Nora’s hands trembled as she stared at the one hundred dollars, her blood boiling. For a wild moment, she imagined teleporting to Wayne just to deliver a stinging slap across his smug face. Fuming and cursing, she stormed back home.
“God, Wayne’s the worst,” she muttered, kicking at the sidewalk. “No shock he’s still single–who’d put up with that stingy ass? A hundred bucks! A hundred?”
Her voice pitched higher. “He promised me a million, then pulled this crap. Done. Next time we meet? Total stranger treatment”
“Mommy, are you talking about Uncle Wayne?” a small voice piped up.
Liam was curled up on the couch, eyes glued to the TV when Nora walked in. She absently rubbed her neck, forcing a casual tone.
“Oh, sweetie, you must’ve misunderstood me earlier. So ul.. what’s this you’re watching?”
“International news!” Liam announced proudly, barely pausing the stream of words. They’re talking about social practices and I think-
Nora gently cut him off with a hand on his shoulder. “That’s great, darling, but Mommy doesn’t need the whole rundown.” She pressed a kiss to his hair. “Tell Dad to come see me upstairs when he gets home, okay?
Okay, Mom. I’ll just watch for a bit, then I’ll go practice my languages, Liam said with an earnest nod
Nora trudged upstairs, her shoulders sagging. Pausing on the steps, she glanced back at her son–already flipping between cartoons and vocabulary flashcards—and felt that familiar squeeze in her chest.
A wave of self–doubt washed over her as she pulled out her phone. “Christ, when did I become such a mess? Her thumbs hovered over the screen before tapping out a message to Sienna.
[Enna. I still have something to be praised, don’t I Just list a few of my strengths. Anything is fine. Doesn’t have to be Pulitzer material]
After a brief pause, Sienna replied: [Pretty, rich, and good–natured.
[Come on, keep going. You haven’t finished yet. Nora urged.
Sienna left it at that, sending a final message: [There’s an investor symposium tomorrow night. Your brother’s attending I’ll keep him clear of your Ethan situation.]
Nora practically vibrated with glee, typing back: [Enna, you absolute legend! Oh, please embarrass him for me–slap that smug look right off his face, humiliate him with that pathetic hundred bucks!]
On the other end of the line, Sienna blinked at her phone. Some requests even she wouldn’t touch.”
Vivian rushed home and hugged Sienna tight. “You’re the best, Sist!” To her, Sienna wasn’t just her sister—she was basically a superhero
And that superhero was her own sister
How cool was that?
Sienna tousled Vivian’s hain. “Let’s wait for Amber before we eat, okay!”
Vivian nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with admiration. But the second Amber trudged in, backpack slung over one shoulder, Vivian’s smile dropped
Amber shouldered past her with a scoff, not even bothering to hide her disdain.
“Ugh, so immature,” Vivian muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.
Amber froze, then whipped around, eyes blazing. “Say that to my face, Vivian!”
Vivian
juu flapped–hand dismissively. “Nals, you’re the tough one here, remember?”
ou–l’Amber unarled, but Vivian was already darting behind Sienna, safely out of reach.
“Sis, you must be tired lately. How about I give you a massage tonight! I just learned some new techniques, and I won’t even charge you,” Vivian uffered eagerly.
10:39 AM c c
Amber stamped her foot, funsing inside. “Kiss–upt So annoying!”
“Amber, dinner,” Sienna called.
“Oh” Amber dropped her backpack with a thud and slouched to the table.
“Come in,” Sienna replied, marking her page in the foreign–language novel she’d been reading-
Sienna raised an eyebrow but smiled, “Should I flip over, or stay like this?”
Under the soft glow of the lamp, Sienna’s black silk robe clung to her body, the smooth fabric outlining every perfect curve. She looked sexy.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Their Queen Returns