Chapter 414
Chapter 414
Though Athena could not fathom why Jessa chose to stay by her side, it was clear that Jessa was not here to harm Athena. If anything, Jessa was acting as her protector.
As twilight deepened, darkness swiftly enveloped everything.
An unwelcome visitor arrived outside the Monson residence.
Michael stood outside Athena’s front gate, sorrow clouding his eyes. His wedding to Willow is tomorrow. All he wanted to do was catch a glimpse of Athena tonight.
Michael had intended to enter through the main gate and have the gatekeeper announce his arrival.
But recalling Athena’s attitude toward him, Michael abandoned the idea. There was no way Athena would agree to see him.
Michael’s heart ached with bitterness. He could not fathom how he and Athena had become so estranged that even a brief encounter with her had become nearly impossible.
Frustrated and unwilling to yield, Michael jumped onto the wall. Just as he was about to soar into the courtyard, a hidden weapon came whistling straight at him. With his lightning reflexes, he managed to twist aside at the last minute, and the weapon grazed his hair.
Michael jolted awake, the shock instantly sobering him.
‘Since when did Athena have such a formidable fighter by her side?‘ Michael thought in shock.
Michael knew that he would be dead if he had not dodged that attack.
Michael scanned the area with a sharp gaze and barked, “Who’s there? Show yourself, you coward p>
Silence reigned all around. No one answered.
Michael’s competitive spirit flared. Since his opponent would not show themselves, he would charge instead. He was determined to see for himself who this mysterious opponent really was.
Michael lightly made his way into the courtyard.
However, the moment he stepped into the courtyard, a powerful force came rushing at him head–on.
The attacker struck with lightning speed and ruthless precision, aiming straight for Michael’s most vulnerable spots while using the dirtiest of underhanded tactics.
Michael paled in shock, stumbling back once more.
He scanned his surroundings again, but the figure had vanished without a trace.
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. After that brief exchange, he hadn’t even gotten a clear look at his assailant, let alone their gender.
Yet that person had so thoroughly intimidated him that he didn’t dare make a single rash move.
Michael cast one last unwilling glance at Athena’s room before he grit his teeth and finally left.
But he didn’t go far. Instead, he perched atop a high rooftop, took out his flute, and began to play.
1/2
Chapter 414
Michael remembered how Athena had always loved listening to his music. Just a few notes would have brought her running in the past.
He was sure that as soon as she heard the melody, she would come out to see him.
The hauntingly beautiful melody of Athena’s favorite tune drifted through the night. Its plaintive, lingering notes seemed to pour out endless unspoken sorrows.
It was enough to break any listener’s heart.
Athena had just lain down when the sound of a flute drifted through the night.
She instantly recognized Michael’s playing.
‘He’s marrying Willow tomorrow! What the hell is he thinking, playing the flute outside my house in the dead of night?” Athena thought incredulously.
If this had been three years ago, just hearing this melody would have sent Athena over the moon. But now, she had long since fallen out of love with Michael.
Listening to it again, she felt none of the old butterflies. In fact, it annoyed her.
Athena tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The noise was driving her crazy and her eardrums about to burst.
Just as Athena’s frustration mounted, Jessa’s voice suddenly came through the window, “Lady Athena, are you really annoyed by that flute music? ”
“Yes, it’s driving me crazy,” Athena said, rubbing her temples. “Can’t you make him stop p>
Athena thought to herself, “This is just straight–up harassment p>
“You got it!” Jessa replied cheerfully.
And just like that, silence fell.
Michael was certain Athena would come out to see him. If she did not, Michael would wait here all night until Athena’s heart softened, and until she came out to see him.
“Why are you making so much noise and disturbing others in the middle of the night?” A crisp, impatient voice suddenly cut through the darkness.
At that very moment, a sharp arrow flew at him, slicing the flute in his hands clean in two.
2
Not far ahead, Jessa stood atop the roof with her arms crossed, glaring at him with undisguised contempt. “Lady Athena says you’re making a damn racket! What kind of funeral dirge is this? It’s not as if someone died. You’re giving me the creeps 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.