The Villain (5)
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November 30, 2022
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The wife he married became so powerful suddenly that he could no longer fathom how many secrets she held. Ezekiel will never forget the fragile woman who schemed her way up to him, wanting to climb the position of Rofocale's only mistress.
But the woman before him changed too much like everything happening was just a part of her lie.
Ezekiel frowned. He remembered that there had been disappearances and kidnapping incidents in the Capital Star since last month.
When his son's physical potential and mental strength increased by leaps and bounds, Ezekiel was happy, forgetting about the empire's problem. And with the coming war against the zergs, he cannot risk divorcing his wife just in case he dies during the war.
"Give me half a year. I must resolve the war against the zergs before I have free time. You can take three properties under the Rofocale family and the divorce fees."
"I don't need them. I only want a peaceful time with my son until he consolidates his core cultivation. Half a year should have no other extensions because by then, I'll think you don't hold your life and be afraid no one will lead the family after your death."
Ezekiel felt cold when he heard Athena's words.
"Also, I would like you to intervene less with my time with Theo," Athena added.
"No problem." Ezekiel sighed before replying.
Ezekiel has never given the hideous woman who constantly shows up with a lot of makeup a severe glance. He is just now giving Athena his full attention. He could see that Athena got dressed in a white ankle-length skirt. Her hair no longer resembled the rainbow. And the pieces of jewelry she used to wear were no longer there.
Instead of heavy makeup, Athena no longer uses anything to draw on her face. The poreless porcelain skin made Ezekiel think of the jade heirloom mirror in his mother's old room. And the ruby-red hair ultimately crowned Athena the most beautiful woman in his heart without him knowing it.
Athena lets Ezekiel look at her openly.
Although Ezekiel was standing and Athena was sitting, he could feel that their aura was equal in power and disposition.
Today's Athena, it seems that the flowers bloom on the battlefield.
He initially experienced a slight inability to see through this person. He will not tolerate Athena compromising the interests of the Rofocale family, whether she is acting or not.
"Don't worry. I don't care much about it right from the very start of this marriage. How much now that we are already divorcing? I hope my son can survive in this world and strengthen himself." Athena chuckled and stood up, walking to the door to leave Ezekiel in the study room.
Athena remembered the original owner's wish to get married, live comfortably, and find love. But the stepmother pushed her into a pit of fantasy and false dreams.
She became a person cultivated to become brainless and less outstanding. And she lets all bad luck happen naturally.
Growing up in a rich environment, the original owner did not want more riches. She did not wish to have the Rofocale family's properties, but she wanted the love of the general. She only wants the general, and nothing else matters to her.
Yet sadly, she did not see the shadow of the general after getting herself pregnant like those heroines in a story.
Athena thought it was pointless, and she knew Ezekiel's contempt. The setting of this ostensibly beautiful but complex Madam Rofocale held no appeal to her. She spent so much of her previous life buried in the political impasse.
She is aware of her position and the weight of her responsibilities. She now wants to enjoy life after thousands of years in tranquility and peace after finally escaping the chaotic power center.
"Dad, where's mom?"
Little Theo asked when he saw his father at the door of her mother's room, contemplating whether to knock or open the door directly.
"Master," old nanny Jean addressed.
Little Theo was wearing odd but comfortable-looking clothes. Athena prepares these clothes in advance and puts them in her wardrobe. Theo faced his father, looking cute and lovable, and all he wanted to do was rush to her mother's side.
The icy air surrounding Ezekiel loosened a bit as he gazed at the soft and cute version of himself that had bathed early.
"You smell different today."
"I'm using mom's bath supplies, dad. They are more comfortable on the skin compared to the brands we use at home. Mom also said that her bathing products are good for the skin."
"Go on and put a jacket on yourself. Let's return home."
Theo's smiling face wrinkled. "I'll stay here and live with mom, dad. It should be possible to stay with her for a while, right?"
Ezekiel wanted to take his son home, but he remembered the cold house waiting for them. His son was pleading to stay in front of him tonight, something the kid had never done before. Ezekiel sighed and patted little Theo's head.
Ezekiel vaguely remembered his parents, who sacrificed themselves for the empire when he was younger. Although he grew up upright and admirable, he still couldn't change the fact that only his grandfather cared for him.
The feeling is unsuitable for a child, and this challenge alone can affect his son's direction and career paths. He can't be too selfish, can he?
"Okay, but remember to go to bed early and wake up on time for your class. I will ask Hadji to get you by the weekend. Be good, and don't make trouble with your mom." Ezekiel compromised terms with his son before he let him sleep.
"Thanks, dad! You're the best!" Little Theo jumped happily and waited for Athena on the bed.
Ezekiel's eyes looked warm as he stared at the person bouncing and grinning in bunny pajamas. Suddenly Ezekiel remembered something which made him feel cold. After all, Theo's biological mother is Athena.
Their child being close to her is natural. He might consider providing an additional severance payment if she is respectful and not wicked when they get divorced. Ezekiel took in the surroundings, the cozy lighting, and Theo's figure on the bed.
On the table were several military books and an odd platter of fruits. The room gave Ezekiel the impression of being cozy even though it was a little simple.
"But where did those fruits come from?"