The Principessa's Second Life

Khalid came downstairs in a bathrobe. "Where were you last night?"

A fresh bite mark on his neck—Sloane's, undoubtedly. His voice was a low, satisfied rasp.

I replied, "I went to see Maya."

Maya Russo was my best friend. Khalid knew her.

He still cared. Maybe he’d let go of his resentment. A flicker of hope ignited in me that we could go back to being simply brother and sister.

"I know you look down on Sloane, that you think her background makes her beneath you. But let me be clear: she's the woman I want. From now on, you will show her respect."

When had I ever looked down on her background? The confusion must have been written all over my face.

"Don't be so arrogant. She risked herself to clean up your mess."

I was even more lost.

"What are you talking about?"

Khalid's patience snapped.

"Don't play dumb… You drugged me last night, didn't you? Sloane is innocent. She wanted to give me her first time, and you ruined it."

"I didn't!" I retorted.

It was true, I had loved Khalid for years, but I would never use such a despicable method and tarnish the family honor.

Khalid said, "Sloane and I had dinner out, then we came back here. The only thing I drank was the glass of wine you always leave in my study. It couldn't have been anyone else."

In my past life, I’d wondered why he never investigated who drugged him. I’d assumed he was set up and was too ashamed to speak of it.

In that moment, I understood. He thought it was me. No wonder he hated me.

He hated me enough to drag my parents down with him into the flames.

He hated me so much that he wouldn't even let the child we conceived exist in this world.

Bitterness rose in my throat, and my eyes stung.

"Believe what you want, but I didn't do it. I swear it wasn't me."

Just then, the door to Khalid's room creaked open. Sloane appeared, wrapped in one of his shirts, looking like a frightened rabbit. "Khalid, is Cassia mad at me?"

Khalid shot me a wary glance. "Cassia's not mad. She's only going to wish us well."

"Khalid's right, Sloane," I said, a saccharine smile on my lips. "You were there for him when he needed someone. I'll speak to my father and the Capos, make sure they approve of this relationship."

A flicker of triumph crossed Sloane's face. Khalid's gaze, however, remained sharp with suspicion.