting accurate information.
The look on his face when she was sending him away, the pleading look in his deep blue eyes for understanding...
Regret crashed over her in waves.
"Why would you do that?!" Her voice resonated with shock.
"Why would you invite him in here knowing our fragile truce?! And why didn’t you say anything when I was sending him away, when I was berating him?" She asked, guilt seeping into her voice as her anger became directed at Old Mr. Thorne.
"Why did you even invite him in the first place?!" Her voice rode higher as she shifted away from him.
"Are you going to let me speak or are you going to keep shouting? Did you forget that your children are still awake?" Old Mr. Thorne asked calmly, throwing a bucket of ice on Athena’s flaming self.
She cooled down noticeably, especially noting the look of love and understanding nestled in the eyes of the old man.
"You should learn to control your emotions, Athena," Old Mr. Thorne said softly after a moment of contemplation. "It could be a weapon in the hands of enemies if you don’t."
But Athena already knew that. It was one of Master Shen’s lessons to her, a lesson that always seemed to develop wings and fly whenever it came to Ewan.
She didn’t know if it was because of their bad past that she was easily angered by him.
"I am sorry," She sighed, shaking her head slowly. "My feelings have just been all over the place."
"I guess Gianna is right," She continued softly. "Maybe I should go for counseling."
"Maybe you should," Old Mr. Thorne agreed with a soft smile on his lips.
Athena smiled too wishing she had had old Mr. Thorne by her side those years ago when her life had fallen apart. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on ɴo(v)elFɪre.ɴet
She didn’t know why he had sent for Ewan but she knew that the former wouldn’t do anything that would jeopardize her life.
Pushing her resentment and anger away she covered the distance between them and placed her head on his shoulder again.
"Tell me old man, why did you invite Ewan over?" She asked softly, needing to know.
"Well, the kids wanted more comics. They were done with their assignments and because they had taken a lot of sweets, they had been overactive. So, I called Ewan for directions to get more comics but then he told me that he had a carton already. Without thinking it through, I asked him to bring it..."
A significant pause followed.
"Such an intentional act of his had made me so happy that I had forgotten the clause in your fragile truce," Old Mr. Thorne explained gently with a warm expression on his face. "And I am truly sorry about that."
Athena exhaled gently, understanding the old man’s view. "It’s okay, old man. Just continue..." His voice was soothing too.
Old Mr. Thorne tapped her shoulder in a comforting motion, pleased with her understanding. "Honestly, I just wanted him to deliver the comics himself so that the kids would see his responsibility and love for them, even though I’m sure that they already know this..."
He laughed softly, reminiscing on the pleasant memory, his eyes glinting with warmth.
"When he came, the children were overjoyed despite their attempts to act otherwise. I could see the glee in their eyes as he brought out comic book after comic book from the big carton. But then, he wouldn’t give them all—he insisted they could only access two per week so as not to lose track of their studies..."
Athena couldn’t help but smile at the truth before her. Ewan truly was responsible.
Suddenly, she felt a sense of relief wash over her that her children had someone like him in their lives, even if it stirred up her own inner turmoil.
"And," Old Mr. Thorne continued, "they seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with him."
"Athena, they really need that strong male figure in their lives, especially after all these years, especially with the Morgan’s issue still alive. They need to know they have a protector in Ewan."
A weight lifted a bit in Athena’s heart, momentarily easing the tension swirling inside her. The thought that Ewan could be a positive influence was something she hadn’t fully considered amid her frustrations.
"Still," She sighed, raising her head from his shoulder, shaking off lingering misgivings, "The last thing I need is more complications. I just wanted to keep things simple for the children. I didn’t want Ewan’s presence to upset the balance."
Old Mr. Thorne nodded, his expression turning serious. "I understand your concerns. But sometimes, balance comes from added layers of support, not fewer. The children adore him—it’s evident. They deserve stability and love, especially during these turbulent times."
As she processed his words, a newfound perspective clicked into place for Athena. "You might be right, old man. But it’s hard to forgive Ewan for what he did in the past."
Her voice faltered a little, and vulnerability crept into her tone. "So much weight rests on this fragile truce, and I don’t want to shatter it, especially not for the kids."
"You don’t have to make these decisions alone, dear. You have time to figure it out. The heart is complex, and sometimes what you see as betrayal can transform into something more." He leaned back against the sofa, evaluating her with wise, knowing eyes.
"Whatever you choose, ensure it’s for the children. Their happiness has to come first."
Athena thought about her children’s faces—full of hope, innocence, and a growing fondness for Ewan. She didn’t want to deprive them of a loving connection, but fear of her own feelings held her hostage.
"Thank you, Mr. Thorne," She finally replied, her voice softening. "I know you’re right, and I appreciate everything you’ve said tonight."