Winning the Heir Who Bullied Me
Chapter 174
His eyes flick to me. Pause. Linger. His brow raises.
Bingo.
I lower mine, just enough to feign embarrassment. I give him the look Lara and I rehearsed–a mix of vulnerable and desperate.
The girl who was once too proud for him, now humbled.
He said he was done with me. But I’m willing to bet he’ll change his mind if I can just do it right.
But first, I have to get through the fitting.
Just as I start to make my way toward the dressing area, I hear someone call my name.
“April!”
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I turn and catch sight of Eliza and Peter walking in.
She’s radiant in a pale blue dress that flares at the waist. Her dark hair is swept into an elegant chignon, and her eyes–warm and earnest -glow with something between relief and sadness.
“Eliza,” I breathe.
Her hand slips out of Peter’s, and she throws her arms around me before I can say another word, hugging me like it’s been years.
I cling to her instantly. Her embrace feels like home–warm, familiar, comforting.
She pulls back slightly. “You just disappeared. You promised you’d call.”
Guilt spikes through me. “I know. I’m sorry. I just—”
I wanted to put it all behind me. I wanted to forget everything that had to do with the Ashfords. And Nathan.
“I get it,” she cuts in gently. “But I missed you so much.”
She pulls me back into a hug.
My throat tightens, squeezing her. “I missed you, too.”
When we pull back, I smile at her. “And congratulations.”
A beam splits her face as she squeals. “I pinch myself at least five times a day.”
“I’ve told her to stop doing that,” Peter steps in, sliding an arm around her waist. “I don’t want a bruised bride.”
I feel my smile soften into something wistful. “Hi, Peter.”
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21:04 Wed, Oct 15
Chapter 174
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He reaches out and gently punches my shoulder, his smile mirroring mine. “Good to see you, CQ.”
“Go mingle, babe,” Eliza says, nudging him away. “April and I have a lot of catching up to do.”
He presses his hand to his chest. “You’re sending me away? I thought we promised to be by each other’s side forever.”
A
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She rolls her eyes fondly. “Go,” she laughs as he kisses her temple and then shoots me a wink before going to join Nathan and the group of men at the other side of the shop.
With Peter gone, Eliza turns back to me, and her smile fades. She leans in, lowering her voice. “Lara told me everything.”
My eyes widen. “She did?”
“Oh, April,” she says softly. “It must have been so awful.”
I shrug, looking away. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you.”
She shakes her head. “No, I totally get it. I’m just sorry you went through that.”
“Are you…okay with it? The plan.”
Her jaw clenches. “I’m more than okay with it. That man is a demon. Whatever I can do to help–just say the word.”
I feel emotion lodge behind my ribs. “Thank you.”
Eliza smiles, soft and strong all at once. “You’ve got this, April. And you’re not alone.”
She squeezes my hand before slipping back toward the other girls, blending into the bridal chaos.
I adjust the straps on the gown and survey the room for Lara.
But my eyes catch Nathan’s in the large floor–to–ceiling mirror.
He’s watching me.
For a breath, it’s like we’re back in his room, safe in our cocoon.
Before everything fell apart.
I see a world of emotions tangled up in his eyes like a ball of yarn–pain, regret, longing.
Tearing my gaze away is as painful as ripping off a Band–Aid.
Today isn’t about him or us,
I need to focus.
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21:05 Wed, Oct 15
Winning the Heir Who Bullied Me
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.
