Chapter 31
Athena curved her lips into a smile, but her eyes remained cold, completely devoid of any emotion. She thought, "How could someone like me ever be considered for such a good marriage, especially one to a royal family?"
She had met Ray when she was a child. He was strikingly handsome, almost otherworldly, with a pair of flirtatious, captivating eyes. With such an impressive family background and such remarkable looks, it was no surprise that any woman in Pidence City seeking a good marriage would likely line up for a chance to marry him.
She couldn’t believe Eloise had the kind of influence to make Ray lower his pride and seek her hand in marriage. But Eloise’s words were so convincing, detailed, and matter-of-fact. She must have gone to Margaret earlier today to discuss this. And now that it was in front of her, it was clear that Margaret had given her blessing.
Eloise, oblivious to Athena’s indifference, continued enthusiastically, “Ray is two years older than you. When you were little, he even joked about marrying you. But we’ve known the McGee family for years. You won’t suffer any injustice if you marry into such a family.”
Athena nodded coldly, though she was far from convinced. “This is a wonderful match. Lady Eloise, you truly have the best of intentions.”
It was merely a meeting—just a casual chat. Besides, the McGee family was so powerful that perhaps it would benefit Kurtis. She raised an eyebrow, a sly smile curling her lips as she said, “So, the marriage is already decided, and now you’re just here to inform me, right?”
Eloise, a little caught off guard, forced a nervous smile. “It’s not completely settled yet, but I wanted to make sure you knew. I would love to see you and Willow married, and if the date is set soon, Margaret will rest easy."
In the end, it all came down to Willow. Athena thought, "How laughable." Athena’s gaze grew even colder.
Eloise felt the sharpness of that stare and a pang of discomfort struck her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as her voice softened almost to a plea. “I know you don’t believe me, but I will prove to you that I’ll care for you in the future. I won’t go back on my word. Athena, will you trust me just once more?”
The words were barely out of her mouth before tears began to fall. But Athena merely stared, her expression stone cold, as if she were looking at a stranger.
As she saw Athena’s lack of response, Eloise’s frustration grew. She thought, "This child is so stubborn! She doesn’t even resemble my own flesh and blood anymore!”
Suppressing her anger, Eloise forced a smile. “Margaret knows that your future is settled, she’ll be thrilled. Who knows? Her health might even improve.” Athena’s gaze dropped in exhaustion. Yes. If it weren’t for Margaret’s illness, she wouldn’t have been able to stand another minute in the duke’s estate.
Seeing her expression soften slightly, Eloise quickly pounced on the opportunity. “Now that both your sister’s and your marriages are settled, don’t you think it’s time to return the token from the Osborne family to me?”
When Athena had been engaged to Michael, the Osborne family had given her a jewel pendant, a family heirloom, as an engagement token. She hadn’t taken it with her to the military camp. Eloise had once searched her room for it but hadn’t found it.
Now that the marriage was going to Willow, that pendant needed to be returned. Eloise had gone around in circles only to get back that pendant.
Athena smirked, her lips curling into a mocking smile. Had Eloise been more straightforward, she might have agreed. She had never wanted Michael, to begin with. But now, seeing the desperation in her eyes, she no longer felt like giving it up.
The Monson family had climbed their way up on her blood and tears. She wondered, "Why should they get away with it? Just because I am younger? Just because they think I am an easy target?"
“Do they think I was still the same person from three years ago, someone they could push around and manipulate?" Athena’s lips curved into a cold smile, but the frost in her eyes deepened.
Eloise looked into her eyes, the icy stare sending a chill down her spine and making her heart sink.
Athena said, "Since this is my marriage to the Osborne family, it’s up to me to settle it. Whether we call it off, and how we do it, no one but me can decide that.”
On this matter, she would not compromise.
Eloise’s smile froze on her face. “You’re talking nonsense, child. How can a young lady be the one to handle such matters? Naturally, it’s up to the elders to step in. We need to consider our position and leave some room for negotiation. For the sake of the Monson family, and the Osborne family as well, your brother and father will still need to maintain their relationships with them without losing face.”
Athena had long since given up, but hearing Eloise’s self-important words still stung. She had once offered Eloise her whole, sincere heart. But while Eloise had thought of everything else, she had never once considered her. In fact, Eloise was clearly worried she would ruin the marriage or jeopardize Willow’s future.
Athena pushed down the bitterness in her chest and spoke firmly, “I want to meet with Lady Kelsey in person to discuss this.”
Athena didn’t raise her voice or cause a scene, but for some reason, Eloise felt guilty. She awkwardly avoided Athena’s gaze and forced a smile. “Since you’re determined, then I will respect your wishes.”
After spending a few days with Athena, Eloise had realized that while Athena appeared calm and unambitious, she was actually someone with a strong sense of independence. Now that she was standing her ground, Eloise didn’t feel disappointed—just resigned.
Eloise took another sip of coffee before rising to leave. Athena made no move to see her off.
Eloise glanced back at her twice before leaving, a look of quiet defeat in her eyes.
Outside, Willow hurried to meet her. “Mother?” Her voice was soft and concerned. “You look unwell. Are you feeling sick?”
Seeing Willow’s worried face, Eloise felt a sense of comfort. She patted Willow’s hand and smiled. “It’s nothing. I’m just a little tired.”
“Let me help you,” Willow said, offering her arm to support Eloise. Eloise allowed Willow to guide her back toward her quarters.
The two exchanged a smile, sharing a warmth between them that needed no words.
Eloise spoke gently, “You don’t need to worry about the Osborne family’s marriage. I will make sure to get the token back. You two sisters will need to support each other.”
Willow’s hand faltered for a moment, and she quickly looked away, guilt flickering in her eyes. She thought, "Ray…"
Three days later, just as dawn was breaking, Athena was startled awake by the sounds of hurried footsteps outside her window.
The mansion was alive with activity, preparing for Willow’s birthday party. The air was filled with a festive mood.
Athena had just finished washing up when Dorothea Taylor arrived with clothes, instructed to make sure Athena dressed appropriately. There would be many influential guests attending today, people of high status. As the eldest daughter of the duke’s estate, she couldn’t afford to misstep.
Athena glanced at the dress. The fabric was made from intricate silk, a type of weaving so complex that even the most skilled embroiderers could only produce an inch a day. A single dress could take months—or even a year—to complete.
Such extravagance made Athena think of her own marriage to Ray. Eloise was clearly going all out to make her stand out. But by doing so, she had overshadowed Willow. She wondered, "Could Willow accept this?" Even if Willow could, Athena knew there was something more to it.
Athena shifted her gaze from the dress and said, “Go to the wardrobe and bring me another outfit.”
Siena and Aliza exchanged glances, surprised. “My lady, why not wear this dress? It’s so beautiful!”