From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 357

**TITLE: Her Rise 357**
**Chapter 357: A Song from the Past**

Athena sat there, her mind a blank slate as she tried to conjure up a wish or a request for Zaden. But the truth was, she found herself utterly stumped.

In recent days, Zaden had shown a surprising amount of decency. Just that afternoon at school, he had stood up for her against some of the more obnoxious students, and during their time at the hospital, he had treated her with a level of respect that she had longed for. Honestly, what more could she possibly ask for?

Zaden approached her with an easy grace, settling down beside her on the sofa. He leaned in, his arm resting comfortably on the pillow behind her, creating an intimate space between them. “If you’re drawing a blank, how about we discuss it tonight?” he suggested, a playful glint in his eyes.

Without hesitation, Athena grabbed the nearest pillow and playfully shoved it into his arms, a feigned look of annoyance crossing her face. “What are you thinking, Zaden? With Teri acting all jittery lately, she must be terrified at night. There’s no way I can let her sleep alone. I’m staying with her!”

The defensive stance she took was almost comical, and Zaden couldn’t help but chuckle at her fervor. “I meant we should talk about how to comfort her. What’s running through your mind?”

Athena felt her cheeks flush with warmth. The way Zaden had emphasized the word ‘comfort’ made her think of anything but the innocent intentions he was trying to convey.

Right, as if he was genuinely interested in just discussing how to soothe someone’s fears.

He flashed her that disarmingly innocent look, the one that seemed to say, “See? I’m completely innocent here.”

Athena found herself momentarily at a loss for words, a curious mix of frustration and amusement bubbling within her.

Just then, a gentle piano melody wafted through the open window, filling the room with a hauntingly beautiful sound. Both of them fell silent, the music weaving an invisible thread that drew their attention.

Zaden’s brow furrowed, a flicker of recognition crossing his face as if he were trying to grasp at a fleeting memory.

Athena, attuned to the nuances of his expression, felt a twinge of unease stir within her. This was a quiet neighborhood of villas, where the absence of neighbors had become a comforting norm. She had frequented this place for months, never once encountering another soul next door.

Zaden had mentioned that the villa beside them was up for sale.

But now, the air was alive with music. Someone had clearly moved in.

Yet, Zaden’s reaction puzzled her.

She stood up, her curiosity piqued, and approached the large glass window. With a swift motion, she pulled the curtain aside.

Through the dappled shadows cast by the trees, she caught sight of a woman in a flowing white dress, gracefully seated at a piano, the sunlight enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Athena’s heart raced, and her temple throbbed as she recognized that unmistakable silhouette.

“So you two broke up, and the song never got used,” Athena said, her tone flat and devoid of emotion. “Now Maya’s playing it again—maybe she’s trying to tell you she’s still waiting for you to marry her?”

A heavy sigh escaped her lips, her voice laced with a sense of helplessness.

She had been desperately trying to sidestep any mention of Maya, pretending that it didn’t gnaw at her insides.

But with Maya now living right next door, she had no choice but to confront the reality head-on.

Zaden noticed the change in Athena’s expression and sighed deeply. He stepped forward, enveloping her in his arms, resting his head on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“Not every memory is something you want to hold onto or revisit,” he murmured softly. “When Maya left, I found a way to save myself from that chapter. Hearing her play now doesn’t stir anything within me.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “I’m telling you this because I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. There shouldn’t be anything hidden.”

Athena froze momentarily, taken aback by the depth of his honesty.

She hadn’t expected Zaden’s reassurance to come from such a sincere place.