Katrina had been gone for fifteen years, while I had been with him for the last seven. But in his eyes, her word was gold, while mine was nothing.
In front of Katrina, even seven years of loyalty meant nothing.
One word from her had been enough to convict him, leaving me defenseless.
It was blatant favoritism, a glaring display of partiality.
And I, in the end, was nothing more than a stand-in, a placeholder with nothing to offer.
"Lewis, we're done.” I looked up into his eyes and spoke with great determination.
I turned to my campus friends, who had watched the whole scene with wide eyes. “Sorry, guys. I’m heading home. Enjoy your lunch.”
Gathering my things, I did not bother looking back at Lewis.
“Grace, wait!”Lewis’s voice thundered behind me, but I ignored it.
There was no point in staying. No point in arguing with a man who had already decided my worth.
As I returned to the Manor, I headed straight to my bedroom, ignoring the curious gazes of the staff.
The last time they had seen me was two years ago, pushing my suitcase out the door in defiance.
I could not accept being matched with a man I did not know, even if it was for the sake of the family business.