Chapter 160 I Hope You Were My Granddaughter
Athena chuckled softly at Rose’s comment, the warmth of the moment providing a brief respite from the heaviness of the evening. Despite the somber events earlier, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection with Rose, even in her pain.
“Not too proud, I promise,” Athena said with a smile, squeezing Rose’s hand gently.
Rose, despite her exhaustion, smiled back, a glimmer of her old spirit shining through. “Well, I’m still lucky to have you around, even if you’re a little too kind for your own good.”
Athena nodded, feeling the weight of Rose’s words. In some way, she knew Rose’s comment about having a granddaughter was more than just a passing thought—it was a longing. A longing that Athena could relate to in her own way, as she, too, sometimes wished for simpler things in life.
“I’ll stay with you for as long as you need,” Athena reassured her.
Rose’s expression softened. “I’m just glad you’re here. After everything that’s happened with Herman… I feel like I’ve lost so much time. It’s hard not to feel regret.”
Athena’s heart ached for Rose. The years of regret, of things left unsaid, of a past that could never be undone. Yet, she could see that Rose was trying to make peace with it. Trying to reconcile the past with the present.
“I’m sure Herman knows you never meant to hurt anyone,” Athena said, her voice gentle but firm. “It’s not too late to make amends, even if it’s just in your heart.”
Rose gave her a faint, grateful smile. “I hope you’re right, Athena. I just don’t know if I’ll ever find peace with it.”
The silence that followed was heavy, and Athena could feel the emotional weight of Rose’s words settling in. She didn’t know how to fix the past, but maybe, just maybe, she could help Rose find some semblance of peace going forward.
After a while, Athena stood up, stretching slightly. “I should get going soon, but I’ll come back tomorrow morning to check on you. Is there anything you need?”
Rose shook her head. “No, just your company is enough. Thank you for staying with me.”
Athena smiled, her heart warmed by the sincerity in Rose’s voice. “Of course. I’ll be here.”
As she made her way toward the door, Athena felt the weight of everything—Byron, Evie, Rose’s past—pressing on her. It was all so complicated, so entangled. But for now, she could only focus on being there for Rose, offering her whatever comfort she could. After all, life had a way of moving forward, even when things seemed lost in the past.