The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 410

I paused on the stairwell, waiting for an answer.

Strangely, one never came.

“Dad?”

Nothing. I could feel his presence there, but he wasn’t responding. Odd; he always replied when he was able. Perhaps he was busy.

I decided not to dwell on it too much; there were other things to focus on, like midterms and the dreaded dinner with Callum’s parents this weekend. I was still surprised I had accepted at all, but it felt right. Callum wanted me there. So I would be there.

When I walked into my room, I was unsurprised to find Mia and Zane laying in bed together, clearly in the midst of… something. I saw only a glimpse of them tangled together on top of the blankets before I quickly turned around.

“Sorry,” I said. “I can leave—”

“It’s all good.” I glanced over my shoulder to see Zane pushing himself up to his knees. Mia sat up, adjusting her shirt. I turned fully then.

Mia grinned at me. “So. How did your date go?”

“I’m assuming very well, since she’s only just getting back now,” Zane smirked. “And wearing his hoodie, no less.”

I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge of my bed, massaging the sore muscles around my injured leg. “It was good.” I blushed a little. “Better than good, actually.”

Mia perked up a bit. “So, did you tell him? The truth, I mean.”

I let out a sigh and dropped my hand onto the mattress. “Not yet.” I picked at a loose thread on my quilt. “My father said not to tell him. Or anyone, for that matter.” I looked up at my friends. “In fact, he sent a letter to the principal, telling her to help me keep the secret.”

I shrugged one shoulder, sitting up fully again. “I don’t see why not. Callum seems to want to give it a shot. Maybe they’re having a change of heart.”

Mia opened her mouth, but Zane snorted. “Doubt it,” he said. His voice was low. “I wouldn’t go if I were you, Liora. Remember how they treated you before.”

I knew that, of course. I remembered all too well the last run-in I’d had with Callum’s mother, who treated me like a bug to be squished under one of her expensive heels. I also remembered the night that Callum confessed they had threatened to hurt me if he got too close.

But despite my reservations, I trusted Callum. I knew he would keep me safe. And if there was a chance that things could be somewhat normal between us and his parents, then I wanted to take it.

“I’ll be careful,” I finally said, standing and limping toward the bathroom. “Callum will take care of me if it comes to that.”

“Suit yourself,” Zane called after me. “But don’t act surprised when his parents aren’t willing to create the happily ever after you’ve envisioned.”