The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 475

Liora’s POV

Bianca didn’t give me a choice about the shopping trip. Two of the palace guards showed up at my dorm an hour later and escorted me to a black sedan idling in the parking lot. I thought about running, but where would I go? Back to my room? That would only delay the inevitable.

So I got in the car.

When we arrived at Betsy’s Bridal Boutique, the shop attendant looked up from behind the counter and smiled when she saw Bianca.

“Princess Bianca!” she said, hurrying over. “What an honor. I heard you were coming, but I hardly believed it.” She looked at me. “And you must be the bride…”

“This is my dear sister, Liora,” Bianca said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. Her nails dug into my skin through my hoodie. “She’s getting married soon, and I wanted to help her find the perfect dress.”

The woman clasped her hands together. “How wonderful! Come, come. Let’s find you something beautiful.”

She led us toward the back of the shop, where racks of white dresses lined the walls. Some were elegant and simple, others covered in lace and beading. Any other time, I might have liked looking at them. But right now, all I wanted to do was leave.

Bianca pulled a dress off the rack and held it up. It was hideous. The bodice was covered in enormous fake flowers that looked like they’d been glued on by a child, and the skirt was so puffy it practically stood up on its own.

“This one,” she said.

I stared at her. “You’re joking.”

“Not at all. I think it’s perfect for you.”

“It looks like a wedding cake threw up on a prom dress.”

Bianca’s smile widened. “Then it’s settled. Try it on.”

The woman looked between us. “Are you sure, dear? We have many other options—”

“This is the one,” Bianca said firmly. She shoved the dress into my arms. “Go on, Liora. Don’t keep us waiting.”

The attendant blinked. “Out of the store?”

“Yes. I want to show it off to everyone on campus. It’s such a special moment, after all.”

The woman hesitated, then nodded. “Of course, Princess. Whatever you wish.”

I looked at Bianca. “I’m not wearing this out of the store.”

“You are, actually.” She pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of me. I flinched, but it was too late. “Smile, Liora. You’re going to be a blushing bride soon.”

The guards flanked me as we left the boutique. I tried to gather up the skirt so I wouldn’t trip, but there was too much fabric. It dragged behind me on the sidewalk, picking up dirt and grime.

Students stared as we walked across campus. Some pointed and whispered. Others laughed outright. Bianca walked beside me with her head held high, like she was leading a parade.

We stopped in the middle of the quad. Bianca turned to the growing crowd and raised her voice.