<h4>Chapter 124: Christmas y II</h4>


    "What are you doing here, Ewan?" Athena asked, her voice calm yetced with an unmistakable hint of irritation.


    What was this foolish man doing, appearing in her life at every turn like some unwee specter? Hadn’t she made it perfectly clear that she wanted him nowhere near her or the children?


    She bit her lip in frustration, trying to stifle the swirling anger within her. Was this why the guards had rolled out the red carpet for them today?


    ncing around at the other parents in the special section, a few familiar faces caught her eye. They were the shareholders of the school—she had done her research before enrolling the kids. She wasn’t a part of their elite circle, but Ewan was. The realization sank deep; it was safe to assume Ewan had orchestrated this whole thing, pulling strings to ensure they were here.


    Athena shook her head in disbelief, deciding not to waste another moment waiting for Ewan’s reply, which seemed to be taking an eternity.


    He was too busy reveling in the sight of her children, who, thankfully, pretended to bepletely oblivious to his presence.


    "I’m out of here," She muttered, turning to Gianna. "Let’s find some space in the other sections. I refuse to be ufortable today."


    "Athena..." Ewan called out, but she was already striding away, the twins eager to follow her lead, their youthful energy propelling them forward.


    Ewan’s expression shifted, lips pressed thin, a mixture of frustration and inscrutability passing over his features.


    As Athena and her family descended the stairs, they were intercepted by the head teacher, whose tightly controlled smile sent a pang of unease through her. This was the kind of smile that signaled trouble.


    "You can’t join the other sections," The woman stated, retaining her professional fa?ade.


    "Why not?" Gianna chimed in, frowning in confusion.


    "Every seat has been ounted for for a couple of days now. We make arrangements ahead of time to avoidplications. So, every seat here..." The teacher gestured toward the crowded section filled with beaming parents and excited children, "has been taken. I suggest you return to your previous seats please."


    Athena’s jaw clenched as she caught the earnestness in the woman’s gaze.


    "Please, Doctor Athena, make this easier on us. The efforts put into this event have been monumental, and I assure you, we’d hate for it to go to waste. Also, your kids are due on stage shortly; they need to be where they can settle."


    Athena’s nod was curt. "I understand; thank you for the exnation. We’ll head back."


    With a decisive turn, she marched back toward the special section, the weight of frustration building with every step. It was evident to her that Ewan had meticulously crafted this scenario to suit his own purposes.


    "Mom, don’t worry. We don’t have to sit with him," Nathaniel tried to reassure her, but that sentiment was swept away almost instantly as they approached their designated area.


    To her surprise, more seats had filled up since their earlier arrival, leaving only one row open—the one Ewan upied.


    "I think some seats were removed. Check out the rows again," Gianna whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "He’s ying his cards close to his chest." She looked at Athena, a question lingering in her eyes. "What do we do? The children need to settle down and recite their lines soon..."


    Anger simmered within Athena, but she knew this wasn’t her territory. There was no use in raising a fuss when time wasn’t on her side; she had to prioritize the children. "Let’s just sit down. Everything will be fine."


    <i>Hopefully.</i> She added silently, leading the way toward the row.


    As they arrived, Ewan offered her a nd nce, a nonchnt expression that set her teeth on edge.


    Well yed, she thought bitterly, preparing herself for a night of sacrifice. With only four empty seats, she couldn’t afford for her children or Gianna to feel any tension between them, so she pressed forward, taking the seat next to Ewan. Her children settled in beside her, followed closely by Gianna.


    "Good evening, Athena," Ewan said without turning to her, his cool tone igniting her resolve to remainposed.


    "Good evening, Ewan," She replied evenly, taking a deep breath to quell the storm brewing within. She refused to let him win this battle.


    "I saw that you sent my Christmas present to a charity organization..." He continued, still looking ahead.


    "Do you have a problem with that?"


    "Not at all." He replied calmly. "It’s Christmas after all."


    Athena didn’t bother with a reply.


    Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the gentle strum of guitars filled the air as the choir took the stage.


    A group of children, decked out in festive red and green outfits, stood together, chins raised with excitement. Their faces illuminated by soft spotlights, they began to sing "Silent Night," their voices harmonizing sweetly, weaving a tapestry of sound that resonated through the hall.


    The audience pped along to the next beat,ughter and cheers erupting as the older kids kicked off a lively rendition of "Jingle Bells,"plete with dance moves and cheerful jingling bells.


    It was infectious; the room was alive with a sense of joy, and despite her earlier irritation, Athena found herself smiling, her heart softening as she absorbed the spirit of the holiday, as she caught the happiness on her children’s faces.


    After the choir performance, the focus shifted to a festive game, "Holiday Charades." Children were called up one by one to act out various holiday-themed prompts while their parents cheered them on.


    The air was electric withughter as the kids mimed building snowmen, decorating trees, and even Santa’s reindeer.


    Throughout the following events, which included a Christmas race, Athena steadfastly focused on the joy around her. She chuckled at the kids’ antics, pped enthusiastically, and exchanged knowing nces with Gianna. They hade to enjoy this special asion, and she would not allow Ewan to dim that light.


    Some minutester, as the spoken-word artists wrapped up their segment, one of the teachers approached their row. "Good evening, Doctor Athena. It’s time for the y. The kids need to go backstage now."


    Athena turned to her twins, a bright smile lighting up her face. "It’s time! Have fun!" She encouraged, handing them their backpacks. They beamed at her, nting quick kisses on her cheeks before darting off to join their fellow performers.


    "You didn’t tell me they were participating in a y..." Ewan’s voice cut through the moment, but Athena feigned ignorance, counting seconds until Gianna returned from the restroom.


    "Athena..." His persistent tone tugged at her patience.


    "Ewan, stop it. Let me watch my children shine, in peace. After the court case next week, you’ll know whether you have a say in their lives or not. So, for everyone’s happiness, just shut your mouth!"