The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 821

Jeanette had no idea what was in store for her-not until several days later, when she and Leif finally arrived back in Africa.

Now, standing in front of two crumbling red-brick houses, she was completely stunned.

This had to be a joke. Wasn't Leif supposed to be African royalty?

A creeping sense of dread settled in her chest as she stared at the dilapidated buildings. Slowly, she turned to look at Leif, searching his face for answers.

He was staring right back at her, but there was none of the tenderness or affection she thought she'd seen before. His expression was cold, calculating, almost cruel. Still, Jeanette clung stubbornly to her fantasy-she refused to believe her dream of marrying into royalty could shatter so easily. She stared desperately at Leif. "What's going on? Can you explain this? Didn't you say you were royalty?"

Leif's grin stretched wide, flashing his blindingly white teeth. He finally dropped the act.

"Royalty? Oh, come on. You actually believed that?"

His laughter shook his entire chest, deep and mocking.

Jeanette's eyes widened as she remembered the news stories she'd seen back home-her heart skipped a beat and fear swept over her. Her lips trembled, but she couldn't form a single word.

Just then, three women stepped out of the red-brick house, each cradling a child in her arms.

When they saw Leif, their eyes lit up. All three hurried toward him, their faces full of joy, like wives welcoming home a long-absent husband.

speaking in rapid, affectionate tones in his native

a sweet, touching scene, but Jeanette only felt

to last, but her hope was in vain. It ended all

still holding their children-turned their attention to Jeanette, surrounding her with sharp, appraising looks. It felt as if they were sizing up livestock, not

stumbling backward in

then said softly to Leif, "Well, looks like we finally have someone to handle the chores." There was a

other two nodded in agreement, grinning at

face went pale. Without another thought, she

the rest of

few long strides, grabbed her hair, and dragged her back. Without a word, he

rang; blood trickled from the

Regret crashed over her.

by the collar, his words slow and venomous. "Trying to run? Where do you think you're going? Your passport's already in pieces. You're not going

cold as ice, cut her off. "Who else would have you

already shaken to the

taken, and her eyes hardened. "Pregnant? That's impossible. I took birth

heard. "You really didn't know, did you? I swapped

turned cruel. "And those handbags and jewelry I gave you? All fakes. Honestly, I didn't think you'd be

you. You

are just so

story about being