The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 71

No. That’s not fair. He, though was a jerk, deserved an answer before someone else said it for me. I didn’t want to wait for anyone to hand me the right time, the right words, the right stage.

I’d let too many people speak for me before. Bianca. The gossipers in the hall. Callum.

Even my father, who would be arriving soon with the truth on his tongue and a legacy to wield like a dagger.

But he didn’t get to say it first.

I did. And I had to end it. Callum was always chasing duty, not love. Not me.

I wiped my fingers on a napkin, took a breath, and began to cross the ballroom.

It was like stepping into ice water. Each click of my heel echoed too loud. I passed people who didn’t even notice me, and others who definitely did. A few turned their heads. A few whispered.

Callum and Zane hadn’t seen me yet.

Zane tilted his head and grinned at something, probably teasing him. Callum looked down, pinching the bridge of his nose like he needed to hold his thoughts in place.

And then, Callum glanced up.

Saw me.

Zane did, too. His reaction was louder.

“What did you do now?” he hissed at Callum, making me almost smile.

Callum stiffened like he’d been caught with his hand in a fire. He looked like he might bolt, but didn’t. Good.

Even if he had, I would have caught up.

I stopped a few feet in front of them, lifted my chin, and found my voice.

It didn’t shake.

“Evening.”

Zane opened his mouth, but I held up a hand.

“I came to say something I should’ve said long ago.”

My eyes met Callum’s.

“I meant what I said. I don’t want anything from you. And since you can’t make the choice, I will.”

Callum’s breath left him. His face went a shade paler. Something in me begged, whined for me to stop. I felt this string of barbed wire rip through me, but this had gone long enough. I’ve had enough.

“As you know, you tried to sever us once. You failed because you lacked knowledge. But don’t worry—”

I drew in a breath. The ballroom was too warm. Too quiet.

“You don’t have to look over your shoulder or feel guilty. You’re free. And so am I.”

I swallowed, and then said it. Clearly, sharp, like a declaration. Like a sword.

“I, Liora Silverthorne, reject the bond.”

“Is she claiming to be—?”

“She’s not even registered.”

“She’s lying. That’s the King Alpha’s—”

“Or she’s illegitimate.”

“That would explain… everything though.”

“She’s faking it. Got a big head from the test scores.”

“Bianca can clear this up, relax. She’s lying.”

I kept walking.

Mia spotted me near the edge of the ballroom and opened her arms like she wanted to pull me into a hug again.

But I veered past her.

I couldn’t be touched right now. Not when everything I was trying to hold together had just started to split at the seams.

But at least I did it.

I said it first.

And there was pride in them, him, finding out from me.