The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 72

Liora

9:07 p.m.

I checked the time again, my fingers trembling as they hovered over the face of the watch tucked beneath my glove. It was irrational, checking it again and again wouldn't make it speed up or slow down. But still, I checked. Because I was waiting for him. For the inevitable.

They must know by know. I stumbled into the empty hall, leaning heavy into the locker, my breath near gasping. They must all know who I am… right? I gave my name, my real name.

My fingers drifted up, brushing the edge of the silver crest resting at my chest. It was warm from my skin, heavier than usual.

Father said he’d come during homecoming, and announce who I was.

But… how could I face him. I’d failed. Not at the tests. Not the politics. But the one thing I thought I could still believe in, that I fought so hard to pursue.

Love.

Was I that impossible to care for without a title stapled to my name?

Cold. Aloof. Distant. I’ve heard it all.

But still, I thought if anyone could see past it, it would be him.

Now I had to face… everything a failure. My father, patting on the shoulder saying “I told you so.” Mia and I’m sure the entire Wolfless communities burning eyes for lying, cosplaying and playing with there very identity like it was a game. They didn’t dservre that and Callum…

He’ll learn who I am and… what, regret it? Come crawling back because of my title. What would even happen now? Biaca would be outed but would that mean… were technically still engaged?!

I pressed a hand to my hand.

Simple. I just wanted this simple life for—

“Just a little longer,” I whispered, pressing the crest flat against my chest. My voice cracked around the words, and I hated that. Hated the sound of me sounding so… small.

I stumbled forward, not sure where I was going. This was supposed to be a fun night. I was supposed to be dancing out there with Mia, maybe with a partner but—

She stepped back with practiced grace, her lip curling in mild disgust. “Ah! Gods, ew! Can I get a break from you for like five seconds?! Careful! You almost scuffed my shoes.”

I braced myself against the wall, breath catching in my throat. “Didn’t realize you owned the hallway too.”

She gave a brittle, laughless smile and smoothed a hand over her curls, eyes raking over me like I was something damp and unwanted. “No, but I do own the moment. And right now? You’re embarrassing yourself in it.”

All I could manage was to roll my eyes.

She took a step closer, her heels clicking like punctuation. “You look awful, by the way. Like… cracked porcelain and desperation.” She squinted. “Are you crying? Oh gods, don’t tell me this is about him.”

I didn’t answer.

Her smirk grew. “Oh, it is. You’re still pouting over Callum, aren’t you? I heard you finally, offically, gave up. Wow. Took you long enough.” She tapped her chin. “Honestly? I should thank you.”

I blinked. “For what? Walking into your trap?”