The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Willow’s eyes new wide open, her expression full of hurt as she looked at Michael.

Tears spilled down her cheeks in an instant, and she shook her head desperately. “No, Michael, it’s not like that. It’s really not….

Matthew couldn’t stand seeing Michael treat Willow so coldly. He stepped forward, voice sharp with anger. “Michael, what’s your problem? Why are you taking it out on Willow? This has nothing to do with her. You’ve got no right to be angry with her.”

To Matthew, Michael’s reaction was completely irrational. He thought, is clearly Athena who has upset Willow and yet somehow, Michael is defending

her?‘

That only confirmed what Matthew had already suspected: Athena must have seduced him.

Willow looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her tears falling one after another as she coughed weakly, drawing Michael’s attention back. When he saw how pale and fragile she looked, guilt flickered across his face.

“Willow…I wasn’t angry at you,” he said, his voice soft.

The words were meant to soothe, but his tone betrayed a certain impatience.

Willow blinked through her tears, forcing a fragile smile. “Michael…if you don’t want to marry me, it’s okay. You don’t have to force yourself…”

Her voice caught, trembling, and she couldn’t finish the sentence. Embarrassed by the situation, she turned to leave–only for Matthew to stop her.

“Don’t push it, Michael,” he snapped. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Even if you wanted both, I wouldn’t allow it.”

His meaning was clear: Michael could only choose one–Willow or Athena. And the only acceptable choice, as far as he was concerned, was Willow.

A flicker of coldness crossed Michael’s handsome face. He glanced at Matthew with icy detachment. “My business is none of yours”

The dismissiveness in his voice nearly made Matthew lose it.

They’d grown up together, both from military families. Sure, Michael had the higher rank and better skills–but to throw his weight around like this, over Athena of all people?

Matthew’s lace darkened. Then, asif a sudden thought struck him, he let out a low chuckle. “Not that it matters anymore. Athena’s going to be the wife of Ray. You saw her with him–don’t they look good together?”

Joseph, still dripping wet and stewing in embarrassment, had been quietly sulking, But seeing Michael on the receiving end for once gave him no small satisfaction. He tried to hide it, but the smug curl of his lips said it all.

Willow, red–eyed and tear–streaked, tugged at Matthew’s sleeve and pleaded softly “Matthew…please don’t fight with Michael anymore.”

The more vulnerable she looked, the more protective Matthew became.

He stepped in close and said in a low, firm voice, “Willow only ever cared about you. Don’t hurt one woman and then turn around and ruin another. you’re really a man, then act like one. Let go when it’s time to let go–not cling to one while chasing the other.”

Then he added pointedly. “Greed can swallow a man whole, Lord Osbome.”

Michael said nothing. He didn’t react, didn’t lashout–just lowered his eyes, lost in thought, as if tuning everyone out

Willow couldn’t take the silence any longer. “Michael” she whispered.

Only then did he finally glance her way. His voice was calm, even detached. “The engagement between our families will go ahead as planned. Don‘

Chapter 39

The glow returned to Willow’s eyes instantly. She gazed up at him with pure joy and expectation, in his words had just brought her

Michael’s sudden shift in tone was so abrupt, even Matthew was caught off guard. But he let out a breath of relief. No matter h

at least the marriage was still on. And for now, that was enough.

The party had begun to wind down, and many of the quests were already leaving the duke’s estate.

Kelsey approached from a short distance away, her face it with a satisfied smile. Willow quickly adjusted her gown and prepped forward to offer a graceful, textbook perfect curtsey. “Lady Kelsey.”

“Oh, I don’t think you’ll be calling me Lady Kelsey much longer,” Kelsey said with a sly smile.

He kept his gaze lowered, eyes fixed on the ground, though his mind was far away, lost in thoughts of someone else.

If things hadn’t taken such a drastic tum… it should’ve been Athena standing beside him right now. But….

Startled, he looked up at her, then gave a polite nod to Eloise “Forgive me. My mind wandered,”

Then Kelsey added, almost casually, “That Athena girl already spoke to me about dissolving the engagement. Honestly, it’s probably for the best–ves us all the trouble and keeps the gossip down. Of course, we’ll have to delay the new engagement announcement a bit.”

Originally, there would have been no need for a formal break–off. They could’ve quietly swapped Athena for Willow without stirring the waters. But now, thanks to Athena’s little stunt, the duke’s estate had been placed in an awkward position.

If she’d known Athena would take it upon herself to speak to Kelsey directly, she never would’ve allowed it.

But what was done was done. All she could do now was nod in agreement. As for the inevitable rumors–they’d have to figure out how to keep those under control.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify