A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 14

“And besides, once the semester starts, I can apply for a dorm room on campus. Rather than leaving this place empty, it makes more sense to use the space well.”

“So you were planning to move out to the campus all along?”

The conversation kept circling back and forth.

“I don’t have to live there,” Alessia shrugged, her tone impossible to read.

“If living at school makes things easier for you, I won’t stand in your way,” Brendan said.

“There’s no place like home, no matter how fancy the alternatives,” Alessia replied with a little smirk.

Everyone in the room chuckled at that.

“Alright, it’s getting late. We should all get some rest,” Brendan said, glancing at the clock.

“Yeah.” As soon as Alessia replied, Zachary’s face changed–he turned away suddenly and began to cough harshly.

His parents rushed to his side, worry etched on their faces.

“If you don’t mind, may I check your pulse?” Alessia waited until Zachary had recovered before she spoke.

“Of course,” Zachary replied without hesitation, extending his hand. “You know how to do that?”

“I picked up a few things from an old… well, let’s just say a family friend.” Alessia placed her fingers gently on Zachary’s wrist.

the middle of summer, but his hand was icy cold, as if he’d been gripping an

you’ve made it

bit surprised, but

was little chance Zachary would survive. I thought my whole world was falling apart. But somehow, he pulled through. He was rushed straight to intensive care

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I’ve survived on all kinds of weird medications,” Zachary added lightly, clearly trying to break the heavy

are you still in your senior year?” Alessia let go of his hand,

a lot as a kid, so I had

it. What meds are you on

off the ingredients

furrowed even

cutting

understood.immediately–clearly, Brendan and Karen

should get some sleep, too. Don’t

“But you-”

fine. It’s the same old thing. The doctor didn’t say anything new

“Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with it.” But she knew it wouldn’t

finally let themselves be shepherded off to their bedroom. Once the door closed behind them, Zachary let out a sigh of relief. He turned to Alessia, pressing a finger to his lips, a gentle smile on his

get it,” Alessia said, meeting his eyes. “But tell me, did you memorize that

myself. Don’t let my looks fool you. I’ve been around medicine since before I could walk. I know my own body. I

Alessia nodded thoughtfully.