The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Matthew might not have liked Athena, but she was still his sister. And seeing a member of the Monson family being laughed at in public–it was a slap to his own pride.

On reflex, he stepped forward to help her up, but Joseph grabbed his arm and held him back,

“Well, well, Athena,” he sneered, “you’re not a child anymore, yet you still can’t stay on your feet? Look at you–what a pathetic sight.”

There was no hiding the excitement in his voice.

Athena lifted her gaze toward Michael, only to find him standing there, expression unreadable, cold. But his fists were clenched tightly

He was hesitating. If she had just said something–asked for help, shown in a hint of softness–he wouldn’t have left her like this. He would we stepped

But she didn’t. She gave him the barest glance, then looked away, as if even sparing him a second of attention was beneath her. As if looking at him to long might dirty her eyes..

Michael felt the sting of humiliation. He stood frozen, fists clenched, but did nothing.

“Athena, why are you still sitting there? Hurry and got up,” Willow said, her voice all sweetness and concern–though her fest didn’t move an inch

Instead, she looked at Michael with pleading eyes. “Michael, can you help her up? There are so many people around…she must be so embarrassed.”

Michael’s tone was distant, flat. “Lady Athena is always quite capable. I’m sure she doesn’t need my help to stand on her own. Isn’t that right”

If she hadn’t insulted him earlier, maybe he wouldn’t be acting like this. But she had called him cheap.

Michael had never imagined she saw him that way. He thought, “if that’s how little I mean to her–then fine. I won’t lift a finger for her again”

Willow bit her lip, eyes growing red. “But… she’s still-

Michael didn’t even look at her. “What’s it got to do with me?”

words Athena had once flung at him-now thrown right back in her face

The very w

Of course Athena caught the implication. But his words didn’t hurt. Not anymore. In the three years she’d spent way, she’d heard worse things that cut deeper than this ever could.

She stood up from the mud, composed and unflinching. Her voice rang out clear, “You’re right–fhas nothing to do with you. Because whatever was between us is long over. I sincerely wish you and Willow a happy life together. May you grow old in wedded bliss”

She thought, trashy man and a shameless woman–what a perfect match. At least they won’t ruin anyone else.”

She didn’t bother hiding how bedraggled she looked. She stood tall, letting everyone see

But Michael’s face darkened instantly.

It was summer, and her soaked, clinging dress outlined her figure far too clearly. He noticed the lingering stares from the men around them–full of led

He barked, “Anyone who wants to lose an eye–keep looking”

Most of the men present were sons of noble families, but lew held higher status than Michael The moment he spoke, they all burned away in a hurry

His show of protectiveness made Willow’s eyes well up with tears. She looked at him, bewildered, waiting for some kind of explanation.

Chapter 38

But Michael didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he pulled off his outer ribe and forcefully draped it over Athena’s shoulder,

That was exactly the kind of gesture Athena hated most–false, performative, and full of empty meaning. They had nothing to do with each other anymore, yet he insisted on playing the part of the caring lover. It made her stomach torn

She ripped the robe off and shoved it back into his hands. Her voice was cool and sharp. “Lord Osborne, please have some self respect.”

“You-“Michael’s composure cracked. “This isn’t the time to be acting stubborn. Do you want to throw your reputation away completely?” My reputation?” Athena shot back with a cold smile. “Didn’t that get ruined the moment I stepped into the military camp?

She lifted her gaze and looked straight at Willow–sure enough, tears were already streaming down her face.

“Lord Osborne, instead of wasting your concern on an outsider like me, maybe worry about your own fiancés. Look, she’s crying again.”

Athena had to admit, Willow had a real talent for turning on the waterworks. Her timing was flawless, and the tears came just right–pitiful and delicate, like a weeping flower in the wind. The kind of crying that tugged on heartstrings and drew sympathy like a magnet

He gave her an apologetic look. “Let me walk Athena back to her courtyard. I’ll come find you afterward.”

But just then, a calm, unhurried voice cut in, bringing him to a halt. “And where exactly are you taking Lady Athena, Lord Osborne?”

He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, refined features. His narrow, almond shaped eyes held a faint, unreadable smile–but there was a chill behind it, a kind of dangerous edge. Arrogance radiated from him, and the challenge in his gaze was obvious.

Michael, however, merely smiled and greeted him. “So Lord Ray has time for leisure today, I didn’t expect to see you at the Monson family”

Athena looked at him in surprise. She hadn’t seen him in years, and he’d changed so much she almost didn’t recognize him. If not for the small red mole under his eye, she might’ve missed him entirely.

Ray gave her a warm, casual smile. “My mother sent me to find you. I didn’t expect to catch you here.”

Athena quickly pulled her hand free from Michael’s grip and offered Ray a grateful nod. “Apologies for keeping you waiting Your Highness

This time, Athena didn’t refuse. She thanked him sohly and turned to head back to her courtyard, Ray lollowing behind.

The two of them walked away–one after the other Michael stood frozen, watching her leave, his face dark as thunder.

Matthew tried to comfort her in a low voice, but the more he consoled, the harder she cried.

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