The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 141

“A partner like me, you mean?”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Callum froze, hand tightening on my lower back, and it was only then that I realized we’d been swaying this entire time—our footsteps perfectly in sync with each other and with the music that was still playing inside.

My throat bobbed as he stared down at me. There was a look in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before; not even in the library. This was… different. And more tender.

“Show me one more time,” he whispered.

I felt fresh heat creep up my neck, but I nodded and went through the motions again. This time, when I spun back toward him, Callum caught me closer than before—so close, in fact, that my body pressed flush against his and my breath caught.

For a moment, I swore he was going to kiss me. He dipped his head, lips parting. His eyes half-fluttered, lids turning heavy. I wasn’t sure if I should push him away, slap him, or tilt my head back to let him meet my lips.

My body seemed to choose the third option, even if I knew I shouldn’t. Even if it felt illogical and like something I might regret.

But then, suddenly, the door swung open and the sounds of the banquet spilled into the courtyard, shattering the moment. Callum abruptly released me and stepped away just as Bianca rounded the corner and spotted us.

“Callum. There you are.” She gave me a dirty look as she rushed over to him and clung to him. “Is she bothering you again?”

Callum’s lips parted, but I quickly shook my head and turned away. “I was just leaving,” I said.

I could feel Bianca’s hateful stare on the back of my head the entire way back to the banquet, but I didn’t look back. The only time I hesitated was when, in the doorway, an unexpected pang struck me in the back like an invisible arrow piercing my heart from behind.

But I only hesitated for a moment before I stepped inside and let the door fall shut behind me.

…

The day after the ceremony was uneventful. I woke late and spent most of the day in the library, mostly just avoiding the questions I knew Mia and Zane had for me. Questions I couldn’t answer, no matter how badly I wanted to.

Around dinnertime, I headed to my father’s apartment for our meal. Everyone was eating in the cafeteria, so I was able to make my way to his private room without being spotted.

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