Her Rise 304

Athena accepts a bouquet from Zaden and gets into his car, only to realize upon arrival that the “celebration” spot is not a restaurant but Zaden’s hotel suite. The suite is romantically set with candles and flowers, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes Athena question Zaden’s true intentions. Zaden remains calm and invites Athena to sit, and they discuss their upcoming flight back to Vlephia, agreeing to keep it a secret to surprise others.

As they share a candlelit dinner in the hotel room, Athena wonders if Zaden has ever had such a dinner with his ex, Maya. When she asks, Zaden quickly denies it, which only increases her suspicion. However, Zaden’s easy confidence and charm disarm her, and she decides not to dwell on the past. They enjoy the meal together, but when Athena tries to return to her own hotel room afterward, she finds she has been checked out without her knowledge.

Realizing Zaden must have done this, Athena returns to his suite, where he feigns innocence but then reminds her that they had agreed she would move back to his room after her exam. His gentle and coaxing tone softens her anger, and she reluctantly agrees. That night, Athena lies beside Zaden in bed, noting the unspoken boundary they have always maintained due to their complicated relationship, a line neither has crossed despite sharing a bed before.

Chapter 304 Zaden Plays Dumb

Athena held the bouquet Zaden gave her and got into the car.

Zaden started the engine and drove away.

When they arrived at the celebration spot, Athena quickly realized she’d been tricked.

The place he arranged wasn’t a restaurant, it was their hotel suite.

Finished

Zaden’s suite was large, with a table newly set in the middle. Candles flickered softly, surrounded by fresh flowers. It looked like a romantic candlelit dinner.

But being in a hotel room made her wonder what Zaden’s real intentions were.

Zaden noticed the doubt in her eyes. He kept a blank face. Without saying much, he pulled out a chair and said calmly, “Have a seat.”

Athena sat down.

Zaden took the seat across from her. “We’re flying back to Vlephia tomorrow?” he asked.

Athena nodded lightly. “Yeah. But let’s keep it a secret. I want to surprise them when we get back.”

Zaden agreed, “Sure, whatever you say.”

Athena couldn’t help but laugh. “You sound like a total pushover husband.”

Zaden didn’t mind. Instead, he smiled and played along, “If I could be your pushover husband for life, I wouldn’t mind at all.”

Athena was completely caught off guard. His words were too smooth; it made her heart flutter instantly.

No wonder she forgave him so easily before, even after all that drama with his ex. The man could talk his way out of anything.

If he wanted to, there probably wasn’t a woman alive who could resist him.

“Hungry?” Zaden asked with a half–smile. “I can have the waiter bring the food now.”

Athena nodded. “Okay.”

Zaden made a quick phone call. Soon, a waiter arrived with trays of food.

It was Athena’s first time eating dinner inside a hotel room. She found it surprisingly cozy. Still, a random thought crossed her mind. Had Zaden ever done something like this with Maya before?

She studied him seriously and asked, “Have you ever had dinner like this with Maya?”

Zaden immediately sensed danger. He knew Athena was sensitive about that topic. “No,” he answered without hesitation.

:17 pm G P P P

Chapter 304 Zaden Plays Dumb

Athena frowned. “That was far too fast. Are you sure you’re not lying?”

His reaction made Athena grow even more suspicious.

Finished

Zaden let out a sigh, half amused, half helpless. “I answered fast because I’ve got nothing to hide. Or are you planning to convict me just for that?”

Athena opened her mouth but couldn’t come up with a comeback.

After a pause, she realized there was no point in digging into the past. Whatever happened before didn’t matter anymore.

They went on to enjoy a candlelit dinner together.

After the meal, Athena immediately declared she was heading back to her room. To her surprise, Zaden didn’t stop her this time.

That alone made her suspicious–but she shrugged it off.

When she reached her room, she tried to open the door with her keycard, but it didn’t work. She tried again and again–nothing. Finally, she went down to the front desk for help.

The receptionist checked the system and said politely, “Ma’am, your room has already been checked out.”

Athena’s jaw dropped. It didn’t take long for her to realize who was behind this. Zaden had clearly taken care of it behind her back.

With no choice, she went back to his room.

A few seconds after she knocked, the door opened.

Zaden’s handsome face appeared behind the door. When he saw Athena, his lips curved in a teasing half-

brings you here again?”

smile. “Weren’t you going back to your room? Wha

Athena was stunned. He actually pretended to be ignorant. She gave him a punch on the shoulder.

“Stop playing dumb with me! Did you cancel my hotel room?”

Zaden looked at her irritated expression; he caught her wrist and gently pulled her inside. “Athena,” he said softly, “we agreed that after your exam, you’d move back to my room.”

His tone was calm and coaxing, warm enough to melt her anger.

Athena felt her heart soften instantly.

With a helpless sigh, she said, “Fine. I did say that.”

That night, after washing up, Athena returned to the bedroom.

Zaden was already lying in bed, dressed in a loose robe tied lazily at the waist. The open fabric revealed the warm bronze of his skin, effortlessly drawing the eye.

6:17pm

Chapter 304 Zaden Plays Dumb

Finished

Athena swallowed hard, pretending to act natural as she walked over and lay down beside him.

In the past, whenever they’d shared a bed, they had always kept things proper. Maybe it was because of their complicated relationship, but they’d both silently kept a respectful distance.

There was a quiet understanding between them, an invisible line neither of them had ever crossed.

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This chapter delicately explores the evolving dynamics between Athena and Zaden, highlighting the subtle shifts in their relationship. The intimate setting of the hotel suite, with its romantic ambiance, serves as a backdrop to their tentative steps toward deeper connection and trust. Despite Athena’s lingering doubts and the shadows of past entanglements, Zaden’s calm demeanor and playful charm gradually soften her defenses, revealing the complexity of their bond.

Ultimately, the chapter captures a moment of quiet vulnerability and unspoken understanding between them. Their shared history, marked by cautious boundaries, begins to give way to a more genuine closeness, suggesting that beneath the surface, both are navigating their feelings with a mix of hesitation and hope. It is a poignant reminder that love often unfolds in the small, unguarded moments where hearts quietly align.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate dance of emotions between Athena and Zaden, as their carefully maintained boundaries begin to blur. With Athena now sharing Zaden’s suite and the subtle tension simmering beneath their interactions, readers can anticipate a delicate exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the unspoken feelings that linger between them. Will Athena’s guarded heart start to open more, or will the shadows of their past complicate the fragile peace they’ve found?

Meanwhile, Zaden’s calm and coaxing demeanor hints at a side of him that Athena may not fully understand yet. As they navigate this new closeness, unresolved questions and hidden motives may surface, testing their ability to communicate honestly. The chapter may also reveal how each character wrestles with their own fears and desires, setting the stage for moments of both tenderness and conflict. Prepare for an emotionally charged continuation that will keep you guessing about what lies beneath the surface of their evolving relationship.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.