The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 21

When Ondine arrived at the hospital, she overheard her mother, Yvaine, speaking to someone in the room. “Mr. Jefferson, I’ve reviewed the living will. Everything looks correct.”

A man’s voice replied, “Excellent. I’ll just need your signature right here.”

Ondine pushed the door open. Inside, besides Yvaine, were a middle-aged man in a sharp suit and a young man about her age.

“A will? What will?” Ondine looked at Yvaine, her shock laced with pain. “Mom, you had a lawyer draw up a will?”

Why would her mother do this behind her back? Did she think she wasn't going to get better? The thought was a sharp pang in Ondine’s chest.

Yvaine avoided her gaze. “Ondine, honey, I’m just trying to protect your future.”

Tears welled in Ondine’s eyes. “Mom, you’re going to be fine,” she choked out. “You’re going to beat this.”

“Ms. Sterling, we’ll take our leave now,” the lawyer said.

“Wait,” Ondine said, turning to him. “Mr. Jefferson, can I see it?”

Mr. Jefferson glanced at Yvaine for permission.

“Ondine, not now,” Yvaine said quickly. “You’ll see it when… when the time comes.”

“Why can’t I see it now?” Ondine pleaded.

“You’ll understand later.” Yvaine gave Mr. Jefferson a look, and he and his assistant promptly left.

“Ondine, have you eaten?” Yvaine asked, changing the subject.

Seeing that her mom didn’t want to discuss it further, Ondine didn’t press.

“I have,” she replied.

“You haven’t been sleeping well, have you? You have dark circles under your eyes.” Yvaine looked at her daughter with aching tenderness, reaching out a frail, bony hand to gently caress her face.

“Oh no, let’s talk right here,” Chantal said, shoving past Ondine and striding into the room.

“So you’re Ondine’s mother?” Chantal stood before the hospital bed, arms crossed, chin tilted high in arrogance.

“Yes, I am. Are you a friend of Ondine’s?” Yvaine asked softly.

Chantal let out a cold, sharp laugh. “A friend? Please. I wouldn’t be caught dead being friends with someone like her. Do you have any idea that your daughter is the other woman? That she stole my boyfriend? Is this how you raised her? To have no shame?”

Yvaine was stunned. She never expected this woman to be so vicious. And what was this about Ondine stealing her boyfriend?

Trembling with rage, Yvaine’s eyes reddened.

“Ondine would never do that!” she cried, her voice rising with emotion. “You’re lying!”

“Get out!” Seeing her mother’s distress, Ondine feared it would worsen her condition. She grabbed Chantal and shoved her toward the door. “Get out of here! Now!”