The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 19

Ondine had always been a good girl, the kind of daughter who never gave her mother a moment's worry. In her entire life, the most rebellious thing she’d ever done was fall for Seth at first sight and nurse a secret crush on him for over a year.

Seth was just so impossibly handsome. His deep-set eyes were like tranquil, bottomless pools, and his nose was high and straight. His features were so exquisite, he looked as if he’d been carved by a master sculptor. He wore everything with an effortless grace, whether it was a tailored suit or a casual button-down shirt. For a teenage girl just discovering romance, a face like that was impossible to resist.

But the chasm between their financial worlds created a deep-seated insecurity that kept Ondine from ever confessing her feelings. Besides, she was buried under a mountain of schoolwork, her sights set on getting into a good university, so she tucked her feelings away.

Whether by coincidence or fate, she hadn’t visited Zaria’s home often, but every single time she did, Seth was there. On the rare occasions their eyes met, a blush would creep up her cheeks, and she would quickly look away.

That night, as Ondine slept, she dreamed.

She was back in high school, wearing her simple, crisp school uniform. It was her first time visiting the Thorne family. She followed Zaria into the mansion, and the sight of the luxurious, beautiful estate filled her with a mixture of awe and inadequacy. Her fingers tightened on the strap of her bookbag, a knot of nervousness forming in her stomach. She’d known Zaria’s family was wealthy, but she had never imagined this level of opulence. The garden in front of the house was larger than all the basketball courts at her school combined.

It was the height of summer, and flowers of every color were in full bloom. A gentle breeze carried their sweet fragrance through the air as butterflies danced among the blossoms, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Behind the mansion, a swimming pool shimmered, its sky-blue tiles reflecting the water into a brilliant, pale blue.

She followed Zaria with hesitant steps. As they passed the pool, a sudden splash made her jump. A figure emerged from the water, and her breath caught in her throat.

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