ManyWriters

  1 At age eight, our family's spiritual guide proclaimed my fate as "too delicate." Consequently, I was dispatched to Serenity Ridge, a sanctuary brimming with mystical energy, to live in isolation. The plan was for me to remain there until I turned eighteen. However, upon my eventual return to the family home, I uncovered a shocking revelation: For a decade, my supposed loving siblings had allowed their adopted foster sister, Jessica, to assume my identity. During my fiancé's birthday celebration, she took her deception even further. Jessica seized the symbol of our betrothal–a gift from my uncle, the Emperor–and flaunted

Shattered Masquerade, The Heiress Returns

"Assert it?" I cocked my head. "Weren't you all just demanding I bow and express regret earlier? It's amusing how swiftly your attitude shifts."


Victor's jaw dropped, then clamped shut. He was at a loss for words.


Jessica's mouth trembled, and she directed her watery gaze toward Edward.


Edward spoke, his tone bitter and low. "If Savannah didn't possess such a spiteful nature and a track record of stirring up problems, I wouldn't have questioned her. If she's been mistreated, it's her own doing."


Silence enveloped the room once more as my father's face grew darker. Edward paused before continuing, "If I'm incapable of shielding Jessica as the Duke's successor, then what's the purpose of being the heir at all?"


"Excellent!" A commanding, resonant voice echoed from the entrance.


The entire assembly turned as a shrill voice announced: "His Majesty, the King!"


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