A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

13:32

Chapter 225

Cole’s voice was cracked and fragile, like a child lost in the dark. His eyes were clouded with confusion and fear, searching for something–anything–to hold onto, Alessia felt her heart shatter at the sound of his words.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. Xander clenched his jaw, turned on. his heel, and strode out of the room.

“Lessie… what am I supposed to do now? Lessie, where are my mom and dad?”

Alessia didn’t know what to say. She didn’t have any answers either.

Words felt empty, useless. All she could do was pull Cole into her arms, hold him tight against her chest. He clung to her, arms wrapped around her waist as if she might vanish too if he let go.

“Cole, sweetheart, let’s let your aunt get some sleep now, okay?”

He didn’t reply–just nodded, silent. Alessia glanced away as she felt his tears soak through her shirt, her hand gently rubbing his back.

It was just like two years ago in the hospital. The two of them, holding onto each other, watched as the sheet was pulled over Parrish, before he’d even had the chance to say goodbye.

Now, two years later, it was still just the two of them. This time, fate had taken Cole’s mother.

At least, this time, there were still words left to say.

care of, night had crept in. Larkin drove Xander home, and

rain kept falling,

tears slipping down his face.

back against the headboard, her eyes soft

gentle, the way you would comfort a

of lightning lit up the room,

13:32

hands over Cole’s ears, blocking

stormy nights like this, Alessia now soothed Cole, using the same quiet tenderness she had once

she met

five years old.

Tate family had just started to make their way up in the world. Wanting to break into the right circles, Scott took a deep breath and bought at house in a newly

barely lived there for three months before new neighbors moved in next door. Alessia wasn’t interested–she

you

a small trowel in her hand, completely focused

an unfamiliar voice, she glanced up, barely sparing him a look before returning to her

was a row of flowers along the wall, carefully tended by

“What for?”