⌧ 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 || ᴡᴍᴍᴀ. ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇss × ᴛʀᴀsʜ/ʟᴏᴜᴛʜ ᴄғ.

𝐌𝐄𝐈 𝟎𝟎𝟔 || ᴍᴇᴍᴏʀɪᴇs ᴅᴇғɪɴᴇ ᴏᴜʀ ᴇssᴇɴᴄᴇ, sᴄᴜʟᴘᴛɪɴɢ ᴜs...

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     ⃝                                  𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 
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Memories are the brushstrokes that paint the canvas of our lives... imbuing each day with depth and purpose.

They define our essence, sculpting us with their potent blend of light and shadow. Like a delicate dance of whispers and echoes, memories anchor us to the heart of what truly matters, binding us to the tapestry of significance that weaves through our very existence.

As the days slipped away like sand through an hourglass, Athanasia's heart cried out for the presence of her beloved father. "Papa, Athy missed you!" she chimed, her smile radiating sweetness as she sprinted towards him. Yet amidst the facade of joy and innocence, a bittersweet realization lingered in her mind like a haunting melody.

She understood all too well that her very survival depended on the charade of false cheeriness and feigned affection she had to uphold in the presence of Claude. Though she had come to accept this grim reality, a profound sense of sorrow swept over her at the thought of having to play the role of the adoring child to Claude, the despicable man who held her fate in his cruel hands.

Coming to a halt on the lush green grass field, Athanasia paused before Claude, a sudden clarity dawning in her eyes. With graceful poise, she lowered herself in a respectful bow. "Thank you for extending an invitation to Athy for the tea party," she expressed, a skill she had honed diligently during her etiquette lessons not long ago.

Although Claude had insisted on her need to learn such social graces, dismissing her previous abilities as lacking, Athanasia now saw an opportunity to demonstrate her newfound skills. 'Behold my refined manners!' she whispered inwardly, her bright smile masking the turmoil within as she endeavored to meet Claude's expectations with a facade of elegance and charm.

Felix's gentle chuckle resonated softly from behind Claude as Athanasia approached, a vision of utter charm and innocence. 'Ah, the art of exuding cuteness while playing the part of a sophisticated adult,' she whispered to herself, a playful glint in her eyes. Deliberately selecting her most endearing attire, she had meticulously practiced her adorably captivating expressions in front of the mirror, intent on perfecting her appearance.

Enveloped in today's whimsical theme of a child gracefully mimicking adult behavior, Athanasia delicately tiptoed the line between innocence and refinement. Though still mastering the intricacies of proper decorum, she sought to portray a delightful aura of enchanting naivety, a touch of unfamiliarity adding to her irresistible allure without veering into the realm of annoyance.

Athanasia's plan appeared to have succeeded, dressed in a billowing white frock adorned with an abundance of frills, she resembled a cherubic angel. Though her current guise was more reminiscent of a sweet infant angel, as opposed to a grand and regal celestial being, her presence elicited endearing reactions from the surrounding maids.

Only Claude remained aloof, his raised eyebrow betraying a hint of intrigue amidst the enchanting scene. Athanasia couldn't help but grumble inwardly, hoping for a more animated response from him. Swiftly turning her gaze to another, she sought approval from her uncle. Cale, present in the moment, wore a rare small smile on his otherwise emotionless face. Meeting her eyes, he nodded appreciatively and spoke in a calm tone, "You look as radiant as ever."

Claude's gaze flitted from Cale to Athanasia, before settling on Felix as he uttered a single word, "Felix". In response to Claude's call, Felix offered a brief nod and effortlessly lifted Athanasia, gently guiding her onto the chair. Her diminutive stature made it impossible for her to ascend the chair unaided, but with Felix's support, she found her place with graceful ease. These interactions had become second nature to her.