Chapter 2 Realize Your Mistake?

Athena lowered her gaze, gritted her teeth, and forced herself to stand. She didn’t say a word as she clumsily climbed out of the carriage, using both hands and knees.

Her legs throbbed with pain, barely able to hold her, and she looked completely wretched.

Michael turned away, refusing to watch. He had assumed three years of punishment would be enough to wear down her spirit, but the moment they met again, she was already trying to play the victim—putting on a show to win his sympathy.

If it hadn’t been for that person’s orders, he wouldn’t have come for her at all.

What baffled him was why someone of such high rank would even notice Athena—let alone give an order about her the moment he returned to Pidence City.

Michael was the first to get out of the carriage. Without a glance back, he instructed his men, “I have business back at camp. After you drop her off, get rid of the carriage—I don’t want to see it again. It’s filthy.”

Filthy. The word hit her like a slap. Athena’s chest ached with a dull, sinking pain. She sniffed quietly, face devoid of emotion, and stepped down from the carriage.

Outside the towering red gates of the duke’s estate, a woman was already waiting. The moment she saw Athena, she rushed over, eyes full of urgency.

But the first thing she said was, “My sweet daughter, it’s been three years. Have you finally realized your mistake?”

“I have,” Athena replied flatly.

Her mistake had been wanting love too much. This time, she would sever those ties—for good. Just… not yet. Not while Margaret Monson, her grandmother, still needed her care.

Eloise Monson looked at Athena, her daughter—so thin and pale, her eyes distant—and her expression faltered.

Three years of hardship had changed Athena completely. Just one look was enough to make her heart ache.

No matter how deeply Athena had erred, she was still her daughter—still her flesh and blood. And she had clearly paid the price.

“It’s good you understand now,” Eloise said softly. “You mustn’t be so willful again. Come on, get up.” She reached out to help.

But Athena immediately stood up on her own and took a step back, putting distance between them. Her eyes were guarded, cautious.

Eloise’s heart twisted. “You blame me for being too harsh? But I did it for your own good—for your future! What mother doesn’t want the best for her child?”

Her eyes turned red, her voice trembling with a hint of tears. “Don’t hold it against me…”

Her face was full of sorrow, as though she were the one who’d suffered for three years.

Athena stood there, unmoved, making no effort to bridge the gap between them.

Just then, a slender figure stepped gracefully out of the manor and gently supported Eloise’s arm.

“Mother, Athena’s just come home. She’s probably overwhelmed. Don’t be upset if she seems distant—give her a little time, all right?”

The girl was delicate and fair, with porcelain skin and a sweet, innocent smile.

She turned to Athena and extended her hand, her eyes wide with sincerity. “Athena, I don’t hold anything against you. Let’s forget the past, okay? We’re still family—we should love each other, just like before.”

Her smile was as gentle and harmless as ever.

Athena almost laughed out loud. After everything she’d endured, she wondered, “Do they really think a few nice words can just wipe it all away?”

“Love? Between you and me?” Disgust flickered in her eyes.

That was when someone finally lost patience.

“Willow’s already gone out of her way to be kind to you, and you’re still acting like this? What’s wrong with your attitude?”

Nicolas Monson had just come from court, still in his crimson official robes. He swung off his horse and walked over, clearly irritated.

“You think you’re the only one who’s suffered these past three years? Do you have any idea what Mother’s been through? She’s lost sleep night after night, her hair’s turning white!

“If it weren’t for Willow taking care of her and fulfilling your duties, who knows what would’ve happened?”

Nicolas had seen the whole scene earlier—Eloise’s joy quickly deflated, Willow’s soft voice met with Athena’s cold rejection.

Nicolas thought, “And all because of three years of punishment? What right does she have to act wronged? Willow almost died.”

Eloise frowned at Nicolas, her son, clearly disapproving. “Don’t exaggerate. She just got back. As her big brother, you should be gentler with her. Don’t scare her.”

“Mother, you don’t need to defend her. The Monson family owes her nothing. She’s the one who made the mistake. And because of her, our entire household’s reputation suffered.

“Everyone in Pidence City knows the Duke’s family raised a vicious, manipulative girl. And Willow? She never complained—she’s done everything she could to protect this family.”

Nicolas still hadn’t calmed down.

“Athena! Willow even covered for you—she told everyone you never poisoned her, just to protect your name. Shouldn’t you be grateful?” he continued.

When Athena said nothing, his voice rose sharply. “Say something! Are you mute now?”

Athena blinked, struggling to hold back the sting in her eyes.

Once upon a time, Nicolas had been different. Unlike her second and third brothers, he had been the one who truly cared for her.

He once told her he’d split the love he gave Willow and give half to her—and for a while, he meant it.

When the servants looked down on her, he gave out thirty lashes on her behalf. On her birthday, he carved a jewel pendant for her by hand. When she was sick, he stayed by her side through the night.

But all that kindness vanished the moment Willow acted hurt.

Love that could be so easily withdrawn—that kind of love, she no longer wanted.

The air between them turned stiff with silence.

Eloise quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “What’s done is done. Let’s go inside—your father and grandmother are still waiting.”

Nicolas scoffed and gave a dismissive wave of his sleeve as he turned toward the estate.

After a few steps, he looked back, his voice suddenly soft. “Willow, come here.”

“Yes, Nicolas.” She smiled sweetly, casting a glance at Athena. She said nothing—but somehow, it said everything.

Athena was used to it by now. She had always been the outsider in this family.

She had already made up her mind: she would let go. Let Willow have all of it—Michael, her parents, her brothers.

But even with that resolve, watching this unfold still made her throat tighten and her eyes sting.