The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Trina cast a worried glance at Athena, but when she saw that Athena’s expression was calm, unaffected by the rumors swirling around them, a sense of admiration grew within her.

Suddenly, the noise around them quicted. People froze, and nearly every gaze in the room was drawn to the tall, slender figure at the front.

He wore a purple robe, his handsome face as cold and distant as ever, which only served to accentuate his noble, aloof presence. Compared to the confident young man he once was, he now exuded a steady composure that was even more captivating.

Athena felt momentarily lost in thought. She remembered how, when she first arrived in Pidence City, she knew nothing. She was ridiculed and bullied, knocked to the ground, and trampled by horses. It was Michael who had come to her rescue.

She could still clearly recall the moment: Michael, sitting tall on his horse, had leaned down and extended his hand to her with the elegance of a gentle breeze and a bright moon. “Crying again?”

The young man had been full of youthful energy, his voice tinged with playful indifference. But his hand, long and graceful, was oddly tender.

Before Athena could react, he had pulled her onto his horse, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close.

With curious eyes, he had looked at her and asked, “You’re the one the duke’s estate just brought back?”

Athena had been afraid, yet curious. She had met his gaze with equal curiosity and nodded..

At that moment, Michael had thought, ‘This little girl isn’t afraid of me.‘

Staring into Athena’s bright, unguarded eyes, even the fearless young man had felt.a flutter of nervousness. His heart had skipped a beat.

What he hadn’t known then was that, in that very moment, he had become like a blinding light–strong, dazzling, and illuminating Athena’s world.

It was the age of first love, and Athena’s heart had raced. For five years, she had loved him.

But sadly, that light had illuminated others as well. He had never truly belonged to her.

She forcibly suppressed the ache rising in her chest and gave Michael a faint smile. “It’s good to see you, Lord Osborne.”

Michael’s brows furrowed. He had clearly seen the affection in her eyes just moments ago, but now it was gone, replaced by an indifferent coldness.

He stepped forward, wanting to ask what had changed, but his eyes inadvertently landed on the gold hairpin in her hair. His face immediately darkened.

“Who told you to wear that?” His voice, sharp with anger, came out of nowhere.

His outburst, especially in such a public setting, seemed out of place. Athena didn’t want to argue in front of everyone, so she replied coolly.

“Lord Osborne, you’re being a bit too meddlesome. Your fiancée is right over there–don’t get confused.”

Her words were clear and direct, drawing a sharp line between them.

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pitiful.

Eloise stood beside her, speaking softly to her.

Nicolas, having overheard, immediately walked toward Michael.

In front of everyone’s surprised gaze, he grabbed Michael by the sleeve and, in a low voice, said, “The party hasn’t even started, and you’re already drunk? What are you babbling about? Come with me.”

But Michael didn’t budge.

Nicolas shot a cold look at Athena before saying firmly, “Michael! Are you trying to ruin Willow’s birthday? What are you doing, making a scene with Athena in front of all these people? Don’t forget, you’re her fiancé!”

The birthday party for Willow was also an opportunity for Eloise to subtly announce the impending union of the Monson and Osborne families.

The news had already spread, and everyone was aware–it was just a matter of time before the two families made their official announcement.

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