The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 50

Sunlight streamed through the pristine windows, casting a bright stripe across the polished marble table.

Ondine’s eyelashes fluttered. It took her a long moment to regain her composure before she could manage a quiet, “Thank you.”

…

That afternoon, Zaria received a video call from her mom Jolie, who was halfway across the world.

“Sweetheart, are you having a good holiday?” Jolie appeared on the screen dressed in a breezy sundress, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, with a backdrop of blue skies and a sparkling ocean.

“I was just on a trip to Tahiti with your father,” Jolie said with a laugh. “I completely forgot yesterday was Christmas Day.”

“It’s been great,” Zaria replied. “Ondine and I celebrated together this year. She’s an amazing cook. She made a huge Christmas Eve dinner for me and my brother.”

Zaria leaned over, pointing the camera at Ondine. “Ondine, it’s my mom.”

“Mrs. Thorne, happy holidays,” Ondine said, feeling a little awkward as she was suddenly pulled into the frame.

“Ondine, dear! Welcome to our home. Happy holidays to you too!” Jolie greeted her warmly before gently chiding her daughter. “Zaria, Ondine is a guest. Why would you let her do all the cooking? Is that how I taught you to treat people?”

Ondine quickly interjected, “It wasn’t Zaria’s fault. I wanted to do it. I’ve been imposing on your family for so long, and Zaria and Seth have helped me so much. I just wanted to do something to thank them.”

Zaria pouted playfully. “See, Mom? It’s not my fault. Ondine and I are so close, she’s like family. It was a kind gesture, and it would have been more awkward to refuse.”

“She’s right, it wasn’t her fault,” Ondine added.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify