The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 36

And most importantly, no one had ever been with him for reasons other than his status as the Sheppard family heir. She was the only one who didn’t want his money, the only one who truly cared for him.

Ellis didn’t want to break up anymore. He wanted to be with Ondine forever.

The moment his last exam was over, he called home.

“Ellis, are you done with your exams?” his mother, Shania, asked.

“I am,” he said, pausing as if steeling himself. “Mom, I have something important to tell you.”

“Are you finally getting back together with Chantal?” she asked hopefully.

“No,” he said. “I have a girlfriend at school. I’m serious about her, and I want to bring her home for Christmas.”

“What did you say?”

“I said I’m in love with a girl, and I want to bring her home to meet you.”

Shania took a deep breath. “What kind of girl? Where is she from? What does her family do?”

Ellis clenched his fist. “She’s from Riverdale. An ordinary family. She was raised by a single mother who runs a small restaurant.”

Shania felt the world spin. “Son, are you joking with me?”

“I’m serious. She’s so good to me, and she doesn’t want my money. She’s with me because she loves me.”

Shania let out a bitter laugh. “She says she doesn’t want your money, and you believe her? How can you be so naive?”

Shania wouldn't budge. “I will never allow her into this family. If you feel so bad, I can give her some money to compensate her.”

“Mom, if you won’t accept her, then I’m not coming home.”

“Are you threatening me?” she gritted out.

“No,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I just want to be with her.”

Shania closed her eyes and sighed, offering a compromise. “Marry Chantal, and I will allow you to keep that girl on the side.”

“No. That’s not fair to either of them.”

“That is my final offer,” Shania said coldly. “If you don’t accept it, you will never be with that girl.”