The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Realize Your Mistake?

Athena lowered her gaze, gritted her teeth, and forced herself to stand. She didn’t say a word as she clumsily climbed into the carriage, using both hands and knees.

Her legs throbbed with pain, barely able to hold her, and she looked completely wretched.

Michael turned away, refusing to watch. He had assumed three years of punishment would be enough to wear down her spirit, but the moment they met again, she was already trying to play the victim—putting on a show to win his sympathy.

If it hadn’t been for that person’s orders, he wouldn’t have come for her at all.

What baffled him was why someone of such high rank would even notice Athena—let alone give an order about her the moment he returned to Pidence City.

Michael was the first to get out of the carriage. Without a glance back, he instructed his men, “I have business back at camp. After you drop her off, get rid of the carriage—I don’t want to see it again. It’s filthy.”

Filthy. The word hit her like a slap. Athena’s chest ached with a dull, sinking pain. She sniffed quietly, face devoid of emotion, and stepped down from the carriage.

Outside the towering red gates of the duke’s estate, a woman was already waiting. The moment she saw Athena, she rushed over, eyes full of urgency.

But the first thing she said was, “My sweet daughter, it’s been three years. Have you finally realized your mistake?”

“I have,” Athena replied flatly.

Her mistake had been wanting love too much. This time, she would sever those ties—for good. Just… not yet. Not while Margaret Monson, her grandmother, still needed her care.

Eloise Monson looked at Athena, her daughter—so thin and pale, her eyes distant—and her expression faltered.

Three years of hardship had changed Athena completely. Just one look was enough to make her heart ache.

No matter how deeply Athena had erred, she was still her daughter—still her flesh and blood. And she had clearly paid the price.

“It’s good you understand now,” Eloise said softly. “You mustn’t be so willful again. Come on, get up.” She reached out to help.

But Athena immediately stood up on her own and took a step back, putting distance between them. Her eyes were guarded, cautious.

Eloise’s heart twisted. “You blame me for being too harsh? But I did it for your own good—for your future! What mother doesn’t want the best for her child?”

Her eyes turned red, her voice trembling with a hint of tears. “Don’t hold it against me…”

Her face was full of sorrow, as though she were the one who’d suffered for three years.

Athena stood there, unmoved, making no effort to bridge the gap between them.

Just then, a slender figure stepped gracefully out of the manor and gently supported Eloise’s arm.

“Mother, Athena’s just come home. She’s probably overwhelmed. Don’t be upset if she seems distant—give her a little time, all right?”

The girl was delicate and fair, with porcelain skin and a sweet, innocent smile.

She turned to Athena and extended her hand, her eyes wide with sincerity. “Athena, I don’t hold anything against you. Let’s forget the past, okay? We’re still family—we should love each other, just like before.”

Her smile was as gentle and harmless as ever.

Athena almost laughed out loud. After everything she’d endured, she wondered, ‘Do they really think a few nice words can just wipe it all away?’

“Love? Between you and me?” Disgust flickered in her eyes.

Once upon a time, Nicolas had been different. Unlike her second and third brothers, he had been the one who truly cared for her.

He once told her he’d split the love he gave Willow and give half to her—and for a while, he meant it.

When the servants looked down on her, he gave out thirty lashes on her behalf. On her birthday, he carved a jewel pendant for her by hand. When she was sick, he stayed by her side through the night.

But all that kindness vanished the moment Willow acted hurt.

Love that could be so easily withdrawn—that kind of love, she no longer wanted.

The air between them turned stiff with silence.

Eloise quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “What’s done is done. Let’s go inside—your father and grandmother are still waiting.”

Nicolas scoffed and gave a dismissive wave of his sleeve as he turned toward the estate.

After a few steps, he looked back, his voice suddenly soft. “Willow, come here.”

“Yes, Nicolas.” She smiled sweetly, casting a glance at Athena. She said nothing—but somehow, it said everything.

Athena was used to it by now. She had always been the outsider in this family.

She had already made up her mind: she would let go. Let Willow have all of it—Michael, her parents, her brothers.

But even with that resolve, watching this unfold still made her throat tighten and her eyes sting.