Chapter 37
Doise, ever adept at reading the room, inmediately picked up on Gale’s displeasure toward Athena.
She quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Highness, it’s truly an honor that you’ve made time in your busy schedule to visit. I’m overwhelmed For Athena to have caught your attention–it’s a blessing for our family”
As she spoke, she gave Athena’s sleeve a subtle tug. Athena lowered her head and replied quietly, “Your Highness, I’m deeply humbled”
Gale’s gaze lingered on Athena’s respectful posture. Something seemed to stir in her expression–perhaps a memory or a thought and a trace of resignation flickered across her face
She lifted her hand slightly. “You may both rise.”
When Athena lifted her head, the coldness in Gale’s eyes had vanished. There was a faint smile on her lips now, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes
Still, Gale played the part well. She even beckoned Athena closer, to
took her hand warmly, looked her over from head to toe, and offered generous praise
“You really are a lovely young woman.”
Athena smiled, polite but distant. Her expression was perfectly composed–pleasant, yet emotionally detached.
At least, on the surface, everything looked picture–perfect. To an outsider, the meeting seemed warm and amicable.
“You and Pay have known each other since childhood, haven’t you? I’m sure you’ll get along well. He’s two years older, but boys can be thoughtless and rough around the edges.
“He’ll need your patience your guidance, Gale said, her words carefully chosen. “But with how well Eloise has raised you, I’m sure you’re more than capable
Athena caught the subtext instantly.
This wasn’t a friendly reminder–it ›
place and know when to keep quiet.
thinly veiled directive Look after my son. indulge his flaws. Be a proper wife. Handle the household. Mind your
Athena lowered her gaze and offered a quiet acknowledgment. She had long since stopped believing in romantic fantasies, and certainly wasn’t about to place her hopes on Ray. Gale’s so–called advice was unnecessary–nothing she hadn’t heard before.
Still, her modest demeanor seemed to please Gale, who looked at her with faint approval
With Eloise playing the warm, supportive mother–in–law, the whole scene radiated a surprising sense of harmony–as if Athena were already the future Lady of the Mcgee family and both sides were thrilled with the arrangement
But Athena knew better. This was all just a performance.
After a bit more polite conversation, Gale finally said, “Before you go, take this handkerchief to Ray. He’s caught a chill recently–he mustn’t be out in the
wind
Athena’s heart skipped. “Ray is here too?” she wondered
She instinctively turned to Eloise. Eloise smiled taiptly, but her eyes shifted away–guilty, evasive.
Today was supposed to be Willow’s birthday party. And yet somehow, everything had revolved around Athena. One moment she was dealing with Kelsey, the next she was summoned by dale
Yes, Elore clearly y wanted her married off Bul Athena thought, ‘Isn’t this all a bit too rushed?
And Gale–someone as shrewd and well–connected as her–there was no way she didn’t know the full story.
Chapter 37
She had to be aware that Athena’s previous engagement hadn’t been properly resolved. Yet the moved forward wit
Athena wondered, ‘What are they all in such a hurry for?
Athena made her way to
way toward the garden to find Ray–but before the could even get there, trouble found her first
Matthew and Joseph–her two older brothers–stepped into her path, both wearing expressions of thunderous disapprov unforgivable crime
Athena had never felt more exhausted
Sometimes she seriously wondered if Eloise had eaten something strange while pregnant with them. She thought, ‘How else coul to two men so completely devoid of common sense!
Now, here they were, blocking her path, launching into yet another round of scolding before she could even open her mouth
an f she’d committed some
ven birth
“Atheria, what is wrong with you?” Matthew snapped. “You know Michael is Willow’s fiancé why are you still hanging around him like it’s nothin Willow’s too kind to hold it against you, but don’t you think it’s time you learned some boundaries?”
His eyes were full of contempt. He couldn’t understand it. “The family has already arranged another marriage for Athena, so why is the still clinging Michael like she can’t let go? Does she really think two timing makes her look clever?”
Joseph let out a derisive snort. “What else could it be? She’s just bitter–can’t stand to see Willow doing better than her. That’s what this is all about
“Let me tell you something, Athena: the more you act like this,
s, the more we’ll side with Willow. You try to steal everything from her like it’s nothing
Shameless
Athena had thought that three years in the military camp would’ve hardened her completely–that she’d seen enough of the world’s cruelty to be immune. But these two still managed to push her buttons with ease
She bitted her chin, voice sharp. “And which one of you actually saw me all over Michael?”
“Someone told us,” Matthew snapped, “It’s Willow’s birthday, and you just had to make her cry, didn’t you? Was ruining her day the only way you could feel good about yourself?”
Sure, they didn’t have proof. But if Willow ended up in tears, Athena had to be the reason. That was enough for him. As her older brother, he felt obligated to stand up for her.
Joseph sneered, “You just don’t know when to quit Willow was crying her eyes out and you’re still pretending to be innocent?”
“Oh?” Athena let out a low, amused hum. She looked at the two of them with pity, as if they were children who hadn’t figured out how the world worked “So, let me get this straight. She can’t keep her own fiancé in line, and instead of holding him accountable, you two come after me? If Michael takes a concubine in the future and she can’t handle it, will you come throw mud at her too!”
She gave a cold laugh. “What kind of proper young lady cries day in, day out? Crying her way through life like that–no wonder her luck’s running out it’s pathetic
The brothers‘ expressions darkened instantly Matthew’s face went bright red, while Joseph turned pale with fury “Athenal” Matthew growled. “You‘ not just heartless you’re shameless! So you’re admitting it, then?”
“Town what I do,” Athena said flatly. “Can Willow spy the same?”
Her voice was cold, cutting right to the bone. “If she’s got something to say, let her come say it to my face. And you two–how sad. If you really want defend her, go question Lord Osborne. But no, you come after me instead. Why? Because I’m the easy one to bully
cking smily. “Oh, I get it. You know you can go after me without facing any consequences. But Michael? That’s a She paused, then gave them a mocking different story. He might actually hit back. Maybe with a whip.”
Her words hit like a slap in the face, peeling back whatever pride they had left. Because she was right–they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on Michail.
11:36 Fri, 27 Jun
Chapter 37
Matthew flushed with embarrassment, while Joseph’s face twisted with anger, caught somewhere between red and white.
Neither of them could say a word.
- rd. For a moment, they just stood there, stunned and speechless.
Joseph’s fists clenched. Just as he was about to explode, he noticed two figures approaching from a distance.
A thought flickered across his mind. Without warning, he shoved Athena hard.
She stumbled backward. Behind her was the edge of the garden pond–not deep, but thick with mud and muck.
Athena hadn’t expected him to actually lay hands on her, let alone do something so petty in public. Her footing slipped, and she fell straight into the
mud.
It splashed everywhere–her clothes, her face, even her hair.
Laughter rippled through the onlookers. She sat there, dripping and filthy, the scene eerily reminiscent of her childhood–those same cruel eyes, the same mocking laughs.
got worse. Because just as she tried to collect herself, Michael and Willow stepped into view–right on time to see everything.
And then it got
11:36 Fri, 27 Jun
Chapter 38
