The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Michael’s words hit like a bombshell, shattering the calm.

Henry and Eloise stood stunned, at a loss for words.

They exchanged bewildered glances, first confusion, then utter shock.

They thought, ‘He is marrying two wives as equals!‘

A collective gasp filled the air. Henry winced as if suffering a toothache.

Eloise, usually the epitome of grace, stood frozen like a statue, fighting the urge to curse out loud.

Both managed to restrain themselves, though inside, it felt as if they’d just swallowed a fly.

Henry thought bitterly, ‘No wonder Lord Osborne kept Willow away. This proposal is downright revolting.‘

The silence was so profound one could hear a pin drop.

The atmosphere felt downright bizarre.

Michael’s once–confident demeanor began to falter.

He’d spent days racking his brain for this idea and saw nothing wrong with it.

But seeing the looks on Henry and Eloise’s faces, he couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What do those expressions mean?‘

Michael stared at Athena, his eyes widening slightly in shock.

Athena was smiling, but it was a mocking smile, not a genuine one.

She was struggling to hold back her laughter, and only when she noticed Michael looking at her did she finally look up at him and sneer, “Are you out of your mind?”

Athena’s words dripped with sarcasm from the very first syllable.

Michael felt his dignity crumbling to dust. Looking at Athena with a pained expression, he said, “I’m making this concession entirely for your sake. Or do you really want to marry into the Mcgee family and become a widow?”

He knew this would surely draw public criticism, but for Athena, he was willing to bear the disgrace.

‘Instead of showing gratitude, she actually insulted me?‘ he thought bitterly, his heart aching at the injustice.

“Michael, you’re utterly shameless,” Athena scoffed. “Where do you get the confidence to think I’d ever marry you, let alone as your so–called ‘second wife‘? You’re vastly overestimating yourself.”

Athena rose abruptly, unable to stomach another word. The whole thing made her sick to her stomach.

Seeing her about to leave, Michael quickly closed the distance between them and blurted out, you possibly have?”

“With your reputation in tatters, what better options could

Seeing Athena stop in her tracks, he assumed she was listening and continued, “Look, even as equal wives, there’d be no hierarchy between you two. You and Willow are sisters, surely you’d get along better than with other women. What’s not to like?”

Athena clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white. All of a sudden, she swung and slapped Michael hard across the face. “Get out of here!” she spat.

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12.40 Fri, 27 Jun 05.

Chapter 88.

Michael, caught completely off guard, took the full force of the blow.

Almost instantly, five angry red finger marks bloomed across his pale cheek..

Henry and Eloise both sprang to their feet in ala

their faces tense with shock.

“Athena, how dare you!” Henry bellowed, his face flushed with rage.

Eloise shot Athena a disapproving look and softly chided, “Words are one thing, but violence is quite another. Apologize to Lord Osborne at once.

Athena stood her ground, unmoved.

Eloise stole nervous glances at Michael as she tried to tug Athena’s sleeve, only to be violently shaken off.

Fixing Michael with an icy stare, Athena slowly enunciated each word. “I’d rather marry a homeless man than ever marry you.”

Everyone expected Michael to explode with anger, but to their surprise, he accepted the slap with complete calm.

‘If this helps Athena vent her anger, I’d gladly take a few more slaps. As long as she doesn’t marry Ferris just to spite me, I can take anything, he thought.

Michael’s face showed a hint of remorse, but his voice stayed resolute. “Willow, this is something I’ve thought long and hard about. If you and Athena move in together and manage my family side by side, wouldn’t that be best for everyone?”

Willow clung tightly to Michael’s clothes, her voice quivering with tears as she pleaded, “Michael, aren’t you afraid the Mcgee family will blame you for this? My sister’s marriage is finalized, and now you say you want to take her as your second wife, isn’t this just snatching?”

‘Though the proposal hasn’t been completed, the matter is as good as settled.

‘If Michael were to marry Athena now, the Mcgee family would surely hunt him down for this affront.‘

Henry quickly chimed in, his tone grave. Lord Osborne, don’t let a moment’s impulse ruin everything you’ve worked for. Please, think twice.”

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