The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Athena took a few steps back, creating some distance between herself and Michael, and gave him a slight curtsy. “If you have no further business, I shall take my leave.”

The garden was bustling with activity, and if anyone were to see her with Michael here, no amount of explaining could clear the misunderstanding.

Michael remained where he stood, not budging an inch. It was clear he wasn’t willing to back down.

Athena furrowed her brow, genuinely confused. She couldn’t understand his intentions.

She thought, ‘He loves Willow, and I have already made concessions regarding the engagement. So why is he still clinging to

me?‘

Michael reached out his hand toward her. “Give it to me.”

Athena was momentarily baffled. “Give you what?”

Then it hit her. He must be asking for the jewel pendant.

A mocking smile tugged at the corners of Athena’s mouth. “I understand you’re in a hurry, Lord Osborne, but there’s no need to rush.”

For Willow, he was willing to sacrifice everything.

In truth, Michael had always protected Willow, refusing to let her suffer in the slightest. As children, he had acted as her protector.

Meanwhile, Athena had always been the one chasing after him. Now that she was no longer chasing, he was the one unwilling to let go.

Athena found it strangely amusing. But to Michael, her smile felt like a slap in the face.

He thought, ‘What is she smiling at? Is she mocking me, thinking she is about to rise above me? Does she even realize the gravity of her actions?‘

In frustration, Michael raised his voice. “Athena, do you really think you’re going to climb higher now? Do you think someone like you could ever deserve Ray’s attention? Do you even think things through?”

Athena had been on her way out, but hearing his words, she couldn’t help but fire back, “A person with a dirty heart sees everything as tainted.”

Those were the very words Michael had used before. Now, Athena was returning them to him.

Irritation flashed across Michael’s face. He hadn’t meant to say that. He thought, ‘Why is it that my words always come out so wrong?‘

If only Athena were more like Willow–obedient and kind–he wouldn’t be treating her this way. But no, she had to be difficult. All he wanted was for her to submit. He wondered, ‘Is that too much to ask?‘

Athena’s eyes met his with a cold stare. “Lord Osborne, are you still clinging to me here in this quiet corner? Could it be that you haven’t gotten over me?”

Her words struck Michael like a sharp blow to the chest.

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A voice inside him almost admitted it, but the mocking glint in Athena’s eyes made him retract the thought and instead snap back, “Athena, are you really that full of yourself?”

He paused for a moment before adding, his voice dripping with disdain, “Do you really think you’re worthy?”

The second the words left his mouth, Michael regretted them.

Athena, always proud and stubborn, looked at him, and her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

For a split second, the tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, and just when Michael thought they might fall, Athena forced them back with a steely resolve.

She lifted her chin, a cruel smile forming on her lips as she addressed him. “I’m lowly and unworthy, of course I don’t deserve you. But right now, your actions are far more disgraceful than mine.”

In that instant, Michael’s heart seemed to shatter. He wasn’t sure if it was his heart breaking or Athena’s.

“Get away from me,” Athena said coldly, pushing at him. But he remained as immovable as a mountain.

He should have been angry, yet he couldn’t summon any strength to push her away.

His fists clenched tightly as he stared at Athena, so close to her. He could hardly contain the urge to press his lips to hers in a punishing kiss. And that was exactly what he did.

As he stepped forward, his eyes bloodshot, he cornered her against the wall, gritting his teeth. “Say that again?”

Chapter 52