Dark Revenge Of An Unwanted Wife: The Twins Are Not Yours! - Chapter 450

Chapter 450: Celebration II

Athena was more than surprised—she was gobsmacked, her mouth falling open a fraction as her eyes swept the room. There they all were—in her grandmother’s ward.

There was Ewan, standing beside Sandro, who held up a cake with a bright grin. There was her family, her children in their school uniforms—apparently having calculated that she would come straight to the hospital first thing that morning. There was Areso, her mother, her two friends, and then… her grandfather.

It took her several stunned seconds to realize who wasn’t there. Antonio. His absence, among the crowd that included her secretary, Margaret, Kendra, Aiden, and Susan, was obvious.

They didn’t inform him? She felt a flicker of dry amusement. Why am I not surprised about that?

Her mouth was still parted in disbelief as she slowly stepped into the room, instinctively shutting the door behind her so the noise wouldn’t draw more attention. The last thing she wanted was for other patients to wonder if she celebrated her birthday twice a year.

“What…” The word caught in her throat, swallowed up by emotion. Her lips curved instead into a wide, incredulous smile before laughter escaped her as the twins rushed into her arms.

“Happy birthday, Mom!” they chorused, squeezing her tightly.

Athena laughed harder, bending to hug them both, her eyes shining with delight. Then she lifted her head and threw her grandfather a mock glare. “I would have used a heads-up,” she teased, shaking her head in playful reproach.

Holding her children’s hands, she strolled toward the elderly man sitting on the longest sofa in the room. “How is she?” she asked quietly.

Old Mr. Thorne waved her off with a fond, dismissive gesture. “She’s fine—was awake a few hours ago. Sends her wishes too. We thought it would be better to celebrate here, since, knowing you, you wouldn’t have wanted a party considering the situation on ground.”

Of course. Athena smiled softly, bending down to hug her grandfather, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne. “Thank you,” she murmured.

When she straightened, her gaze drifted to the others. Kendra, barely able to contain her excitement, was already stepping forward, her little hands clutching a small wrapped gift.

“Happy birthday, Aunt Athena!” she squealed, practically bouncing on her feet.

Athena laughed, accepting the gift with one hand and ruffling the girl’s hair affectionately.

“Kendraaa! It’s not time yet,” Kathleen scolded with a pout, crossing her little arms.

The adults burst into laughter. Kendra’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O,’ her smile faltering, but Athena leaned forward and softened it instantly.

“It’s okay, Kendra. I sure don’t mind. Thanks for the gift,” she said warmly, her bright smile enough to make the little one beam again.

“You’re welcome!” Kendra chirped proudly.

That didn’t stop Nathaniel from muttering a grumble under his breath, earning a light chuckle from Athena.

There were hugs all around then—friends, family, and colleagues embracing her in turns. Sandro carefully set the cake down on a nearby table before returning for his hug, grinning from ear to ear.

Ewan, of course, was the last person she turned to—or rather, the one she had intentionally saved for last. When their eyes met, a flicker of tension passed between them—familiar, magnetic, charged. Their hug was hesitant at first, both careful, both aware of eyes watching.

“You should have told me,” Athena murmured against his shoulder, her tone teasing.

Ewan chuckled softly, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze. “And have my balls castrated by your old man? No, thank you.”

Athena burst into laughter, the sound genuine and light. It made the others glance their way, curious about what Ewan had said to earn that reaction.

“So, where’s my gift?” she asked, her eyes gliding toward his empty hands and the empty spot beside him.

“Well,” Zane piped up mischievously, “seeing as you both share the same birthday, you can sort it out later.”

Ewan scowled at him, but Athena froze, blinking once before it hit her. “Oh, hell,” she muttered under her breath, earning more laughter. She had forgotten—one of the few days she never did forget.

During their marriage, she had always chosen gifts for him intentionally—heartfelt ones—even though he never remembered hers, never seemed to care.

And after their separation, his birthday had become a day she woke angry, resentful, haunted by old emotions. She had only forgotten it this time—because of exhaustion, stress, and the looming shadow of the grey virus.

“Well then,” she said finally, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Happy birthday, Ewan.”

He smiled down at her, wide and genuine, his eyes softening with something that made her chest tighten. His gaze lingered—intent, unspoken words swirling behind it.

“So,” he said lightly, “we can take ourselves out then—maybe this evening…”

Athena’s brows furrowed immediately. Her friends’ suppressed chuckles didn’t help. He wasn’t being subtle at all.

“A birthday celebratory dinner between two celebrants,” he added, the corner of his mouth twitching.

Her silence made his eyes uncertain for the first time. “Or maybe, if you’d prefer a gift…”

“Mom would love to go out,” Kathleen interrupted brightly, stunning her mother.

Athena turned, eyes wide. “What?”

Kathleen nudged her brother. “Yes, Mom. I think that’ll be better. You also need to relax—you seem tired from too much work.”

Nathaniel nodded solemnly, backing his sister up.

Athena blinked. Did my children just push me off to their father?

Her brows knit tighter as she noticed Ewan trying not to grin, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Don’t you dare…” she warned softly, her tone edged with playful threat.

Ewan’s lips twitched more, clearly enjoying himself.

Athena sighed, throwing her hands up. “Alright then,” she said finally, stepping back and shrugging. “But you better make it worth it.”

She threw him a daring glance before turning her mock glare toward her children, planting her hands on her hips. “And you two…”

The twins flashed their teeth at her, their eyes bright and mischievous as puppies. That was enough to dissolve her resistance entirely.

Athena laughed, shaking her head, and then turned back to everyone gathered.

“Thank you,” she began softly, her voice thick with emotion. “Truly. I wasn’t expecting this—not with everything happening around us. But this…” She gestured around the room, her gaze sweeping across the smiling faces. “This means more to me than you all realize.”

She paused, exhaling slowly. “Each of you has been a part of my chaos—the good and the bad—and still you find time to make me smile. I don’t know how you all managed this without me suspecting, but I’m grateful. For the laughter, for the family I have, for the friends who stayed. For believing in what we’re fighting for, and for reminding me—today—that I’m still human enough to celebrate.”

Her voice softened as her eyes met Ewan’s briefly. “Thank you all. From the bottom of my heart.”

There was a collective “Aww,” followed by cheers, laughter, and applause that filled the room with warmth.

Moments later, the candles were lit on the cake—one for her, one for Ewan. Sandro handed each of them a knife, and everyone counted down together.

“Three, two, one—happy birthday!”

Athena laughed, her hand brushing Ewan’s as they cut through the cake together. The cheers grew louder, echoing through the ward. Someone whistled; another tossed bits of confetti from a cup.

She felt Margaret’s arms wrap around her from the side in a tight hug. “Thank you, Athena… For everything—for keeping us safe, for keeping hope alive.”

Athena smiled, hugging her back. “You’re welcome…”

The celebration continued with cake being shared, and wine poured into cups: it was small but sincere, filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of peace that had become rare in recent weeks.

Athena looked around, her heart swelling at the sight of her children laughing, her friends teasing Ewan, her family smiling.

She felt… content… at peace.