The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 144

Liora’s POV

“I heard Ella and Adam won the popular vote,” my father said from across the table as he cut his steak with an ornate silver knife. “They asked for a trip to the planetarium. I thought that was nice.”

I thought so, too. It was a whole hell of a lot better than Bianca getting her way in the end despite all of her nastiness and cruelty. And I certainly never expected to be included in the vote even though I danced with Callum. People were so angry over the whole thing that they didn’t even vote for him, like it showed some kind of respect for Bianca by choosing another couple entirely.

The two weeks that had passed since the night of the ceremony had been, shockingly, uneventful. I definitely continued to face angry stares and unwanted whispers everywhere I went, but that was quickly becoming my new normal anyway. People eventually moved on from what happened at the ceremony. Many probably even forgot all about it.

For a little while, life was good. I attended my classes. Completed my assignments and spent my weekends with my friends. And twice a week, I had dinner with my father.

“I noticed you’re wearing a new tie,” I pointed out. It was a nice burgundy silk that went perfectly with my father’s well-tailored suit. “Where’d you get that?”

“Oh, this?” My father looked down and smiled. “It was actually a gift from Callum.”

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. “Callum?”

My father nodded. “Yes, he brought it to me the day after the ceremony. Something about an apology for the way the night went…” He shrugged and popped a piece of meat into his mouth, then reached for his wine as he chewed. “I think he’s actually not a terribly bad kid, at his core.”

Not a bad kid.

I hated that my father was sort of right. Hated the way that even saying those words brought back memories of the night of the ceremony that I’d been trying and failing to forget about for two weeks now.

Every night, I swore I could still feel Callum’s hand on my lower back, fingers splaying across my spine. Every time I bumped into him in the hallway, I thought about how his head had dipped and his lips had parted as if to kiss me.

I knew it was all a fantasy, of course. I had only been imagining things in that moment, nothing more. Callum hadn’t even looked in my direction since then, let alone shown any hint of an interest in me.

“You’re blushing,” Father said.

I cleared my throat and set my fork down, looking away. “Too much wine. I should probably get back to my dorm; I’ve got homework to do.”

My father looked at me as if he didn’t entirely believe me, a faint smile tugging at both sides of his mouth. He nodded, excusing me, and I stood. But before I reached the door, he called out, “Oh, Liora. Before I forget—I want to let you know that I’m leaving this week.”

“You’re leaving?” I turned to look at him.

“Yes.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “I thought I would be able to stay with you here until the holidays, but duty calls. I have to return to the palace after all.”

“Oh,” I said, shifting a little on my feet. “No more dinners, then, I guess.” I didn’t want to admit it, but I would sort of miss our nights together. I liked the routine, and it made me feel a little less isolated when the majority of the student population still hated me.

“It doesn’t have to be that way, you know. You could return with me.”

My stomach sank. “The holidays are in just a couple of months. I might as well stay now,” I said.

Father arched a brow. “You really like it here, don’t you?”

I hesitated, but then nodded. It was true; I had grown to love this place despite everything. Even the holidays felt too soon to leave. I did miss my home, but it was nice to have this for a little while. I wanted to savor it.

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