Chapter 104
Chapter 104
Athena looked at Eloise in surprise and thought, ‘What does Willow’s marriage have to do with me p>
After some thought, Athena understood that Eloise had come to discuss the wedding gift with Margaret.
When Athena hadn’t been found yet, the Monson family had only prepared some gifts for Willow.
To be exact, those gifts should have belonged to Athena, since Willow was just the second–born.
Now that both were about to marry into equally prestigious families, the wedding gifts naturally couldn’t be shabby.
By tradition, Eloise’s wedding gifts should have gone to Athena, as she is the true daughter of the Monson family.
But since Eloise had raised Willow herself, she couldn’t bear to see her wronged.
After much thought, Eloise could only turn to Margaret, hoping she would grant Willow an extra share.
With Margaret’s generous assets, and out of respect for Eloise, she surely wouldn’t be stingy.
Seeing that Margaret remained silent, Eloise forced a smile and said, “Naturally, my wedding gifts will be left to them. But divided this way, it does seem rather meager. So I’m swallowing my pride and asking you to supplement it a bit p>
Athena glanced at Willow and saw her nervously twisting her handkerchief, anxiety etched across her face. A cold sneer curled on Athena’s lips.
She thought bitterly, ‘The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
‘All Willow has to do is shed a few tears, and Eloise comes charging to her defense.
Margaret maintained her pleasant smile, but did not answer Eloise right away. Instead, she followed her lead and said, “Though the two girls are sisters, there is still a distinction between the eldest daughter and the second daughter.
“Besides, Athena is marrying into a prince’s household, while Willow is to wed into a marquis’s family. There is a clear difference in both status and rank. We must keep these distinctions, lest people say our family lacks propriety p>
Her words subtly implied that Willow’s status would always be beneath Athena’s.
Willow’s expression changed abruptly, her face went visibly pale at the implication.
Though displeased, Eloise maintained her composure and asked deferentially, “Then how should we proceed with this p>
She was clearly passing the buck to Margaret, intending to put her in a difficult position.
If Margaret failed to prepare a generous wedding gifts for Willow, the Osborne family would blame her, essentially forcing Margaret into the hot seat.
Athena, who had always defended Margaret, couldn’t hold back. She said coldly, “Lady Eloise, how could you push this decision onto Grandmother? You’re Willow’s mother, naturally, it’s your responsibility. As for my wedding gifts, you may spare yourself the effort p>
‘I never intended to stay in this estate, nor will I marry into the Mcgee family. There’s no need to even think about my wedding gifts. Even if Eloise insisted on giving it, I wouldn’t accept it. Let Willow have what was meant to be my share, Athena thought to herself.
Athena’s words pierced Eloise like a dagger to the heart, leaving her with a sharp pang.
1/2
Eloise thought bitterly. This child still refuses to acknowledge me. No matter what I say or do, Athena is still my daughter.
Eloise’s eyes welled up with tears. Willow, unable to bear seeing her mother wronged, quickly stepped forward to defend her. “Athena, you’re Mother’s child, too. How could you leave all the wedding gifts to me alone? Saying that would only break Mother’s heart,” she said.
After speaking, Willow cast a cautious glance at Eloise, who sniffed back her tears and forced herself to hold them in.
With a practiced smile, Eloise said, “Athena dear, while you enYvette your grandmother’s special favor, marriage arrangements must follow the elders‘ wishes. Margaret would never play favorites between you sisters. Whatever you receive, Willow shall have too p>
She then cast a meaningful glance at Margaret.
Her look implied, “Athena can’t monopolize the wedding gifts, at the very least, Willow will have her share p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.