Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 2

Anne cut in, her tone sharp. “My dress isn’t the problem here. But do you have any idea how much Claire’s dress costs? That’s custom couture. You’d have to deliver food for years just to pay it off.”

I didn’t dare look in Claire’s direction. The price of her dress was way out of my league right now.

Turning to her, I tried to keep my voice steady. “I’m really sorry. I’ll find a way to pay you back for the dress. Please, just give me some time…”

She lifted her gaze to size me up. With my hat and mask pulled low, she couldn’t recognize me right away, but she stared for so long it felt like she was trying to see straight through me. I dropped my eyes, hoping she’d look away.

“This isn’t something you can just pay off with an IOU. Don’t even think about writing one and then disappearing.”

The room erupted in laughter.

My palms were sweaty as I squeezed my fists. “You have my word, I’ll pay every cent.”

Someone snickered. “All the money you have on you probably wouldn’t even buy one of Claire’s earrings. Let’s be real. This is out of your league. Just call the cops. He’ll have to pay once he’s at the station.”

I panicked at the thought of the police. If they got involved, my identity would be out in the open. My mom was waiting for me at home. I couldn’t let that happen.

Right then, my phone’s video call ringtone started blaring. Jacob’s eyes widened.

“Wait, why does your ringtone sound just like Lambert’s?”

He checked his phone, then looked back at me. Everyone’s attention snapped to where I stood. I could feel every pair of eyes on me, like I was suddenly exposed.

“Wait… it is you! Lambert, what are you doing here delivering food?”

Their shock was obvious. People started whispering and giving me these looks of surprise and pity. I stood frozen, fists clenched, feeling like I’d been stripped bare in front of them.

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