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.

hand was icy cold, as if he’d

made it

a bit surprised, but didn’t

the doctor told me there was little chance Zachary would survive. I thought my whole world

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15.26

of weird medications,” Zachary added lightly, clearly trying

year?” Alessia let go of his hand,

kid, so I had to take a year

What meds are you on

listed off the ingredients in

brow furrowed even deeper. “That’s

coughed, cutting

Karen didn’t

sleep, too. Don’t you have to get up early to

“But you-”

old thing. The doctor didn’t say anything new today. Lessie, the prescription’s alright,

wrong with it.” But she knew it

parents 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,

since before I could walk. I know my own body. I figure, if I’ve got a year left, I’d rather not waste a bunch of

Alessia nodded thoughtfully.