Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

“Victoria, that’s inappropriate,” Mr. Vane Senior said, but his tone

lacked real conviction.

“I’m just asking! It’s going to be the wedding of the decade. Sloane’s

mom is already working with the Vogue people. And Elara’s going to

be… what, exactly? She lives here, so we can’t not invite her. But can

you imagine? Having your brother’s stalker at his wedding?”

She dissolved into laughter, as if the mental image was simply too

absurd.

Tristan chuckled softly. “It would make for interesting photos.

Perhaps we could seat her behind a pillar. Or in the kitchen with the

caterers.”

“Oh!” Victoria snapped her fingers. “She could be coat check! Perfect.

Keep her occupied and out of sight.”

My hands remained steady on my knife and fork. I focused on the

food, the taste of butter and sea salt, the ritual of eating.

This is temporary. In eight months, you’ll be at college. In a year,

you’ll never have to see these people again. Just survive. Just breathe.

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“You’re being awfully quiet,” Victoria observed, disappointment

creeping into her voice. Usually by now I would have reacted–tears,

denials, that desperate need to defend myself. “No comment? No

declaration of eternal love? No ‘but Julian and I are meant to be“?”

She turned to Julian with mock sympathy. “See what you did? You

broke her today. That whole ‘you disgust me‘ thing? I think you

actually got through to her.”

Mr. Vane Senior sighed. “I think perhaps we should change the

subject.”

“But this is so much more interesting than talking about Boston!”

Victoria insisted. “Come on, Elara. Give us something. Aren’t you even

a little bit heartbroken that Julian’s going to spend the weekend with

his gorgeous, talented, perfectly appropriate girlfriend?”

Tristan added smoothly, “You know, I heard they’re shopping for

engagement rings. Sloane was telling me about this vintage Cartier

piece–absolutely stunning, three carats, Art Deco setting. Very

exclusive.”

He smiled at me. “I’m sure they’ll let you see it. After Julian proposes.

Before the announcement in the Times.”

Victoria clapped her hands. “Oh my God, yes! The announcement!

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Can you imagine? ‘Mr. Julian Vane, heir to the Vane fortune, and Ms. Sloane Kennedy, acclaimed artist and philanthropist.‘ And then maybe a little note at the end: ‘The groom’s family includes sister Victoria, brother Tristan, and…‘ What would they even call you,

Elara? ‘Ward‘? ‘Dependent‘? Charity case“?”

That last one landed exactly as she intended. I felt it hit, sharp and

precise.

But I’d felt worse. So much worse.

Lily’s ashes scattering in the snow. The courtroom where they declared me unfit. The Glass House where Julian kept me like a pet-

I set down my fork and knife, perfectly aligned.

The table went silent.

“You’re right about everything,” I said quietly. Calmly. “Miss Kennedy

and Mr. Vane are ideally suited. They share the same background, the

same values, the same social circle. They make sense together.”

I met Victoria’s eyes. She’d gone very still, surprise flickering across

her face.

“I’m just the housekeeper’s daughter. A charity case. I never had any

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Chapter 13

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