A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Mr. Whitley.” Alessia’s eyes darted away, her posture stiff and uncertain, like a child caught doing something wrong.

Parrish let out a long sigh, swallowing the words he’d been about to say.

He rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Mr. Whitley’s house is your home, too. What child doesn’t come home eventually? You can’t just run off like that because of an argument, understand?”

“I won’t ever do it again,” Alessia replied softly, her fingers nervously twisting together, betraying her unease.

“If you want to keep your hair like this, then keep it. Honestly, it’s grown on me. I’ll talk to your homeroom teacher, don’t worry. As long as it’s not breaking any rules or laws, Mr. Whitley supports whatever makes you happy.”

Pretending not to notice her anxiety, Parrish ruffled her hair. He still didn’t quite get why kids these days dyed their hair all sorts of wild colors, but he tried to understand–and more importantly, he respected her choices.

Alessia managed a small smile and nodded.

“Is Ms. June asleep?” he asked.

“She is.”

“I’ll carry her to her room then. She tosses and turns all night if I don’t. And look at you–those dark circles under your eyes. Get some proper rest tonight, okay? How about a trip somewhere? You’ve already skipped a week of school–why not take another ten days or so? We could all go on a family vacation.”

“Let’s wait until summer break,” Alessia said. “I want to catch up at school. I’ve missed a lot and need to make up for it.”

“Alright. Just don’t overdo it—your health comes first.”

voiced his worries, choosing instead to show his care through

the words of love he’d ever had seemed reserved for Jade. Yet, in his own awkward way, Parrish still tried to look after Alessia, even if it came out a little rough around the

looking for her that night, Alessia would have come

1/3

Chapter 237

while.

thanks to her family’s efforts, Alessia realized something important–her life was her own. She needed to live for herself, to treasure the people who truly cared about her, and let go of things that only hurt

life.

slipping by with a

when it seemed like things would always stay this way, tragedy struck–so sudden, it

Parrish was already gone, the white sheet pulled up over his body. The doctor explained that he’d passed before they

life. Even if she miraculously survived, she would spend the rest of her days

forward,”

No one moved to pull back the sheet; neither

two teenagers, the doctor didn’t rush them. He gave them

should see

“Okay.”

together, neither willing to let go,

still waiting for