Chapter 37

Doise, ever adept at reading the room, immediately picked up on Gale’s displeasure toward Athena.

She quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Highness, it’s truly an honor that you’ve made time in your busy schedule to visit. I’m overwhelmed that Athena has caught your attention – it’s a blessing for our family.”

As she spoke, she gave Athena’s sleeve a subtle tug. Athena lowered her head and replied quietly, “Your Highness, I’m deeply humbled.”

Gale’s gaze lingered on Athena’s respectful posture. Something seemed to stir in her expression – perhaps a memory or a thought – and a trace of resignation flickered across her face.

She lifted her hand slightly. “You may both rise.”

When Athena lifted her head, the coldness in Gale’s eyes had vanished. There was a faint smile on her lips now, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Still, Gale played the part well. She even beckoned Athena closer, took her hand warmly, looked her over from head to toe, and offered generous praise.

“You really are a lovely young woman.”

Athena smiled, polite but distant. Her expression was perfectly composed – pleasant, yet emotionally detached.

At least, on the surface, everything looked picture-perfect. To an outsider, the meeting seemed warm and amicable.

“You and Ray have known each other since childhood, haven’t you? I’m sure you’ll get along well. He’s two years older, but boys can be thoughtless and rough around the edges."

“He’ll need your patience, your guidance," Gale said, her words carefully chosen. “But with how well Eloise has raised you, I’m sure you’re more than capable."

Athena caught the subtext instantly.

This wasn’t a friendly reminder – it was a thinly veiled directive: Look after my son. Indulge his flaws. Be a proper wife. Handle the household. Mind your place and know when to keep quiet.

Athena lowered her gaze and offered a quiet acknowledgment. She had long since stopped believing in romantic fantasies, and certainly wasn’t about to place her hopes on Ray. Gale’s so-called advice was unnecessary – nothing she hadn’t heard before.

Still, her modest demeanor seemed to please Gale, who looked at her with faint approval.

With Eloise playing the warm, supportive mother-in-law, the whole scene radiated a surprising sense of harmony – as if Athena were already the future Lady of the McGee family and both sides were thrilled with the arrangement.

But Athena knew better. This was all just a performance.

After a bit more polite conversation, Gale finally said, “Before you go, take this handkerchief to Ray. He’s caught a chill recently – he mustn’t be out in the wind.”

Athena’s heart skipped. Ray is here too? she wondered.

She instinctively turned to Eloise. Eloise smiled tightly, but her eyes shifted away – guilty, evasive.

Today was supposed to be Willow’s birthday party. And yet somehow, everything had revolved around Athena. One moment she was dealing with Kelsey, the next she was summoned by Gale.

Yes, Eloise clearly wanted her married off, but isn’t this all a bit too rushed? Athena thought.

And Gale – someone as shrewd and well-connected as her – there was no way she didn’t know the full story. She had to be aware that Athena’s previous engagement hadn’t been properly resolved. Yet they moved forward with it.

What are they all in such a hurry for? Athena wondered.

Athena made her way toward the garden to find Ray – but before she could even get there, trouble found her first.

Matthew and Joseph – her two older brothers – stepped into her path, both wearing expressions of thunderous disapproval. Athena had never felt more exhausted.

Sometimes she seriously wondered if Eloise had eaten something strange while pregnant with them. How else could she have given birth to two men so completely devoid of common sense! she thought.

Now, here they were, blocking her path, launching into yet another round of scolding before she could even open her mouth. As if she’d committed some unforgivable crime.

“Athena, what is wrong with you?” Matthew snapped. “You know Michael is Willow’s fiancé, why are you still hanging around him like it’s nothing? Willow’s too kind to hold it against you, but don’t you think it’s time you learned some boundaries?”

His eyes were full of contempt. He couldn’t understand it. The family has already arranged another marriage for Athena, so why is she still clinging to Michael like she can’t let go? Does she really think two-timing makes her look clever?

Joseph let out a derisive snort. “What else could it be? She’s just bitter – can’t stand to see Willow doing better than her. That’s what this is all about.”

“Let me tell you something, Athena: the more you act like this, the more we’ll side with Willow. You try to steal everything from her like it’s nothing. Shameless.”

Athena had thought that three years in the military camp would’ve hardened her completely – that she’d seen enough of the world’s cruelty to be immune. But these two still managed to push her buttons with ease.

She bit her lip, voice sharp. “And which one of you actually saw me all over Michael?”

“Someone told us,” Matthew snapped. “It’s Willow’s birthday, and you just had to make her cry, didn’t you? Was ruining her day the only way you could feel good about yourself?”

Sure, they didn’t have proof. But if Willow ended up in tears, Athena had to be the reason. That was enough for him. As her older brother, he felt obligated to stand up for her.

Joseph sneered, “You just don’t know when to quit. Willow was crying her eyes out and you’re still pretending to be innocent?”

“Oh?” Athena let out a low, amused hum. She looked at the two of them with pity, as if they were children who hadn’t figured out how the world worked. “So, let me get this straight. She can’t keep her own fiancé in line, and instead of holding him accountable, you two come after me? If Michael takes a concubine in the future and she can’t handle it, will you come throw mud at her too!”

She gave a cold laugh. “What kind of proper young lady cries day in, day out? Crying her way through life like that – no wonder her luck’s running out. It’s pathetic.”

The brothers’ expressions darkened instantly. Matthew’s face went bright red, while Joseph turned pale with fury. “Athena!” Matthew growled. “You’re not just heartless, you’re shameless! So you’re admitting it, then?”

“Admitting to what I do,” Athena said flatly. “Can Willow say the same?”

Her voice was cold, cutting right to the bone. “If she’s got something to say, let her come say it to my face. And you two – how sad. If you really want to defend her, go question Lord Osborne. But no, you come after me instead. Why? Because I’m the easy one to bully."

She paused, then gave them a mocking smile. “Oh, I get it. You know you can go after me without facing any consequences. But Michael? That’s a different story. He might actually hit back. Maybe with a whip.”

Her words hit like a slap in the face, peeling back whatever pride they had left. Because she was right – they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on Michael.

Matthew flushed with embarrassment, while Joseph’s face twisted with anger, caught somewhere between red and white.

Neither of them could say a word. For a moment, they just stood there, stunned and speechless.

Joseph’s fists clenched. Just as he was about to explode, he noticed two figures approaching from a distance.

A thought flickered across his mind. Without warning, he shoved Athena hard.

She stumbled backward. Behind her was the edge of the garden pond – not deep, but thick with mud and muck.

Athena hadn’t expected him to actually lay hands on her, let alone do something so petty in public. Her footing slipped, and she fell straight into the mud.

It splashed everywhere – her clothes, her face, even her hair.

Laughter rippled through the onlookers. She sat there, dripping and filthy, the scene eerily reminiscent of her childhood – those same cruel eyes, the same mocking laughs.

And then it got worse. Because just as she tried to collect herself, Michael and Willow stepped into view – right on time to see everything.