You are destined to be here.
But you're not the only one.
Remember that.
I close the book.
I should feel trapped. Horrified that there's no escape hatch, no way to undo this.
But the feeling that fills my chest isn't horror.
It's relief.
I don't have to feel guilty about my mom. I didn't abandon anyone because there's no one to abandon. My life is here. My whole life, transplanted, waiting for me.
And if I want to stay—
I can.
A shadow falls across the book.
On the small table beside me, there's a cup. Delicate porcelain. Tiny painted roses. Steam curling from the rim.
I know what this tea does.
Last time, I drank it because I was tired of being careful.
This time, I drink it because I choose to.
Because this is my life now. And I'm done fighting it.
The warmth spreads through me, golden and sweet. My eyes grow heavy.
I curl into the armchair.
And I sleep.
I WAKE UP IN MY OWNbed.
For a long, disoriented moment, I just lie there, staring at the silk canopy above me. The sheets are smooth beneath my fingers. My dress from last night has been replaced with a nightgown I don't remember putting on.
How did I get here?
Hewhay's magic. It has to be. The bookshop delivered me back while I slept, tucked me into bed, and disappeared.
My phone is on the nightstand. I reach for it—
And freeze.
There's a text from Heart.
So you're MARRYING THE MAFIA KING OF THE SOUTH??? Could have told me yourself instead of having your FIANCÉ'S LAWYER call the studio. Very classy, Bailey. Very professional. I had to find out from some man in a three-piece suit that my assistant is becoming royalty or whatever it is those people call themselves.
Don't expect a wedding gift. Do expect me to hold this over your head forever.
Also, congratulations I guess. He better be worth it.
I stare at the screen.
