The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 387

Eloise gasped sharply, staring at Willow as if her daughter had gone completely mad.

She wondered, ‘Since when is the aconite powder used this way?

‘Even a single dose had been enough to fill me with dread.

‘Unbelievably, Willow was still determined to marry Michael as planned. She even intended to take the powder again on the very day of their wedding.’

Eloise wasn’t the only one shocked. Nicolas, too, thought this was a terrible idea.

“No way,” Nicolas cut her off sharply. “Letting you take it once today was already pushing the safety limit, Willow. How could you even consider taking it again?”

Willow wept hysterically. Terrified that the hard–won happiness she’d finally found might slip away, she actually lashed out at Nicolas, wailing, “But if I can’t marry Michael, what’s the point of even living? I’d rather die than be stuck like this!”

As she spoke, Willow leaned forward, making it look as if she was about to slam her head against the wall, but Eloise hastily grabbed her. “My dear, what are you doing?” she exclaimed. “Nicolas only wants what’s best for you. Calm down and we’ll find a way.”

Willow fell sobbing into Eloise’s arms, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Clutching desperately at Nicolas‘ sleeve, Willow pleaded with tear–filled eyes, “Please, Nicolas… I’m begging you.”

Nicolas’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white as he watched Willow’s suffering.

In the end, Nicolas’s resolve finally crumbled under Willow’s repeated cries.

He warned sternly, “I’m allowing this just once. This will never be allowed again under any circumstances, Willow.”

Willow was overjoyed and nodded emphatically in response, “I’ll do as you say, Nicolas. But what about the Osborne family…”

Ever since Willow was injured, the Osborne family had been sending people to inquire about her condition, not out of genuine concern, but purely to ascertain the severity of her injuries.

If the injuries prove serious, they’ll have no choice but to postpone the wedding.

Nicolas sighed and reassured her, “I’ll talk to Michael, and we will have your wedding go ahead as scheduled.”

“Thank you, Nicolas! Thank you!” Willow exclaimed, her laughter quickly dissolving into tears of overwhelming joy.

Her long wait had finally paid off.

Nicolas’s brow furrowed slightly as he took in her love–struck expression.

Without another word, he strode out.

Nicolas went straight to Michael, and they met at a cafe for a private discussion.

Michael asked absently, “How’s Willow doing after her injury?”

He wasn’t marrying Willow by choice, but he felt a sense of duty toward her. Whether he liked it or not, he had to marry her.

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Chapter 887

Nicolas took a sip of coffee before replying, “The injuries aren’t serious, but she’ll need some time to recover. But, there’s no need to postpone the wedding.”

Michael stared at him in disbelief and questioned, “No serious injuries? Are you kidding me?”

He had seen with his own eyes that Willow’s leg was broken, yet Nicolas claimed it was nothing serious.

Nicolas gave him an exasperated look before sighing, “Willow’s devotion to you knows no bounds. She’d rather endure her injuries than postpone the wedding. So, don’t you dare break her heart.”

Hearing this, Michael understood perfectly.

He gave a faint nod, murmuring a barely audible “mm” in response.

Nicolas noticed Michael staring fixedly in one direction and instinctively followed his gaze.

At this sight, Nicolas’s face darkened instantly.

Michael’s gaze was fixed precisely in the direction of Athena’s residence.

There was only a street between them, and from where he was, Michael could clearly see Athena’s courtyard.

At the corner of the wall, one of the tree’s branches was in full, vibrant bloom.

The estate bustled with activity, and it was vibrant with life. Though Athena herself was nowhere to be seen, even this distant glimpse of her world was priceless for Michael.

Even just catching a glimpse of Athena’s figure from afar would be enough for him.

Nicolas snorted heavily and slammed his hand on the table. He snapped, “You’re about to marry Willow, but can’t you keep your wandering thoughts in check?”

Michael tore his gaze away and fixed Nicolas with an icy stare, demanding, “What, you think you can boss me around now?”

“Such cutting words!” Nicolas bristled, thinking of how Willow had devoted all her heart to Michael. “Once she marries you, you’ll be my brother–in–law. Who says I can’t intervene?

“If I ever find out you’ve wronged her, don’t expect me to honor our brotherhood anymore.”

Chapter 388