Chapter 125
Athena stared at the man in black standing in the middle of the road, his face covered. Her expression instantly turned grim.
“Lady Athena,” Trina nervously tugged at Athena’s arm. “Why don’t we run? You go first, I’ll protect you.”
Athena cast her a reassuring look, silently telling her not to panic. Before Trina could react, Athena had already walked to the front of the carriage and picked up the reins.
Then, with a flick of her wrist, the long whip lashed toward the man in black. The whip landed squarely on the man’s face. Athena pulled the reins tight, her expression cold, and shouted, “Get out of the way!”
The carriage charged straight toward the man in black.
The man in black hadn’t expected a pampered young lady to know how to drive a carriage. Startled, he rolled to the side to dodge just in time.
Watching from the shadows, Matthew clenched his jaw and cursed. “Useless. Can’t even handle something this simple.”
Seeing Athena about to leave the alley, he panicked and gave chase on horseback. The pounding of hooves thundered behind her.
Before Athena could see clearly who was approaching, a strong force yanked her up.
“Lady Athena!” Trina screamed in fright, then saw who the rider was. Her eyes were wide with shock. “Why is it… Lord Matthew?”
The world spun around Athena. Dangling headfirst, all she could see was the ground whizzing past beneath her. Wind howled past her ear. She fought the dizziness and forced herself to lift her head. She finally saw the face of the rider.
“Matthew, are you insane?” she shouted angrily.
Matthew smirked smugly. “You’ve been back for so long, and I haven’t taken you out to have fun yet. What a shame. Today’s the perfect opportunity. Let’s have some fun!”
With that, he snapped the reins and yelled, “Hyah!” Digging his heels into the horse’s belly, it galloped faster.
Athena felt like her internal organs were being shaken out of place, her bones on the verge of falling apart. She had no strength left and could only try to raise her head through the bumpy ride, hoping for a way to call for help.
As if reading her mind, Matthew deliberately took the most desolate paths. They didn’t encounter a single soul along the way. His voice came cold and mocking. “Trying to get rescued? You’d better forget that idea.”
“Let me go!” Athena screamed, furious.
She didn’t expect Matthew was so vicious. He didn’t even spare his own sister–he was a monster.
Matthew’s voice dripped with hatred. “Ever since you came back, you’ve worn a long face every day, cold to our parents, and always lashing out at your siblings.” He added, “Where are your manners? What did you even learn in those three years outside? Today I teach you a lesson. Otherwise, you’ll ruin the Monson family’s reputation.”
The horse stopped in a secluded forest. Matthew jumped off and violently dragged Athena down with him. She hit the ground hard. Before she could get up, his leg pinned her down.
She fought back with all her strength, but the disparity between male and female strength left her no chance. Her hands were tied tightly with rope. Even her silver needles were useless now.
“Let me go!” Athena roared, kicking as her hands were restrained.
Seeing how fierce she was, Matthew only grew angrier. He stuffed a filthy rag into her mouth. “Mother spoils you and refuses to punish you. But I’m not like her. I’ve held in this anger for too long. Today, I’m going to teach you a real lesson.”
He yanked the rope hard and snarled, “Go!”
He roughly pulled Athena to her feet. Sharp pain shot through her wrists, the rope cutting into her flesh. Each tug was like a knife slicing her nerves. She staggered, unable to resist, dragged deeper into the forest. Sharp roots tore at her ankles, blood staining her feet. Matthew clearly saw, but didn’t stop.
Soon, a dilapidated, abandoned building appeared ahead. A murder had once occurred there, and few dared approach since. It seemed he was going to leave her here to suffer. Athena had still underestimated Matthew’s cruelty.
He stopped beside a dry well, smirked at her coldly, and said, “Only after tasting the worst suffering will you learn to appreciate what you had. Ever since you returned, Mother has been treading carefully around you, Willow has tolerated you over and over, and you?”
Matthew’s voice rose in fury. “You trample on our sincerity like it’s dirt. You make Mother sad and angry, you’re jealous of Willow, scheme against her, and even harm your brother!”
“If we don’t discipline you now, you’ll bring ruin to the entire duke’s estate!” With that, he raised his foot and kicked Athena into the well.
The bottom was filled with filthy, stagnant water, reeking of rot. Athena fell into the muck. Her hair was instantly soaked, her clothes plastered with mud. She was a mess.
Seeing her in such a state, a look of twisted satisfaction crossed Matthew’s face. Arms crossed, he looked down at her in the well and said, “Reflect on yourself down there. When you understand your mistakes, I’ll pull you up.”
Turning, he began to leave.
Panic surged in Athena. She pulled the rag from her mouth, gasping for breath. “Wait! How long do you plan to keep me down here?”
Matthew replied, “Until you realize your mistakes and change your ways.”
“And if I refuse to give in? You planning to keep me down here until I die?” She sneered coldly.
Matthew gave her a mocking smile. “You’re my sister, I won’t let you die, but I won’t let you live easily either. Since I picked this place, there’s no way for you to escape.” He continued, “If you don’t change in a month, then a year, if not in a year, then ten years. I’ll bring you food on schedule. Through this punishment, you will understand just how well we treated you before.”