From Cell to Crown- The Disgraced Heiress Returns

Chapter 8

Elowen nodded, her voice calm but firm. "You're marrying Drake, so just stay home and take care of everything."

Narissa hadn't expected them to try and take away the only thing her mother had left her. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, and her anger flared. "That company was left to me by my mother. It's mine. What right do you have to make this decision for me?"

Evan furrowed his brow, his tone dismissive. "Because I have shares in the company. I have a say in what happens. Now, just rest. The doctor said your health is weak, so don't worry about the company."

When the door clicked shut, Narissa's eyes welled up, a single tear tracing down her cheek.

She had lost everything her mother had left her—her company, her memories, everything.

During this time, Drake made a point to visit her every day. When he learned about the situation, his eyes filled with sympathy, and he gently wrapped her in his arms, his voice soft as he comforted her. "Don't worry, once we're married, all of this will be yours again. No one can take what belongs to you."

But Narissa felt nothing. His words failed to stir her. In an attempt to cheer her up, Drake showered her with stuffed animals, filling her room with them.

Soon, the room was overflowing with plushies in her favorite pink hues, turning it into her personal haven.

But one afternoon, as Narissa woke from her nap, she overheard Liora's voice, dripping with coquetry and dissatisfaction. "You gave Narissa all these dolls, but what about me?"

Narissa watched from behind the sheer curtain as the two figures leaned in close. Drake's voice was tight with panic. "Narissa is still inside. Let's talk outside."

Liora huffed, a mix of jealousy and entitlement in her voice. "Why are you so scared? She's asleep. You spoil her with all these dolls, but what about me?"

Liora's voice shifted from playful to demanding as she turned to leave. Drake glanced nervously at the room, then quickly pulled her into his arms, affectionately tapping her nose with a smile. "Silly girl, if you want some, I'll buy you some too."

Liora's fingertip traced his chest, moving up to his neck. "But I want these ones. Will you give them to me?"

Drake's smile vanished as his hand firmly grasped hers, his voice turning cold. "Liora, stop. Please."

Liora pouted, her face clouded with frustration. "I just want the ones here!"

Drake's expression softened again, though his tone remained firm. "If you really want them, I'll get you some more. But those—those are off-limits."

Narissa watched as Liora's eyes flashed with a mix of jealousy and satisfaction. She lifted her head and kissed Drake, her lips lingering on his.

Drake's throat tightened as he tried to pull away. "Let's go somewhere else."

Liora's laughter was soft, teasing. "Haven't we been doing this all along? Let's do it here. Narissa won't notice."

Drake sighed, his breath shaky. He lowered his head to kiss her neck, murmuring, "You little seductress."

Narissa's heart ached, her chest tightening as the sharp sting of betrayal washed over her. After they left, she stumbled to the trash can, vomiting violently. Days of sleep, filled with restless thoughts, passed, and all the while, Drake and Liora had been wrapped up in their affair.

As they reveled in their hidden relationship, Narissa quietly recorded everything.

Soon after, she moved out. The thought of that room, of the betrayal that had taken place there, filled her with disgust.

When Drake found out she had left, he rushed to her in panic. "Narissa, why did you move out?"

Narissa stared at him coldly, her voice steady. "Because it's dirty."

His face paled in an instant. Narissa gave a faint smile, her eyes void of warmth. "A dirty room is disgusting if it's not cleaned properly, right?"

Drake's heart raced before settling into something more resembling relief. He let out a slow sigh, but there was something unsettling about her words. "You're right. It does need cleaning."

Though he tried to mask his regret, something gnawed at him. "Narissa, we're about to get engaged. I'll make sure we have a big wedding."

Narissa barely moved the corners of her mouth, no smile in sight. "Before the engagement, I'll give you a surprise."

Drake's eyes lit up, and he pulled her into his arms, his grin wide and affectionate. "What's the surprise?"

"It's a secret."

He was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled, tightening his hold around her. "Narissa, do you know? I've been going crazy just wanting to be with you."

Narissa said nothing, her mind already set. She knew the engagement wouldn't happen because she was leaving on Liora's birthday, and there were only five days left until then.