Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 20

"Are you insulting us?" Stella slammed her hands on the table and stood up, pointing a finger right at Willa's face. "Don't act so high and mighty when we're trying to be nice. You're just the daughter of a murderer. What gives you the right to be so arrogant?"

Willa sneered. "I guess it's true what they say. The people begging for money are always the loudest."

"Willa!" Naomi immediately spoke up, but it wasn't to defend her. "Please, just help us out. Stella has never had to suffer a day in her life, and everything is already set for her to study abroad..."

Hearing those words, the very last sliver of hope Willa harbored for a mother's love shattered completely.

"So... I deserved to suffer? I was exactly her age when I was forced out of the country."

She took a deep breath, forcing back the tears stinging her eyes.

"I've lost my appetite."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out.

When she stepped out the front doors of the hotel, the midday sun was so blinding it stung her eyes.

The tears she had just managed to hold back instantly spilled over.

In that moment, she was struck with a harsh, sobering realization.

She didn't have a family anymore.

Back at her apartment, Willa received an unexpected phone call from Zack York.

"Willa, have you been busy lately?"

Willa smiled faintly. "I actually have a lot of free time right now."

"Then... are you free this Saturday?" Zack asked tentatively. "Some friends of mine organized a two-day camping trip out at the new Starlight Glade in the northern suburbs. They're insisting I bring a..."

Zack trailed off, too embarrassed to finish the sentence.

Willa immediately understood and chuckled softly. "You need me to pretend to be your girlfriend again?"

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