From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 276

Willow beamed at Michael

at Michael and nodded. “Much better”

Sering Willow’s innocent, childlike demeanor, Michael felt his heart sohen a bit. “I jout you for dinner tonight,” he said tenderly.

“Really?” Willow burst into tears, throwing herself into Michael’s arms and sobbing “Michael, do you know how heartbroken I’ve been because you ignored me? Every day, I dreamed you’d come see me, but you never did”

Willow’s tears fell heavily on Michael, each drop serting a pang of pain through his heart.

Michael slowly reached out and softly patted Willow’s back “It’s all my fault,” he murmured gently. “There, now, don’t cry”

Willow,realining

status was different now, quickly stopped her tears.

Willow joyfully instructed Nona, “Tell the kitchen to prepare a feast. Tonight, my husband and I will share a drink together.”

ine Willow to

favored, Nona was even more delighted than her mistress

Seeing

With a quick curtsy, the hurried off to make the arrangements

ow back to he

Just as Michael was about to escort Willow back to her courtyard, the butler approached and bowed respectfully. “My Lord, Lady Osborne requests your presence.”

“Alright, go now.” Michael tumed to Willow. “Mother has summoned me–probably for some discussion. You go back first join you shortly”

Willow really didn’t want to see Kelsey. When she heard Michael’s words, a genuine wave of relief washed over her. “Alright, I’ll do as you say, my lord,” she replied.

Escorted by her maid, Willow returned to her courtyard, while Michael headed for Kelsey’s quarters.

When he arrived, Kelsey was sitting stiffly on the settee, her face stern.

Noticing her stern expression, Michael asked, “Mother, did someone upset you?”

Kelsey put on a stem face and scolded, “Michael, you’ve been utterly disgraceful lately. You’re a manied man now, yet you still keep lingering around

Athena”

*Mother, have you

heard some gossip” Michael’s brow furrowed slightly as he admitted to himself, still can’t let go of Athena”

He couldn’t control his feelings for Athena, but he never meant to affect her

All he wanted to

ed to know was h

show Athena was doing.

Now that these rumors have reached Kelsey’s ears, he supposed they must be quite vicious.

Kelsey sorted coldly. “I used to feel sorry for her, thinking she was just neglected in this household. But now, as the saying goes, the pitied often have their own faults. Look at her–she went and pushed Fiona to get a divorce for no good reason. Tell me, what kind of decent woman would do such a thing?”

Michael’s face darkened instantly. “Mother, where did you hear such nonsense? Fiona and Nicolas’s divorce is their own business–why drag Athena into

Suddenly recalling that Eloise had visited today, Michael asked, “Could it be that my mother in law said something to you?

Kelsey hastily denied, “Nonsense! She only came to visit me today. Eloise is Athena’s mather–how could the possibly spread such rumors? No mother would ever harm her own child”

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Chapter 276

Michael said firmly, “Mother, these are just baseless rumors without a shred of evidence–how can you believe them? As a woman of the household yourself, you know how vital a lady’s reputation is. Such words must never be spoken again.”

Michael’s defense of Athena only made Kelsey even more unhappy.

Helsey thought to herself, if Michael kept going like this, who kn

twhen he and Athena might rekindle their old name.”

Kelsey’s face was grim as she spoke stemily, “Michael, I’m not being meddlesome, but now that you’re the Marquis and married, your focus should be on your family and household affairs Stay away from those improper entanglements outside the farther, the better.”

Michael understood the implication of her words–Kelsey was warning him to stay away from Athena.

Michael didn’t want Kelsey to misunderstand, so he nodded and replied placatingly, “Understood, Mother. You needn’t worry. I’ve got it covered.”

“Your duty now is to have a child with Willow as soon as possible to continue the Osborne lineage,” Kelsey urged with a warm smile. “That way,I can become a grandmother sooner

Michael rose to his foot and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll go check on Willow?

Pleased to see he had taken her advice to heart, Kelsay cheerfully said, “Okay, go ahead then”

The butler’s face drained of color as he shook his head frantically. “Lady Willow didn’t say anything improper, sir,” he stammered. “She was just having a

He wouldn’t dare tell Michael the truth–with that temper of his, he’d turn the entire Osborne household upside down.

Michael’s eyes darkened as he listened. Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Willow’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Michael clearly promised he’d have dinner with me–how could he do this?”

The footman didn’t dare say a word, keeping his head bowed to in fearful silence.

Willow’s eyes instantly welled up with tears. Unable to hold back any longer, she stood up and walked out. “Tigo ask him myself!” she shouted.

Since their wedding Michael had always found excuses to stay in his study. He didn’t even spend their wedding night with Willow.

Willow thought to herself, “Our relationship had only just started to improve today, and now he’s suddenly cold again. Why on earth is that?

Willow was utterly heartbroken. Limping heavily, she dragged her injured leg as she made her way out

Moments later, W Willow arrived at the study, limping heavily with each step.

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