Chapter 192 A Couple in Love
Byron couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Athena, her big eyes sparkling as she tried to put on a brave face despite the heaviness in her words. Her past was painful, but she wore it with a calm resilience that was both admirable and heartbreaking.
“Alright,” he said, his voice soft but carrying a hint of amusement. “I’ll let you treat me. But only if you promise to keep that deer-like look on your face the whole time.”
Athena rolled her eyes, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She turned away, leading the way through the bustling snack street, her scarf swaying gently in the autumn breeze. The air was crisp, the smell of roasted sweet potatoes and fried snacks filling the street, bringing back a sense of nostalgia for her.
As they walked, Athena paused at a food stall selling traditional Greeli City dumplings. She pointed to the steaming pot with a grin. “These were my favorite when I was a kid. The filling is so rich—better than anything I’ve ever had anywhere else.”
Byron watched her as she enthusiastically interacted with the vendor, ordering a small plate of dumplings. He had never seen this side of her before—the lighthearted, carefree Athena who wasn’t burdened by the weight of family drama or personal history. It was a rare glimpse, and Byron found himself captivated by it.
The vendor handed over the dumplings, and Athena took the plate, holding it out to Byron with a smile. “Here you go. The best dumplings in town. You’ll be hooked.”
Byron raised an eyebrow but took the plate from her, his lips curling up slightly. “I’m not sure about this, but I trust your judgment.” He took a bite, and his eyes widened in pleasant surprise. “Okay, I’ll admit it. You were right. These are amazing.”
Athena grinned, pleased that she had managed to impress him. “Told you. There’s nothing like the food here. Reminds me of simpler times.”
They continued walking, occasionally stopping to chat with the vendors or sample other street foods. It was a rare moment of peace, a brief escape from the tangled web of family secrets and past regrets.
But as they walked, Athena’s mind began to wander back to the conversation with Tyler. The anger that had bubbled up earlier started to resurface. She knew that whatever he was planning, he wouldn’t give up so easily. But for now, she was content to push those thoughts aside, at least for a while.
Byron could sense the shift in her mood and reached out to gently grasp her hand. “Hey,” he said softly, pulling her attention back to the present. “We’ll deal with everything, but right now, just focus on enjoying this. The rest can wait.”
Athena looked up at him, a small but genuine smile spreading across her face. She didn’t say anything in response, but the warmth in her eyes spoke volumes.
They walked together, hand in hand, through the busy street, the crisp autumn air wrapping around them like a soft blanket, as if the world had paused just for them.