The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 37

Ondine hadn’t seen Zaria in three and a half years. The summer after high school graduation, Zaria had confessed her feelings to Yohan Payne, only to be rejected. She had left for university abroad and hadn't returned once.

Ondine knew how much Zaria had loved Yohan. Riverdale was a city of heartbreak for her. But now, four years later, she had finally found the courage to come back.

“Ondine!” Zaria’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her. “I thought you weren’t going to be here!”

“My mom was transferred to Boreal, so I had some free time. I wanted to surprise you,” Ondine said with a smile. Seth had kept it a secret from Zaria for that very reason.

“Oh my God, I’ve missed you so much!” Zaria threw her arms around Ondine in a tight hug. “It’s been over three years! You’ve gotten even more beautiful.”

Ondine laughed. “You must be tired after such a long flight.”

“I was, but seeing you makes it all go away.” Zaria, as bright and cheerful as ever, handed Ondine a bag. “A gift for you.”

“Thank you.” As Ondine took it, Zaria’s expression suddenly changed. She looked from Seth to Ondine, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Wait a minute. Why are you two here together?”

On the way to the airport, Seth had asked if he should tell Zaria about their marriage. Ondine had hesitated. Sensing her reservation, he had suggested they keep it a secret for now.

Ondine’s main concern was the Thorne family. It was one of Riverdale’s most prominent families, and Seth was the Thorne Group’s president. His wife was supposed to be a debutante from a family of equal standing, not an ordinary girl like her.

With her mother’s illness and the mounting medical bills, she felt like a burden, a bottomless pit of expenses. Even if the money was nothing to Seth, it was an astronomical sum to her. She was grateful for his help, but it only deepened her feelings of inadequacy. She was sure the Thornes would never accept her.

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