The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 131

Liora’s POV

The dress I chose for tonight’s ceremony was plain but pretty; a simple black number that swished around my ankles when I moved and had an unadorned sweetheart neckline.

It was definitely not anything like the extravagant gowns I wore back at the palace, but I liked it. It was practical but elegant, and it suited my simple updo and understated makeup. If I ignored the slender brace around my ankle, I actually looked quite nice tonight.

I turned to Mia, who had just finished getting ready across the room. She looked stunning, her dark, short hair perfectly complementing the shorter dress she’d chosen for the night. She smiled when she saw me.

“If I didn’t know any better,” she said, reaching for her clutch, “I’d think you were the Princess tonight, and not Bianca.”

Oh, sweet friend, if only you knew.

I smiled wryly and looped my elbow through hers. “C’mon. We’re gonna be late.”

Mia and I hurried down to the banquet hall, which, if the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses were any indication, was already bustling. As we approached the grand double doors, I could hear the string quartet playing within, and the distinct scent of perfume and champagne wafted out into the corridor. Despite everything, I was excited for tonight.

However, as we reached for the handles, the guards crossed their spears into our path. Mia gasped and stepped back, clutching my arm.

“What’s this about?” I asked, looking between the two guards. “The ceremony is about to begin—”

“You, Liora Belrose, will not be attending.”

I turned at the sound of the principal’s voice and caught him striding toward us with a smirk stretched across his face that instantly set my nerves on edge. As he approached, he reached into his blazer pocket and withdrew something.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“That’s enough, Miss Belrose.” The principal turned to Mia. “You may attend the ceremony. Hurry now, before it begins.”

Mia looked at me uncertainly. I clenched my jaw but gave her a nod. “Go ahead. You should enjoy the ceremony,” I murmured. My friend still looked unsure, but when I offered her a wan smile, she finally turned and disappeared into the banquet hall.

Once she was gone, I whirled on the principal. “You have to believe me. I didn’t—”

“Gentlemen, make sure Miss Belrose doesn’t try to crash the ceremony. We’ve had enough disasters occur thanks to her.” The principal walked right past me, ignoring me completely.

“Yes, Sir.” Just then, one of the guards took his half-finished cup of wine from the nearby windowsill and splashed it on the front of my dress.

I gasped, leaping backwards, but it was too late. The liquid soaked right through the satin, staining even the dark fabric. And just like that, the principal was gone, and the doors slammed behind him.