The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 178

Liora’s POV

“Emma Parson?”

“Here.”

“Jacob Perkins.”

“Here.”

“Marissa Price?”

There was no answer. The professor looked up, glancing around the room over the rims of his glasses. “Marissa Price?” he repeated.

Still no response. I lifted my head, looking over at the empty desk at the front of the room—the spot where Marissa, the teacher’s pet of this class, always sat. She wasn’t there, which was odd, especially for a day like today.

It was Friday, and we had an important exam today for Pack History class. Marissa, the top student in the class, never missed a day. She wouldn’t even miss a day where we just watched a movie, let alone an exam.

The professor frowned. “Has anyone seen Marissa?” he asked, to which the students all exchanged looks, then shook their heads and murmured. “Strange. She didn’t call out, and she never misses a day. This is worrisome. I really needed everyone to be here today.”

“Does that mean we can postpone the exam?” one of the boys in the back called out. Some of the other students tittered in support.

“No,” the professor scolded, waggling his finger. “But… She really should be here.”

“I could look for her.” Callum, sitting near the window, suddenly stood. I tried not to look at him. Tried not to think about the concert, his body pressed over mine, his arms carrying me to safety, and of course the words he’d said afterwards.

That it was just a coincidence. Nothing more.

The professor considered this for a moment, then sighed and nodded. “Sure. But be quick. I don’t want to delay.” Callum grabbed his jacket and made it halfway to the door before the professor stopped him. “Miss Belrose, why don’t you go with him?”

“Huh?” I perked up, despising the way my neck warmed at the suggestion.

“Why?” Callum asked.

“At the concert, you said that brooch was your mother’s. But now it’s a royal heirloom.”

I tried not to show a reaction on my face. Even though it hurt to say this, I managed to force out the words, “You and Bianca were right. It wasn’t mine.”

“So you lied?” Callum’s voice was tight. “Again?”

My jaw clenched, but I replied evenly, “I didn’t lie. I used to own a very similar brooch that belonged to my mother. I lost it, and thought it was the one Bianca was wearing. But mine was just a… cheap piece of costume jewelry.”

“Funny,” Callum scoffed under his breath. “That’s what she said about the one she’s wearing?”

“What?” I turned to him.

“Nothing.” We had reached Marissa’s dorm, and Callum knocked. A moment later, the door opened, but it was Marissa’s roommate who answered.

“Marissa!” she blurted out, eyes widening when she saw me. “I was wondering where you—Oh. You’re not Marissa.”