The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 10

The winter sun cast a soft glow on him, making him look almost gentle. It was hard to believe someone who looked so kind could do something so cruel.

Ondine stopped walking and looked up at him, a thousand unspoken words swirling in her mind. She felt a bitter sense of injustice. Why was her genuine affection being trampled on like this? Why could he, a man of immense wealth, so shamelessly spend her hard-earned money and watch her work herself to the bone? How could he say he loved her while passionately kissing another woman?

“I really know I was wrong. Please don’t ignore me,” Ellis pleaded, his face a mask of contrition. “I’ll never stay out that late again. I’ll check in with you wherever I go, okay?”

“Okay,” Ondine said, forcing a small smile.

“You’re the best, babe.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek.

She turned her head away. “There are people around.”

“Then we’ll find a place with no people next time,” he said with a wink.

“My mom is waiting for me. I have to go,” Ondine said.

“Okay, babe. I’ll just grab something from the cafeteria. Do you want to have dinner together tonight?”

“I have to work.” She paused, then added casually, “Finals are coming up, and I have to find time to study, but I’m really short on cash right now.” She looked at him, her tone light and teasing. “It would be great if you suddenly became rich. Then I wouldn’t have to work three jobs.”

Ellis stiffened. After a moment, he said with what sounded like deep sincerity, “I promise I’ll give you a better life one day.”

Ondine smiled.

“Go to hell,” she thought, the curse echoing silently in her mind for the first time.

…

Seth had just finished a meeting when his friend, Elton Fulton, called to invite him to lunch. The Fulton Group headquarters was just across the street from the Thorne Group building, and Elton often sought him out for meals.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify