The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 202

“The one I pity is Lady Willow. She was about to marry into the Osborne family, and now this?”

“Beautiful women always cause disasters…”

Just a few sentences, and Athena was nailed to the pillar of shame.

It was as if she had rejected the Osborne family out of scheming.

As if she were climbing the social ladder by seducing Ferris.

Willow, seemingly flustered, loudly tried to defend Athena. “Don’t talk nonsense. Athena and His Highness grew up together. This was all just a series of misunderstandings. They are meant to be together.”

“Willow, shut up!” Athena was furious, but she couldn’t refute directly. To deny it would only make her look guiltier.

Just as Athena was trying to think of a suitable excuse, Ferris tightened his grip on her hand and loudly declared, “Who said we aren’t engaged? Just now, Atheny agreed to marry me.”

“Ferris!” Athena exclaimed in shock, her eyes wide.

He only gave her a warm smile. “Atheny, I won’t let you slip away again.”

He had been wondering how to bring their relationship closer. He didn;t expect Willow would help push it forward.

Athena furrowed her brows tightly. She didn’t have romantic feelings for Ferris. But rejecting him publicly would humiliate

him.

Especially with Michael staring at her with that predatory look.

He was waiting for her to deny it with her own mouth.

Athena hesitated. She couldn’t drag Ferris into this just to spite Michael. That would be unfair to him.

But then Ferris said softly, “Atheny, I know you don’t love me now, but I can wait.”

He had waited eight years already. He didn’t mind waiting a little more time.

He believed feelings could grow. As long as he was patient enough, Athena would accept him one day.

“She won’t say yes to you.” Michael suddenly appeared beside the carriage.

He looked at Athena with intense eyes and reached out a hand, gently coaxing her, “Athena, come home with me.”

Such tenderness was what Athena had dreamed of for the past five years.

If it had been the past, she would’ve happily reached out her hand and left with him. But now, her heart held only scorn.

She had already taken back her true feelings. She thought Michael was putting on a show.

Ferris looked at her nervously and called softly, “Atheny, don’t go with him. He’s not worth it.”

His voice trembled with anxiety.

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Chapter 202

Michael still stretched his hand toward her stubbornly. Even with Willow sobbing beside him, he didn’t spare her a glance.

She questioned, “Michael, you’re doing this in front of me?”

All eyes fell on Athena, the pressure mounting.

After a moment, Athena smiled at Ferris and said, “You’re right. He’s not worth it.”

Michael’s face turned ashen instantly. His eyes filled with unwillingness. “You’re saying that just to spite me, aren’t you?”

Athena retorted, “Michael, you think too highly of yourself. I’ve always followed my heart. If I like someone, I pursue them. If I don’t, I won’t give them a second glance.”

She held up Ferris’s hand for him to see. “Life is short. I won’t trap myself in the past. I’m willing to take another chance.”

Her meaning was clear. She had already let go of her past with Michael.

“Athena, you’ve finally opened your heart to His Highness. I’m truly happy for you,” Willow said with an expression of sincere joy. Only this way would Michael finally give up.

Athena was no longer competing with her.

Ferris was terminally ill. Athena might be admired for a time, but it wouldn’t last.

Athena saw right through Willow’s schemes. She laughed and retorted, “Who I love has nothing to do with you. Instead, maybe you should worry about your fiancé. You couldn’t even keep him from harassing me. What a failure you are.”

With that, she turned and smiled gently at Ferris. “Ferris, let’s go.”

Ferris’s joy was about to overflow. He nodded. “Yes, let’s go. I’ll head straight to the duke’s estate to propose marriage once