From Unwanted Ward To Unattainable Queen

n. He was my guardian, my savior, and

ing his portrait, he didn't

is fiancée I was just a "minor household issue"

pine for him. Ins

and sent him a check for every single cent

rence. He looked wrecked, desperate, and f

home. He tried to cla

ho used to worship him

who broke my heart and

aid, stepping back into the arms

st hate

, I watched him crumbl

pte

ie

, a sound that felt dangerously lou

curve of his jaw, the way his brow furrowed when he rea

wing Marc

n when I was ten. The man

olishly, desperately

have been

ts on the desk. *Don't judge me,* I

ll

from the door

s the page, smearing charcoal a

oom, sucking the air out of my lungs. He walke

re you

d, scrambling to

was f

ver mine, forcing the bo

shed my chest. He stared at his own face, rendered in charcoal

voice devoid of emoti

rd was

cus,

nds. "I am your guardian, Ellie. Not your m

the desk. It was

The look in his eyes changed. It wasn't anger a

is own phone

No, just dealing with a

househo

s to him. A nuisance.

at me, his expressio

ision. You're go

he room spin

u looked at. You're

ife is here.

ruthlessly. He tossed the sketchbook on

llie. You need distance

ng me away?" M

g other than... this." He gestured vaguely at me,

I say you are ready. Unt

d his ba

aid over his shoulder.

idn't end w

h as he walked out, leaving me alone w