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.

middle of summer, but his hand was icy cold, as if he’d

a miracle you’ve made it

looked a bit surprised, but

face clouded with worry. “When I was pregnant and went in for a scan, the doctor told me there was little chance Zachary would survive.

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the years, I’ve survived on all kinds of weird medications,” Zachary

Alessia let go of his hand, smoothly

a kid, so I had to take a year off from

meds are

ginseng…” Zachary listed off the ingredients

of looking relieved, Alessia’s brow furrowed even deeper. “That’s just

coughed, cutting

Brendan and Karen

too. Don’t you

“But you-”

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

it.” But she knew it wouldn’t do much good

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

meeting his eyes. “But tell me, did you memorize that

since before I could walk. I know my own body. I figure, if I’ve got a year left, I’d rather

Alessia nodded thoughtfully.