The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 138

Bianca’s POV

She stole it from me.

My moment. My mate. My dance.

If only Liora hadn’t been here—if only the King hadn’t insisted on her attendance tonight—then I was certain none of this would have happened.

I wouldn’t have nervously tripped at the beginning of the dance. I wouldn’t have broken my heel and torn my dress. I wouldn’t have run out with tears in my eyes, completely humiliated.

I wouldn’t have become tonight’s laughingstock.

But she couldn’t take everything from me. I wouldn’t let her. This was just a momentary setback and nothing more, I kept telling myself as I hurried back to my dorm.

Everyone would forget all about Liora the moment I returned. Once I made my grand entrance in my new dress with my confidence returned, I would reclaim what was mine.

I returned to my dorm after the debacle, where I tore off the old dress and angrily stuffed it into the garbage can along with my shoes. Then, I selected a new one—well, not entirely new. I hated the idea of having to wear something that I had worn before, but there was no time to run to the store.

After rifling through my closet for a while, I found a garment bag with a gown inside that I hadn’t worn in some time; the last time I had pulled it out had been for my freshman prom. It wasn’t ideal, but I doubted anyone here would recognize it.

The dress still fit well, although I had to tighten my corset to get the waist to fit. No matter; it just made my waist look even slimmer and even more perfect. With a new hairstyle, a fresh set of diamond jewelry that Mother had given me for my birthday, and a pair of heels that weren’t broken, I couldn’t help but think that I looked even better now than I did before.

When I finally returned to the banquet hall, I expected everyone to look my way and gasp.

But… they didn’t.

My throat tightened. I wanted to tell him that I was his daughter, but I kept it to myself for now. Instead, I vaguely replied, “Don’t you recognize me? We’re related.”

“Related how?”

“...Cousins,” I said quickly. “My name is Bianca.” Nevermind the fact that he apparently hadn’t caught my name when it was announced earlier; unless he was deliberately pretending not to remember.

He blinked, studying me for a long moment. I kept my eyes averted and my smile in place. More people were staring now.

I hoped they couldn’t hear the exchange; after what happened earlier, when I approached the wrong man, I needed them to believe that the King and I were having an amiable chat. Not… whatever this was.

Finally, the King made a low noise in his throat and leaned back in his throne. “I see. Well, Bianca, you can’t stand there all night. Run along now.”