SEND GIFT COMMENT Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Valencias POV The day slipped through my fingers like sand in an hourglass . I had woken up at six , prepared to head to the academy or . more truthfully , to escape but instead found myself ambushed Celeste and the seventeen year old twins barged into my room like a whirlwind , their squeals and giggles piercing through the early morning calm .. Were here to get you ready for your big day ! Celeste announcel , bouncing on the balls of har feet ! I blinked at them , baffled . Big day ? For the wedding , of course ! Its just tomorrow ! she chirped , ignoring my groan as two maids followed behind them with an assortment of beauty supplies . I dont need 1 started , but Celeste cut me off with a clap of her hands . Mother said youre not allowed to leave the house , so dont even think about escaping to the academy . She grinned triumphantly , completely oblivious to my rising frustration . ance I swallowed my retort and nodded , knowing resistance would only waste precious time . My plans with Marcelene would have to change . When the maids began applying a face pack , exhaustion claimed me . Sleep had eluded me the night before as Id packed my small luggage into a school backpack and hidden it under my bed . Marcelene had agreed to go pick me up in the morning as usual and we had decided to head to the hospital to get her mother discharged first . From there we would head to Velhaven ogether which would be about a four hour drive . I called Marcelene quietly in the bathroom , explaining to her the situation She sighed , Well , I honestly think its better not to attract any attention at least for a couple hours after we escape . If you leave now we wont have enough time to discharge mom . And theres a high chance of getting caught . I sighed then added , I think you should leave first then Discharge your mom and head to Velhaven . I will find a way to leave at night . I know the Bus works late into the night- She scoffed , Princess , have you ever traveled in the bus before ? Uh..no ? Isnt it just swiping a card on the machine thingy ? I answered feeling embarrassed . She chuckled , I will head to Velhaven first right now . Im sure I will be done by four oclock and get my mother settled . 1 think I will be back before midnight . So be ready , and lock your door before leaving so no one knows before dawn . Are you sure ? Wont you be tired ? Of course , You owe me a massage once we are settled somewhere . 1 chuckled as she cut the call . After giving myself a quick pep talk I stepped out . The twins , thankfully , were ushered out after a while , but not before Celeste dropped her final bombshell . I cant wait for you to see the dress Mother picked for you ! Its absolutely perfect ! she gushed , blowing me a kiss before skipping our Chapter 29 I bit back a groan , muttering under my breath , Im sure Ill love t By late afternoon , Marcelene texted to confirm her progress , Reef flooded through me everything was on track . I smiled faintly but barely had time to put my phone down before Celest barged in again , this time dragging August along . Oh my gosh , Vil You wont believe what just happened ! she squealed , her eyes sparkling . I forced a tight smile . What happened ? Were going shopping ! she announced triumphantly . Shopping ? Why ? To buy you a wedding dress ! I blinked , caught off guard . Didnt Mother already arrange one Celeste giggled , waving her hand dismissively . Your fiancé insists you pick one yourself ! All of us are going , August added , his tone flat , his expression as annoyed as mine . All of us ? I repeated . Yes ! You , me , Dante , Caius , Aiden and August ! Celeste clapped her hands . Isnt it exciting ? Exciting ? More like horrifying . My stomach churned as Augusts sharp gaze bored into me . His lips curled slightly , almost as if he could read the panic bubbling beneath my surface . Get ready , he said , voice clipped.We leave in ten minutes . As they left , I quickly dialed Marcelene . How long until youre back ? I whispered , anxiety threading through my voice . Two hours , maybe less , she replied . Whats wrong now ? I explained the sudden change in plans , my words spilling out in rush . I see , Marcelene said , her tone thoughtful . Its just shopping , right ? Youll be fine . Just dont look him in the eyes 100 much . And dont try to lie youre terrible at it . I am not ! I protested , offended . Marcelene chuckled . Sure , whatever helps you sleep at night . Just be careful , okay ? Ill be there soon . I sighed and hung up , rifling through my wardrobe for the ugliest outfit I could find a forest green dress that looked like it belonged to a 1900s girl scout . I paired it with orange lipstick that clashed horribly with my complexion , tying my hair into a simple ponytail . I studied myself in the mirror . If this doesnt make him rethink everything , nothing will Smiling grimly , I made my way downstairs , ignoring the mortified look Celeste gave me when she saw my outfit . you look .. she trailed off , her expression a mix of confusion and pity . Like a clown , August supplied , his tone dry as he smirked . Thank you , I said , feigning pride as I resisted the urge to blush . 11:41 Tue , Jan 14 Chapter 29 Aiden raised a brow , his gaze lingering . Why are you dressed like that ? I fumbled for an excuse . Ah , I really like this dress . Does it look bad ? He surprised me by shaking his head . No , you look different as always . The limousine ride to the mall was surprisingly calm . For once , the suffocating tension between us siblings was absent , and it made me strangely nostalgic . We arrived at Caribou Cafe to find Dante and Caius waiting . My heart skipped painfully as Dante stood , his face lighting up when he saw me Without a word , he took my hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it , his touch sending an unexpected jolt through me . His blue eyes locked onto mine , briefly flashing gold , and I swallowed hand , looking away . You look wonderful , he said softly . I wanted to roll my eyes and scoff . He was kidding right ? I bit my lip , glancing down at his casual attire a white polo shirt and jeans . Thank you … You look comfortable . His chuckle was warm , his dimples deep , and for a moment , I felt my resolve waver . Why did he look so genuinely happy ? This was a political marriage an arrangement . He had no reason to look at me like that , as if he were genuinely excited about the future . A pang of guilt twisted in my chest . I was going to leave , and hed be left blindsided . Was I about to hurt him the way Jaxon had hurt me ? 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