Chapter 373
Chapter 373
Noticing her proud and defiant expression, Athena looked at Natasha in surprise and gave her a thumbs– up, saying, “ Nice
one p>
When they were kids, Natasha loved to stand up for the weak and always had Athena’s back.
Who would’ve thought that after all these years, her fiery spirit hadn’t changed a bit?
Natasha treated Athena so well, not just because of her personality–though that played a part–but more importantly, because Athena had saved her life when they were children.
When Athena first saw Natasha, the girl was struggling desperately in a hole in the frozen lake.
Without hesitation, Athena reached out and pulled her to safety.
From then on, Natasha became Athena’s closest confidante, the kind of friend with whom she could share everything.
While Natasha remained tight–lipped about how she’d fallen into the ice hole in the first place, her attitude toward Willow had done a complete 180.
Willow had been the center of attention since childhood. With her delicate beauty and status as the duke’s precious daughter made countless admirers flocked around her.
Even Natasha had once been among her devoted followers.
But ever since she fell through the ice, she completely severed ties with Willow.
While Athena didn’t know the ins and outs, she had always had a nagging feeling that something big must have happened between Willow and Natasha.
Otherwise, their friendship wouldn’t have undergone such a drastic change overnight.
After all, before she became friends with Athena, Natasha had been good friends with Willow.
In the crowd, Willow craned her neck in Athena’s direction with a look of anxiety on her face.
With the match about to begin, Willow nervously bit her lip and approached Athena.
Willow’s sudden appearance darkened Natasha’s expression, while Athena regarded her with puzzled eyes.
“Athena,” Willow’s voice was small and fragile, tears welling in her eyes as she pleaded. “I’ve never asked you for anything before, but just this once… could you please not win the match p>
Athena was second to none as a polo player among all the noble ladies.
With her on the field, it was game over for everyone else.
But Athena’s polo skills were hard–earned as she’d worked for every bit of her talent.
‘What right did Willow.have to ask me to throw the match? Who did she think she is?‘ Athena mused before letting out a mirthless laugh, “Do you really think you’re in any position to make such a demand of me p>
“Athena,” Willow’s voice trembled, tears glistening unshed in her eyes. “I–I’m truly desperate. The prize for today’s polo match is a horse, and since you’d have no use for it anyway… that’s why I’m begging you like this.
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“In just two days, I’ll be marrying Michael, and his steed has been injured. I want to win the match so I can give him the prize horse as a wedding gift.
“Considering the fact that we had grown up together, could you please let me win the horse? ”
‘Now I get it, Athena thought. “This explains why Willow rushed over as soon as she saw me. This was what she was after:
Natasha gritted her teeth and was about to charge at Willow, but Athena quickly reached out and stopped her.
She thought, ‘As all the high–ranking nobles are here today, who knows what rumors might spread if Natasha stands up for
me now?
“They’d say that I am throwing my weight around as the future Princess Consort, and that I am bullying the future
Marchioness of Somers.
‘If that happens, it’d be even harder for me to clear my name!
Athena looked at Willow and said firmly, “If you want to give your husband a gift, you should earn it through your own merit, and not try to get it from me with your petty tricks. There’s no reason, emotionally or logically, for me to concede to you p>
“But, Athena, what would you even do with a horse?” Willow asked anxiously, clearly baffled by Athena’s reasoning.
She inwardly reasoned, ‘Athena has everything now. She’s Prince Xander’s fiancée. Would she really care about some horse p>
hapter 3/4
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.