Goddess Of The Forbidden Three

2

- Athena -

For years, I was cherished, crowned heiress of Irony's Designer Coporation, loved by all. Until the night Belle resurfaced.

The lost daughter came home, and suddenly the light that had once been mine was stolen away. I learned then that blood truly was thicker than water.

My father ordered me to take Belle with me to handle the pack's affairs. It was during that time that we met Adrian Crown.

He was sent by the Alpha King to strike a trade alliance with Irony Pack then.

My father had made us both, Belle and I, to receive him, and at first sight I had fallen in love with him. Foolishly. Helplessly.

But Prince Adrian's eyes had sought Belle. Always Belle.

For the few months that followed, I had watched them laugh, kiss, even disappear together on nights I tried not to imagine.

Then the accident happened. So unexpectedly and it leaves me shaken to this night.

Adrian's knees shattered, his wolf heavily injured and his future as heir threatened.

When he needed Belle the most, she abandoned him, left home for a wealthy man's mansion, the infamous millionaire businessman who has always run after her but I stayed.

I paid for Adrian's care, nursed him back, kept his condition secret from his family.

Why?

Because a Prince must not show any sign of weakness or give any reason that suggest he is not fit as the next ruler. He have to heal in secret.

I even sold my shares in Irony Designer Corporation. My father, the Alpha, as CEO, had gifted me five percent of the company as an apprentice of my diligent work for the company, although small compared to Belle's holdings, but enough to grant me worth.

Those shares had been wisely managed until I gave them up, pouring them into Adrian's hospital bills, believing he, a prince, would one day repay me in love and loyalty. Instead, he repaid me with betrayal.

Adrian survived under my care after months and when he could walk again, his wolf fully healed, He promised me eternity.

He had a ring exclusively designed for me as his future wife and as a fashion designer of Irony Designer Coporation, I had sewn my wedding dress with trembling hands, dreaming of the day I would wear it.

And yet, instead of walking beside me, he betrayed me, giving the ring supposed to be mine to Belle!

I stare at them blankly.

I want to leave the room.

When I pass by Belle, in one swift, vile move, she slammed herself against the ground, then let out a piercing cry, clutching herself as if I had nearly killed her.

"I know you're unhappy about the arranged marriage, but why did you deliberately bump into me sister?" Belle cried so hard that I almost believed her.

Belle sobbed hysterically on the floor. My mother's horrified eyes rose to me, and in her gaze, I saw it.

It was over.

I froze, horror locking my limbs.

My chest heaved as I slowly turned to where my parents stood, their faces pale with shock.

"I... I didn't do it." My voice broke into sobs. "I didn't..."

"What are you doing?" My mother slapped me without waiting for any explanation.

The impact dazed me and I nearly fell. I had even dared expected Adrian to come to my rescue but instead he lowered himself at Belle's side, helping her up but she wouldn't stop crying.

This makes my parent panic, including Adrian. He looks at me with acidic stare and set his jaw.

"Call upon the doctor. Now." He ordered.

***

It was late midnight and we are all gathered, seated in the living room, waiting for the doctor to bring back words. I can't believe this is happening.

I swear I didn't bump on her. I swear I didn't do anything. I know she is only making a mill out of a milestone but no one will believe me. Just no one.

I swallowed hard and then I slowly turned to look at him from behind. Adrian Crown.

That powerful stance, that devastating handsomeness, everything that had once made me love him until it destroyed me.

It had been only an hour ago since he declared he'd proposed to my sister. An hour, praying the pain would dull.

But standing here, watching him come panic at a single cry from Belle, I realized I'd been wrong. The ache hadn't lessened, it had hollowed me out.

Adrian had never once get worried or come urgently for me. Not when I stayed, not when I sacrificed everything.

The sound of a door opening dragged me from my thoughts. Belle's bedroom. Then, the doctor appeared. Jacqueline, Belle's closest friend.

Immediately, my mother rushed to her while my father sat stiffly on the couch, fear etched into his features.

"I'm sorry, Luna," Jacqueline said, her voice low and trembling, though her eyes were sharp. "Belle is in critical condition, but she'll recover with enough rest. Whatever Athena did to her... it was cruel. If I hadn't come quickly, part of her skull might have fractured. I failed you, didn't I?"

My breath caught at the Lies. Bold, venomous lies.

I stared at Jacqueline in shock, but she met my gaze with such practiced innocence, it chilled me. I was about to speak when Belle appeared, head bandaged and limping, her steps staged yet convincing.

"Belle!" Adrian's voice cracked with worry as he rushed forward. He caught her in his arms, his face etched with fear. "My Goodness, you shouldn't even be walking."

But Belle pushed away, tears pooling in her eyes. The sight of her performance made my stomach twist.

"Adrian..." she whispered, fragile as glass. "I think... I think we should break up."

Tension crackled through the room. My mother gasped. Even my father straightened, concern and confusion tightening his jaw.

Belle's eyes flicked to me, and she let the tears fall harder, painting herself a victim.

"I can't live like this anymore. I didn't ask for this. She... Athena... she hurt me over the fact that you choose me over her. Why would she do something terrible like that? I won't live long enough to be your wife anyway."

Silence fell after her words, and I saw Adrian's gaze shift slowly toward Jacqueline. My mother's face had already gone pale.

"What... what is she talking about? What does she mean by live long? I mean..." my mother stammered, her voice trembling, when Jacqueline gently sniffed, and at once, I saw through the act.

"Belle only has three months to live, Mother," Jacqueline said softly. "She's suffering from brain cancer. The symptoms worsen whenever she's troubled... just like how Athena acted toward her earlier."

"Liar..." I muttered under my breath, my chest tightening with fury. "Liar!"

"Keep your voice down!" Prince Adrian's voice cracked like thunder, and I froze, staring at him in disbelief.

The look he gave me reminded me of my place, that I was nothing, that I had no right to demand or question anything.

His world began and ended with Belle, and I could see it clearly in his eyes. He believed every word she said.

Tears of misery burned behind my eyes as the reality sank in. Adrian was slipping further from my grasp, and all I could feel was sorrow and helpless hope.

I turned to my mother, silently pleading, but she only looked at me as though she could strangle me dead.

"She's nothing but evil!" her voice suddenly cracked like a whip. She shoved me, and I hit the ground hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "We must punish her!"

Heat rushed to my cheeks, shame, rage, and helplessness burning all at once.

And then Belle smiled. Just for me. A cruel, private smile behind her tears. She was savoring every shred of my downfall.

When I looked at my father, I saw the decision already in his eyes.

"As a punishment, all your resources in the company will be transferred to Belle. Pack all your things and never step foot there again," he said coldly.