Chapter 18 " The contestants were chosen for their own merits , not their background , " Nathan says with characteristic eloquence . " April Farrah was chosen likewise . The Ashfords respect the preliminary selection results and the appearance of a dependent ward did not change that . If anything , April should be commended for her courage to stay in this competition while caring for her little sister . It shows a tenacity that is required in an Ashford . " His words make my throat close up with emotion and my eyes water . I might actually shed a tear - then he adds , " I want to reiterate , that the Ashfords do not care about background . Both the privileged and underprivileged are welcome in this competition and will be given a fair shot at becoming a bride . We don't care about trivial , petty things like background or influence . " 1 The reporters applaud , and Samuel looks immensely pleased with Nathan's response . Peter , on the other hand , rolls his eyes , and when they meet mine , he shrugs like : See ? I told you so . And he did tell me so . The rest of the speech , especially the last part - Peter's exact words to me that day - makes my eyes dry up and a bitter taste spread in my mouth . The Ashfords are generous and altruistic and have big fucking hearts . I wonder if Nathan came up with the script all by himself or if someone wrote it for him . I think I'd have preferred not knowing what he thought of me . Because his words , his robotic , impersonal words , make me feel even more conflicted than usual . Does he really believe everything he said ? Does he actually think I'm courageous and commendable ? Or was that also part of the script? I push those thoughts out of my head and focus on the press conference , careful not to look at Nathan or make further eye contact with Peter . I listen as question after question is asked , and one or two Ashfords answer elegantly . " Rumor has it that the competition is actually for only two spots , " one reporter says . Samuel raises a brow . " What's that supposed to mean ? " " Well , the presence of Lara Ellington prompted that debate . It's no secret how close the Ashfords and the Ellingtons are . It makes the public wonder if she hasn't already been chosen behind the scenes as a bride for one of the heirs . " I glance at the girl in question , and she doesn't look the least bit fazed . I wish I could be so confident and sure of myself . Samuel shakes his head . " That rumor is baseless . Lara is a contestant like every other young lady . The competition is completely open and transparent ; the public's opinion matters greatly to us and my sons will choose their brides referencing the public's opinion and the results of the competition . I assure you , there is no predetermined outcome . No one , not Lara Ellington or anyone else is favored to win . " Lara's smile falls slightly ; I'd have missed it if I wasn't paying attention . It's evident she doesn't approve of Samuel's answer , and I bet I know what she's thinking - what everyone is thinking . Predetermined or not , Lara is destined to be an Ashford bride . She has everything : the public's approval , education , poise , and - despite what Nathan or the rest of the Ashfords say - she has the perfect background . The press conference finally ends , and relief floods me . Easton mentioned yesterday that after the Ashfords were interviewed , we could wait behind and answer questions from any of the reporters if we wanted . But I don't linger for even a second . I grab June's hand just as a reporter heads in our direction and hightail it out of the garden . " You don't want to answer questions ? " June asks innocently as I lead us back into the mansion . I squeeze her hand . " No , hon . I'm tired , " I lie . I will not expose my sister to the curious , judging eyes of the public more than she's already been . " Wanna take a nap ? " she asks sweetly , I smile down at her , knowing that she , too , most likely feels exhausted from all the excitement . " A nap sounds divine . " If , for even a couple of hours , I can curl up with my sister and forget about this morning , it'll be amazing . I just hope Nathan doesn't show up in my dreams like he's been doing lately . 1/3 Chapter 18 I'm surprised to enter my room and find Jessica and Lucy there . Both of them are huddled together , their heads bowed over a phone . They look up simultaneously when I walk in , and I'm taken aback by the look on their faces . Delighted . My maids - who before now have been sullen at worst , distantly polite at best - look delighted to see me . " Um ... " I glance at June , and she looks equally confused . " Hi ? " " Miss ! " Lucy exclaims , rushing forward to meet me . It looks like she wants to hug me but at the last minute remembers herself . So she settles for taking my free hand and shaking it enthusiastically . " They love you ! " I frown . " Who ? " " Everyone ! " Jessica answers , rushing forward and practically shoving the phone in my face . I take it from her hand and move it away slightly so I can see properly . " So she's like a representative for the common people ? Love it ! " " It's giving dramaaaaa . " " If she wins , it'll be like a real - life Cinderella story ! " " I know her , she lives in my apartment complex ! " " Nathan said background doesn't matter . She could actually win ! " " Her little sister is so freaking adorable ! " " April for the win ! " " The Ashfords are unlike any other conglomerate family . " " She's literally the prettiest girl in the competition . " " It'll be so satisfying if she wins . " " I want her to win . " " I hope she wins . Comment after comment , speculating about me , wishing me well , hoping I win . " They ... like me ? " Lucy nods . " They really do . Some are even saying you might win . " I shake my head . " That's absurd . " Jessica smiles . " Is it ? You never thought you'd get this far , right ? " I sink into the mattress . She's right - 1 - never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be living in a mansion , eating world - class meals , and wearing gorgeous dresses . What if ... I shake my head and hand the phone back to Jessica . " Are you ... okay ? " she asks , assessing me skeptically . Am I okay ? 2/3 8044 Chapter 18 No , I don't think so . Because those comments are swimming round and round in my head like a whirlpool , they're overthrowing Peter's attitude , Nathan's comments , and my fears . And they're giving me something I haven't had since I entered this damned competition : Hope . Chapter Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!