They Made Me the Knight, But I Became My Own Princess Chapter 02

They Made Me the Knight, But I Became My Own Princess Chapter 02

Early the next morning, Mom’s pounding on my door woke me.

As soon as I opened it, several workers marched into my room and began carrying out the bookcase. Mom stood in the hallway directing them.

“Easy. Don’t scuff the walls.”

When she saw me, she casually pointed toward the guest room at the end of the hall.

“Molly, your sister has too many clothes for her current closet. This room gets the best light, so we’re knocking down the wall and turning it into a new dressing room for her. You don’t own much. Stay in the guest room for a few days.”

I watched one of the workers toss my drawing board onto the floor. Sheets of artwork scattered everywhere.

“The guest room doesn’t have heat.”

Mom waved me off impatiently.

“Spring is almost here. What do you need heat for? Your sister will be getting married soon. This is her last stretch at home. Can’t you let her enjoy it?”

Sadie stepped out of her room in silk pajamas and yawned.

“Mom, why is everyone making so much noise this early?”

When she saw me, she gave me an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, Molly. I just have so many clothes. If you feel shortchanged, I can give you some of the old things I don’t want anymore. You could wear them on your blind date.”

I crouched and picked up my drawings one by one.

“No, thanks. I’ll move.”

I packed my belongings into a few cardboard boxes.

There truly wasn’t much. Aside from a few changes of clothes and some design books, there were pitifully few signs that I had ever belonged in this house.

The guest room smelled stale and moldy from being shut for so long.

I opened the window. A cold early-spring wind rushed in, making me shiver.

My phone vibrated. Wade was calling.

“What are you doing?” His deep voice held a tenderness most people would have missed.

“Packing.”

I looked around the empty guest room.

“Do you have a lot?”

“No.”

I lowered my eyes.

“Everything will fit in a single suitcase.”

Wade was silent for 2 seconds.

“We can buy whatever you need after you arrive. I’ve already had the apartment cleaned. It’s close to your university.”

“Okay.”

His voice softened.

“Molly, don’t look back.”

The hand holding my phone grew warm.

“I won’t.”

After the call ended, the door opened. Mom came in carrying a steaming bowl of soup.

“Molly, I made carrot and beef soup for you. Moving rooms must have worn you out. Drink it while it’s hot.”

The sight of carrots floating in the bowl made my stomach churn.

“Mom, I’m allergic to carrots.”

She stared at me, her smile faltering.

“Oh, look at my memory. It’s fine. Just pick out the carrots and drink the broth.”

I looked at her matter-of-fact expression.

“I’ll still have an allergic reaction even if I pick them out.”

Her face darkened.

“Why are you always so fussy? Sadie has eaten them her whole life without a problem. You’re the only one who makes everything difficult.”

She picked up the bowl and turned to leave, but stopped at the door.

“By the way, we’ve invited some relatives over tomorrow night. We’re celebrating Sadie’s engagement to the Keatons while they’re here. Come home early and help in the kitchen. And stop walking around with that long face. The family will laugh at us.”

She slammed the door behind her.

I stared at the closed door, then slowly sat on the bed. I pulled a mint from my pocket, unwrapped it, and put it in my mouth. Its cool sweetness spread over my tongue, easing the ache rising in my throat.

Wade had slipped it into my hand the last time we met.

He had told me to eat one whenever life tasted bitter.

I lay down on the cold bed and slowly closed my eyes.

Soon. Only 2 days left.