Chapter 343
After returning home, Michael fell gravely ill.
Burning with fever, he was delirious, softly murmuring Athena’s name again and again.
Seeing Michael in this state, Kelsey Osborne felt both heartbroken and furious.
Kelsey violently swept the cup off the table, shattering it on the floor as she fumed, “All this for a woman? Look at what it has turned you into p>
Kelsey thought to herself, “That Athena is truly detestable.
The servants all held their breath in fearful silence, not daring to make a sound. A trusted old maid stepped forward and cautiously advised, “Madam, Lord Osborne is far too sentimental. That is a grave mistake for someone in his position p>
She gently massaged Kelsey’s temples. Gradually, her anger began to fade.
But Kelsey’s expression remained troubled. In her heart, she thought, ‘This is exactly why I’m so upset. Is it really worth it for Michael to ruin himself like this, all because of Athena p>
While the mistress and her maid were speaking, a maidservant entered and announced respectfully, “Mrs. Osborne, Miss Monson is here to see you p>
“Which Miss Monson?” Kelsey’s face darkened instantly. Having just mentioned Athena, she instinctively assumed it was her.
The maidservant answered softly, “It’s Lady Willow, ma’am p>
Kelsey’s face lit up with delight. “Show her in at once p>
Moments later, Willow entered, accompanied by Nona.
She wore a gold–lined jacket with fox fur trim and a pleated red skirt.
Her head was adorned with an elaborate set of gilded hair ornaments.
Though dressed in lavish finery, there was still an inexplicable air of vulgarity about her.
Though Willow had been raised in the Monson family, living a life of privilege and luxury since childhood, when placed beside Athena, she was reduced to mere dust, her every effort paling before Athena’s effortless grace.
Athena possessed an innate elegance and poise, something she was simply born with. Willow could never hope to match
her.
“Lady Willow, please have a seat,” Kelsey said. Though she felt a bit disappointed, she didn’t mind much. After all, Willow waswas going to be Michael’s wife.
Moreover, she had already devised an alternative plan.
Kelsey thought to herself, ‘Michael is hopelessly fixated on Athena. I have to find a way to snap him out of it and bring his
heart back.
‘Willow is the right person to be his wife.
Seeing the delight in Kelsey’s eyes, Willow finally relaxed, her tension melting away.
1/2
Willow had come uninvited, fearing that Kelsey wouldn’t want to see her.
‘Unexpected. I really didn’t see this coming,’ Willow thought, a wave of surprise washing over her.
Willow said with flattering enthusiasm, “My mother recently acquired a set of the finest cloth. Its exquisite patterns would perfectly complement your complexion, Mrs. Osborne. She entrusted me to bring it to you as a gift p>
Willow’s eyes brimmed with sycophantic eagerness as she gestured for Nona to present the cloth.
Kelsey’s eyes lit up slightly. The Cloud–pattern cloth was worth a fortune and incredibly rare.
Though inwardly pleased, Kelsey saw right through Willow’s little scheme.
She knew that the Cloud–pattern Brocade was merely a pretense. Willow’s real purpose was to see Michael.
Kelsey went along with it and struck up a warm conversation with Willow. “Lady Eloise is truly thoughtful. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll pay her a visit to express my gratitude p>
“Mrs. Osborne, are you feeling unwell?” Willow inquired with gentle concern.
Kelsey gave a light chuckle and said, “Michael has fallen ill. I’ve been quite preoccupied with his condition lately, and in this vast mansion, there’s not a soul to share my burdens… ”
Kelsey had made her intentions crystal clear. There was no way Willow could misunderstand now.
Willow struggled to contain her delight as she addressed Kelsey, “If you would permit, I would be honored to share your
burdens. ”
“Wouldn’t this be too much trouble for you, Willow p>
“Michael and I are already engaged, what trouble could it be? Besides, taking care of him is something I’d gladly do p>
Kelsey smiled warmly and said, “You’ve always been such a thoughtful and considerate child, Willow. I used to envy Lady Eloise for having such a wonderful daughter, but now it seems the blessing has come to our family p>
Willow’s cheeks flushed at those words.
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.