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Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Valencia’s POV
The day slipped through my fingers like sand in an hourglass. I had woken up at six, prepared to head to the academy–or. more truthfully, to escape–but instead found myself ambushed Celeste and the seventeen year old twins barged into my room like a whirlwind, their squeals and giggles piercing through the early morning calm..
“We’re here to get you ready for your big day! Celeste announcel, bouncing on the balls of har feet!
I blinked at them, baffled. “Big day?”
“For the wedding, of course! It’s just tomorrow!” she chirped, ignoring my groan as two maids followed behind them with an assortment of beauty supplies.
“I don’t need–1 started, but Celeste cut me off with a clap of her hands.
“Mother said you’re not allowed to leave the house, so don’t even think about escaping to the academy. She grinned triumphantly, completely oblivious to my rising frustration.
ance
I swallowed my retort and nodded, knowing resistance would only waste precious time. My plans with Marcelene would have to change.
When the maids began applying a face pack, exhaustion claimed me. Sleep had eluded me the night before as I’d packed my small luggage‘ into a school backpack and hidden it under my bed.
Marcelene had agreed to go pick me up in the morning as usual and we had decided to head to the hospital to get her mother discharged first. From there we would head to Velhaven ogether which would be about a four hour drive.
I called Marcelene quietly in the bathroom, explaining to her the situation
She sighed, “Well, I honestly think it’s better not to attract any attention at least for a couple hours after we escape. If you leave now we won’t have enough time to discharge mom. And there’s a high chance of getting caught.”
“I know.” I sighed then added, “I think you should leave first then Discharge your mom and head to Velhaven. I will find a way to leave at night. I know the Bus works late into the night-
She scoffed, “Princess, have you ever traveled in the bus before?
“Uh..no? Isn’t it just swiping a card on the machine thingy?” I answered feeling embarrassed.
She chuckled, “I will head to Velhaven first right now. I’m sure I will be done by four o’clock and get my mother settled. 1 think I will be back before midnight. So be ready, and lock your door before leaving so no one knows before dawn.”
“Are you sure? Won’t you be tired?”
“Of course, You owe me a massage once we are settled somewhere.”
1 chuckled as she cut the call.
After giving myself a quick pep talk I stepped out.
The twins, thankfully, were ushered out after a while, but not before Celeste dropped her final bombshell.
“I can’t wait for you to see the dress Mother picked for you! It’s absolutely perfect!” she gushed, blowing me a kiss before skipping our
Chapter 29
I bit back a groan, muttering under my breath, “I’m sure I’ll love t
By late afternoon, Marcelene texted to confirm her progress, Reef flooded through me–everything was on track. I smiled faintly but barely had time to put my phone down before Celest barged in again, this time dragging August along.
“Oh my gosh, Vil You won’t believe what just happened!” she squealed, her eyes sparkling.
I forced a tight smile. “What happened?”
“We’re going shopping!” she announced triumphantly.
“Shopping? Why?
“To buy you a wedding dress!”
I blinked, caught off guard. “Didn’t Mother already arrange one
Celeste giggled, waving her hand dismissively. “Your fiancé insists you pick one yourself!”
“All of us are going, August added, his tone flat, his expression as annoyed as mine.
“All of us?” I repeated.
“Yes! You, me, Dante, Caius, Aiden and August!” Celeste clapped her hands. “Isn’t it exciting?”
Exciting? More like horrifying. My stomach churned as August’s sharp gaze bored into me. His lips curled slightly, almost as if he could read the panic bubbling beneath my surface.
“Get ready,” he said, voice clipped.We leave in ten minutes.”
As they left, I quickly dialed Marcelene.
“How long until you’re back?” I whispered, anxiety threading through my voice.
“Two hours, maybe less,” she replied. “What’s wrong now?”
I explained the sudden change in plans, my words spilling out in rush.
“I see,” Marcelene said, her tone thoughtful. “It’s just shopping, right? You’ll be fine. Just don’t look him in the eyes 100 much. And don’t try to lie–you’re terrible at it.”
“I am not!” I protested, offended.
Marcelene chuckled. “Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night. Just be careful, okay? I’ll be there soon.”
I sighed and hung up, rifling through my wardrobe for the ugliest outfit I could find–a forest green dress that looked like it belonged to a 1900s girl scout. I paired it with orange lipstick that clashed horribly with my complexion, tying my hair into a simple ponytail.
I studied myself in the mirror. “If this doesn’t make him rethink everything, nothing will
Smiling grimly, I made my way downstairs, ignoring the mortified look Celeste gave me when she saw my outfit.
“You.. you look.. she trailed off, her expression a mix of confusion and pity.
“Like a clown,” August supplied, his tone dry as he smirked.
“Thank you,” I said, feigning pride as I resisted the urge to blush.
11:41
Tue, Jan 14
Chapter 29
Aiden raised a brow, his gaze lingering. “Why are you dressed like that?”
I fumbled for an excuse. “Ah, I really like this dress. Does it look bad?”
He surprised me by shaking his head. “No, you look different as always.”
The limousine ride to the mall was surprisingly calm. For once, the suffocating tension between us siblings was absent, and it made me strangely nostalgic.
We arrived at Caribou Cafe to find Dante and Caius waiting. My heart skipped painfully as Dante stood, his face lighting up when he saw me
Without a word, he took my hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it, his touch sending an unexpected jolt through me. His blue eyes locked onto mine, briefly flashing gold, and I swallowed hand, looking away.
“You look wonderful,” he said softly. I wanted to roll my eyes and scoff. He was kidding right?
I bit my lip, glancing down at his casual attire–a white polo shirt and jeans. “Thank you… You look comfortable.”
His chuckle was warm, his dimples deep, and for a moment, I felt my resolve waver.
Why did he look so genuinely happy? This was a political marriage–an arrangement. He had no reason to look at me like that, as if he were genuinely excited about the future.
A pang of guilt twisted in my chest. I was going to leave, and he’d be left blindsided.
Was I about to hurt him the way Jaxon had hurt me?
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