The Coma Prince’s Fiancée novel Chapter 8

"Yeah, I should be happy." Madonna wiped away her tears and unclasped the vintage ruby pendant she always wore. She leaned over and gently placed it around Rebecca’s neck.

"Rebecca, welcome home. This is a little gift from me."

Paulina stood off to the side, watching the family reunion, her face growing darker by the second. When she saw Madonna hand over the family’s red jade pendant, she clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms.

How many times had she begged for that pendant as a kid? Every time, Madonna would just say, “Paulina, this is the only thing your grandmother left me. I can’t give it to you.”

She couldn’t give it to her… but she’d happily give it to Rebecca?

Paulina held it all in. She kept her smile easy and gentle. “Dad, Mom, Rebecca must be exhausted after such a long trip. She should go inside and rest.”

"Of course! Rebecca, come in. Are you hungry? I’ll ask the kitchen to make something right away." Madonna was still emotional, but she grabbed Rebecca’s hand, clinging tight as they walked into the villa together.

Rebecca glanced over at Paulina, who smiled at her softly, looking perfectly friendly.

Madonna did the introductions. “Rebecca, this is Paulina. She’s been part of our family for a long time.”

Paulina’s smile brightened. “Mom and Dad said I’m a few days older than you. Would you mind if I call you Rebecca?”

For a moment, Rebecca saw a hint of Shirley in the way Paulina moved. She gave a half smile. “Whatever works for you.”

***

The dining room was stunning, and Madonna barely took her eyes off Rebecca, piling her plate high with food.

Fabian kept asking about what had happened to her all these years. Rebecca’s answers were short but honest. She wasn’t trying to brush anyone off.

Fabian grew thoughtful. The Russells had always gotten ahead through education. His own grandfather had done incredible things for the country. Even though recent generations ran businesses, education still mattered to them.

He didn’t really care if Rebecca was a college graduate or not, but for people like them, others would definitely talk if the truth came out that she’d dropped out.

Fabian and Madonna shared a look. That was all it took.

Madonna squeezed Rebecca’s hand, clearly torn. She had just gotten her daughter back—how could she send her off to boarding school so soon? Still, as parents, they had to look out for Rebecca’s future. The truth was, not having a degree would hold her back.

“Rebecca, what do you think? Do you want to go to Vantage Point University?” Madonna asked gently.

Honestly, Rebecca didn’t want to go at all.

She almost said no, but when she saw Madonna watching her so hopefully, she just couldn’t do it. “I don’t really care either way.”