A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Good thing you made it back in time–you didn’t have to miss graduation or Lessie’s birthday.”

“Honestly, your health matters more than anything. Don’t scare us like that again, okay?”

“Exactly!” Stella chimed in. “But at least you two get to be at the same school now.”

“You’re not that far, Stella–just two blocks away,” Queenie pointed out.

Stella grinned. “Still, it’s not the same school! Now if I want to see you, I have to trek those two blocks every time.”

At that, Queenie and Alessia exchanged a helpless glance.

The three girls chatted about everything and nothing, laughter weaving between them, while classmates stopped by to congratulate Alessia. She greeted each one graciously, never losing her smile.

As the sun dipped lower and the sky slowly faded into night, the celebration began to wind down.

“We’re heading out. Save your presents for later, okay?” Stella waved as she gathered with the rest of their classmates, ready to go.

Alessia remained, standing side by side, watching friends drift away in groups

Cole, her eyes

to meet her gaze. “Um… do you want to…

burst exploded in the sky, scattering

sparkled, reflecting every flash, and the smile on

away. “Would you… would you be

deepened. “Cole, look

was happening, Alessia

1/2

Chapter 282

struggling not to break

a yes?” he

didn’t whisper or hedge. She made it clear, her answer strong

the holidays, or the way they always seemed to be the first face each other saw when they were sick. Whatever the reason, on their eighteenth