Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

her questions die in her throat.

"Alex, I'll always be nice to you. Don't worry about that, okay?"

Alex had been incredibly brave, more than Evangeline had realized. If she had to switch from being healthy to relying on a wheelchair just to get around, she was not sure she could have handled it. Seeing Alex, her heart ached even more for him. "Hey, how about we go for a little adventure outside? Back when you were at Avalon University, I was still in high school. I always wished we could've been on the same campus."

While talking, Evangeline started wheeling Alex toward the door. His voice, full of surprise and happiness, stopped her. "You wanted to be at the same school as me?"

"Of course! You're amazing. If you taught me just one or two of your tricks, I'd be the queen of my class in no time," she joked, but inside, she was determine lift his spirits.

Avalon University's music department had a touch of artistry to it, which showed in the campus's creative layout. There were murals, secluded woods, and the soft purple of lilacs blooming in every nook and

cranny.

Evangeline adored the smell of lilacs. She pushed Alex to a blooming bush, stretched her arms wide, and inhaled deeply. "Ah, that's the stuff!"

lingered on Evangeline. With a wistful tone, he said, "Evie, sometimes I wish things could stay

she did, she locked eyes with him. "Stay like this?

fun in that?"

his shoulder. "We've got to mix it up. For starters, you need a gorgeous gal by

to none. She

gaze was distant, lost in

"Yeah, being blissfully happy is what it's all

brow eased slightly, Evangeline quickly guided the conversation toward something that piqued

been away for so many years, on your own... It must've been tough." Evangeline was clueless about

just.... I'm not ready to

*25 BONUS

over her like a wave, and Evangeline could not hold