Chapter 161
A week later, I’ve almost convinced myself that none of it ever happened.
I put my head down, focus on my studies, my job, my sister.
And other than the occasional gawks and questions from customers at the coffee shop that border the line between harassment and curiosity, everything in my life goes back to normal.
I don’t discuss my time in the Ashford manor with anyone, and I don’t let myself think about it. I thought that would be hard, but considering I’m so occupied playing catch–up in school and working myself to the bone at the café, it’s much easier than I thought.
Until Sunday morning.
June is over at the Carters for a sleepover. I studied till two a.m. and have work later in the evening, so I let myself sleep in, finally stirring around noon.
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I trudge out of my room, bleary–eyed and slightly disoriented. My plan till I have to get ready for work is to lounge in front of the TV and momentarily pretend like I have no responsibilities.
However, it seems like Lou has the same idea.
I can hear the TV droning, a deep voice making some announcement.
“No, Lou,” I groan, stepping into the living room. “I want to watch mindless-”
Lou jumps like someone stuck a cattle prod up her ass.
I frown as she fumbles for the remote, and my gaze shifts to the TV.
“The Ashford family has taken this search seriously–not just for a partner, but for someone who will walk beside them into a future shaped by legacy, duty, and-”
The screen goes black, cutting Easton off mid–sentence.
“Hey, babe,” Lou says softly, cautiously, hiding the remote behind her like that does anything.
“What…was that?” I ask quietly, even though I already know the answer.
I saw enough before she turned off the TV. I recognized the ballroom–the brightly lit stage Easton stood on–the flash of the cameras and the murmur of the press in the background.
Like that day we introduced ourselves to the world, but…different.
It’s the finale.
My feet feel like lead as I move and gently lower myself into the old, lumpy couch.
“Remote,” I whisper, holding out a hand to Lou.
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Chapter 161
Her expression is pitiful. “April, I don’t think-”
I shake my head. “Remote, Lou,”
She sighs and slowly, hesitantly, places the remote in my hand.
The TV comes back to life with the push of a button.
“…each bride has been carefully vetted, based on merit, social etiquette and charisma, empathy and altruism, integrity, and above all, compatibility.”
The video cuts, and my breath hitches when a highlight reel begins to play. Footage from the very first day we arrived, the press conference, the ball, camping, the charity competition, even the dates.
I see myself in various videos, and it feels like looking at a stranger. Maybe because it’s me, but I can see myself changing as it
progresses.
From being timid and out of place, I watch myself relax into the competition, see my confidence rise.
The video concludes with a group shot featuring the final girls: Lara, Eliza, Valerie, Jamie, and Bea. Savannah, Rachel, and Willow weren’t eliminated, but since they never went on dates, they’re no longer in the running.
“Now, without further ado,” Easton’s voice booms, “we will announce the future Mrs. Ashford, who will help usher in a new era for this family. But first, let us welcome the heirs!”
Thunderous applause erupts as the video cuts to the entrance of the ballroom.
My grip on the remote tightens as the Ashford brothers file in.
Lucas‘ mask is in place, and he looks the same as every other time he’s been presented to the public–handsome, sharp, indifferent.
Peter follows behind, and something tells me he’s been strategically placed between his two older brothers to stop them from tearing at
each other.
For one heartbeat, everything fades away. Everything but Nathan as he comes into view.
Like Lucas, he looks the same as in every public appearance. But the sight of him is painful, surprisingly so.
I frown at the sharp twinge in my chest like an acupuncture needle in one of my ventricles.
Looking at Lucas and Nathan, you would never know that just a week ago, they were brawling like animals.
There are no visible bruises on their faces, but I see it in the stiff way Nathan climbs the stage and the shallow way he breathes.
The three heirs line up on the platform, and shortly after, Easton announces the remaining contestants.
All five girls arrange themselves in front of the heirs.
My eyes water at the sight of Lara and Eliza.
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d..
I can’t wait to call you two sisters.
I will the tears not to fall.
🙂))
I beg them not to fall.
Peter moves first, and my mouth parts as he drops to one knee in front of my friend.
The camera zooms in on Eliza’s face, joy dancing in the depths of her wide blue eyes.
“Eliza Kinsley,” Peter says, his usual devil–may–care smile on his face. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Eliza is already nodding before he even finishes the question. As soon as he slips the diamond ring onto her finger, she throws her arms around him, and he spins her to the sound of another round of applause.
One tear slips free of my mental hold, and I let it roll down my cheek. “You go, girl,” I whisper.
Eliza and Peter pose for pictures, and someone presents her with a fat bouquet of carnations. His arm never falls from around her waist, and the wide, giddy smile never leaves her face.
At least someone got their happily ever after.
Finally, the celebration dies down, and Peter escorts Eliza off the stage.
And then Nathan steps forward.
A hush falls over the crowd, and it’s as if my body mirrors the stillness–every breath, every heartbeat suspended, waiting for the verdict.
And even though deep down, I know what it’s going to be, it still hits me like a thousand volts of electricity when Nathan goes down on his knees and says, “Valerie St Claire, will you marry me?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
