Chapter 28

At the hospital, Thalia met Asher’s eyes with quiet resolve. “If I told you there’s more to Grace’s story, would you believe me?”

The silence stretched between them. Thalia felt her heart sink–what a foolish question. Of course he would choose Grace, his sister of so many years, over an arranged match he barely knew.

But Asher’s response came without hesitation: “I trust you completely.”

The words hung in the air, stunning them both.

Grace’s face went ashen. “Asher, how can you–she’s lying! I’m your sister!”

“That’s enough.” Asher’s voice carried a razor’s edge. “From the moment you met Thalia, you’ve shown nothing but hostility. And now this ridiculous story about her spooking Snow?” His eyes hardened. “I know Thalia. She would never do something like that.”

Thalia stood speechless, her throat tight with emotion. She’d been so certain he would side with Grace. The depth of his trust left her reeling.

“Grace” Asher’s tone could have frozen flame. “Remember your place in this family.”

The implied message was crystal clear: Being the Blackwoods‘ ward didn’t make her truly one of them.

Grace’s lips trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. She opened her mouth but no sound emerged.

“Get some rest,” Asher said curtly, turning to leave.

By Grace’s bedside, Thalia regarded the sobbing girl with cool detachment. “Was it worth it?”

Outside in the parking lot, Asher fell into step beside Thalia. “I’m sorry about all this.”

“What are you apologizing for?”

“Grace’s behavior–it’s inexcusable.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“No need. I already know

you

16:14

Grace is in love with you, Asher. That’s why she sees m

the

with her from now on,”

that?” Thalia asked, surprised.

he looked at her. “Because

head. “Why did you believe me over Grace? She’s

cast a warm glow through the windshield as Asher turned

he said simply. “And love means trust without

– eat.

skipped a beat. She turned away quickly, grateful

ears, Asher smiled softly. His Thalia was

needle scratch on the horse’s neck–a mark that could only have been made

learning this, Asher stopped visiting Grace at the hospital entirely. Though he arranged premium care for her–private nurses and regular meals delivered by

together. Whether choosing Thalia’s gown or picking out jewelry, Asher remained steadfastly by

schemed, it had brought them closer. Asher’s unwavering support and subsequent confession had begun to chip away at Thalia’s carefully constructed

in love–her experience with Drake had left her wary of rushing into feelings–she found herself warming to Asher’s steady

16:14

Chapter 28

engagement party for November 15th, just over a

private salon, Thalia’s phone buzzed. Models similar to her build

would look stunning on you,” he murmured near her ear.

agreed. “And that cream coat

turned away, giving her privacy–a small gesture that didn’t

messages, Thalia found several photos from Sienna. They showed her and Drake at Glacier National Park in Montana. The accompanying text dripped with spite:

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