The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 115

I forced a breath. I do. I nodded though he couldn’t see.

Then you know you must come home soon. Marry whomever I choose.

Unease twisted in my gut. I do.

Then you’ll leave the decision in my hands.

Not cruel, just immovable. Worse. The tone of a man who had already decided, conversation over.

I straightened, staring at the empty course under the white floodlights. Understood, I said evenly. Then, softer, Just a little more time, Father. I’m close to something here.

He sighed in my head—heavy, weighted with both affection and disappointment. My love, he said, almost soft enough to undo me. You’ve done much damage. Damage that never would have happened outside your… odd standards.

I crouched back at the starting line, hands braced. Yes. But one must fail, break the cycle, to grow stronger. I’m in my growing pains. Let me fight.

I launched forward, boots slapping the track, my heartbeat pounding with every word I didn’t say aloud.

For a while, only my breath. Then his voice again—quiet, final.

Not long now. Say your goodbyes soon. I will be choosing a new suitor.

The words hit like ice water. I didn’t slow.

If anything, I ran harder.

Yes, Father.

Not sharp, obvious wrong. Just… off. Like a picture that had been hung slightly crooked and no one else noticed. He didn’t belong at her side, not really, but there he was, doing his best impression of someone who did.

When the chatter hit a certain lull, Bianca tapped her glass with a manicured finger, her smile just a shade too practiced.

“Attention, everyone,” she said, her voice carrying easily. “Thank you for coming to this little… celebration. In honor of the tournament.”

A cheer went up, and she smiled like it was for her.

“As most of you know, the tournament will officially begin next week. This is your chance to prove yourselves — your skill, your spirit, your worth.” She let her gaze sweep the room, pausing just long enough on me to be noticed but not called out. “And of course, to bring honor to our academy. May the best warrior win.”

Polite applause followed. I sipped water instead. Oh don’t worry, she will.

“Liora.”