Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“Well, that’s it. What do you think?” Princeton asks as we return to the veranda in the backyard.
“It’s gorgeous. I may never leave,” I gush like a schoolgirl.
“Really? I was sort of hoping you would say that.”
My heart sinks. I can’t help wondering if he fixed this place up for me so that he could have his sidepiece close. I’m not that woman. When the ball happens, we end. I’m not taking this any further than that.
“It’s a beautiful place. It tugs something inside. Like I’ve been here before,” I whisper, glossing over his words.
“Perhaps you were.” He looks at me silently for a moment. Several thoughts and emotions cross his face. I can’t nail any of them down, but I can tell his feelings are at war. “Cinder, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Okay,” I say and inhale a sharp breath.
If he wants to end things here that’s for the best. I’ll call for my things at his palace and move in here until I figure things out.
“As you know, I’ve been—”
His phone rings, cutting him off. I release the breath I’ve been holding as he reaches for it. Wiping my sweaty hands on my thighs, I turn away from him so he can’t see the expression on my face.
I don’t know if I’m relieved or terrified. I know I’ve said I’ll end this, but my heart isn’t ready. It will never be. When this is over, I’m going to be completely heartbroken.
And living in this huge castle. I wonder how many cats I should get? Maybe Ms. Randell will come live with me.
“I’m on my way,” Princeton says curtly into the phone.
I guess I’ll have to wait for whatever he was going to say. Again, I’m not sure that’s such a good thing.
CHAPTER 13
The Whole Truth
Princeton
I had been on the verge of telling Cinder the truth about who she is and what it means for her to take over Heathworth Manor. However, the call from Williams requires my attention. It’s what I’ve been waiting for.
“So this is the reason?” I say with my brows drawn.
I fall into my seat in my study. I can’t believe this. I’m in too much shock to sort out my feelings. I flip through the docs once again. Hoping something will change on the second pass.
It all remains the same. Every detail outlining why my life was changed twenty-five years ago. Cinder was right. Princess Beverly had a reason. A reason that didn’t have anything to do with me.
Well, at least not in the way I thought it did. Rage consumes me. They say it’s the ones who claim to love you who will hurt you most.
“Have you shown this to Mother?”
“No, Your Highness. You were the first one I wanted to see it. This information has so many implications that are above my station. I thought it best to bring it straight to you,” Williams says.
“Yes, yes, you’re right.” I lick my dry lips. I don’t even know where to begin. If my anger could set a fire, all of Verlez would burn.
“He had no right to do this.”
“I know, sir. Your mother will be furious.”
“As she should be. This isn’t who we are. It’s disgusting.”
“That it is. Forgive me for saying this, but it seems karma was swift.”
I scoff. “But the damage was done. They were gone. No one could tell them it was safe to return. How could he take my future in his hands like this? He had no right. This is sickening.”
“Indeed. However, I don’t think this is something your parents will want to come out. You will have to handle this with care. Not like a bull in a china shop,” Williams says while looking at me knowingly.
I run a hand through my hair. He’s right. I want to destroy something or someone, but the someone in question isn’t available for punishment. I feel more lost than I did in all the years I had questions.
“I want to know who else knew. If anyone else was involved, I want this dealt with before the ball. I will discuss my intentions with my mother. Enough time has been lost.”
I stand to leave my office to find my mother. However, she walks in right at the same moment. I look at her and wonder, could she have known of this?
“What’s wrong?” she asks with a concerned expression as she looks at my face.
I turn the file on my desk around and slide it in her direction. She moves farther into the office and takes a seat in front of my desk. I observe her intently to see her reaction as she flips through the pages.
She lifts a shaky hand to her lips as she turns a few more. Tears come to her eyes. I get the feeling she had no idea about this, which is a relief and then she speaks.