Their Queen Returns novel Chapter 7

7

Vivian glanced at Sienna’s face. She had inherited their mother’s poised beauty and their father’s striking features, giving her a powerful, captivating aura. Her presence was unmistakably like their mother’s–the same protective strength that once sheltered them under her wings.

Vivian’s lonely heart finally had an anchor. “Okay,” she whispered.

Meanwhile, at the Hart’s residence, Aiden slammed his hand on the table.

“That Vivian!” he raged at the sharp–faced woman beside him. “She’s really gotten bold! The nerve of her, saying she wants to break the engagement! It’s infuriating! When she gets back, I’m going to teach her a lesson.”

Linda Lambert smiled sweetly, rubbing Aiden’s back with practiced ease. “Now, now, don’t get so worked up over a kid. You know I’m their stepmother, and as the saying goes, a stepmom’s never as good as a real mother. It’s no surprise they don’t like me.”

Seeing Aiden start to settle down, she pressed on. “Tonight’s my birthday. All I wanted was for you and the girls to be under one roof. The Quinns are here too–perfect timing to talk wedding plans. I never thought Vivian would be the one to bring up ending things with Mason.”

“Linda, you’re too good. That girl is just ungrateful. You’re always thinking of them, and they resent you for it,” Aiden took her hand, sighing. “Don’t worry. She will be here tonight to celebrate your birthday.”

As he spoke, he noticed her attire. The burgundy dress, the jewelry, the earrings–they had all belonged to his late wife. For a split second, an image of his late wife, Selina Bayer’s face flashed in his mind.

He frowned. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch these things?”

Linda’s face fell. She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice thick with tears. “Darling, I didn’t mean any harm. I just… I knew Vivian would be here tonight, and I wanted her to feel a sense of her mother’s love. I truly had no other motive.”

Hearing this, Aiden’s anger melted away again. He pulled her into a comforting embrace. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get angry with you.”

Before Aiden could answer, Linda smiled. “She’ll be here soon. We just called to remind her to be careful on the road. You know how these kids are, insisting on living outside when they have a perfectly good home. It’s not as safe out there, is it?”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify