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Before Liam even woke up, the Sterlings arrived.
Ethan was at our door first thing in the morning, practically bouncing with excitement. Behind him were his
grim–faced parents and his older brother, Marcus.
“Willow told me she’s pregnant with my child!” he announced. “I’m taking her home to give her the status she
deserves!”
My father explained what had happened with the curse. I looked at Ethan’s deliriously happy face and sigh- ed. I had removed Willow’s power source. If Ethan had been cursed, he would be lucid by now. Which mea- nt… he was just a genuine idiot who had actually fallen for her.
How had I ever been engaged to this moron?
Mrs. Sterling forced a smile. “Well, in that case, Miss Marsh has certainly wronged your family. But since she is carrying a Sterling child, perhaps it is best if you entrust her to us.” She gave my mother a meaningful look. My mother understood and immediately agreed.
Willow was carried out to the Sterlings‘ car and driven away.
The following Monday, the Sterlings came to the school and officially withdrew her, taking all her records. She was now completely under their control.
The Sterling family’s rise to prominence had been a messy one, filled with illegitimate children and mistres- ses that had nearly torn them apart. As a result, the current generation was pathologically intolerant of infid- elity and out–of–wedlock heirs. They would never allow a manipulative, low–born girl like Willow to marry into their family. They would find a way to make sure both she and the child disappeared.
I felt nothing. Willow had brought this on herself.
When I got home from school, Liam was sitting on the sofa, a box of my favorite osmanthus cakes on the table beside him. His face was etched with guilt. Before he could speak, I ran to him and threw my arms around him. “Brother, I don’t blame you,” I whispered. “You were sick. But you’re better now.”
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He said nothing, just hugged me back tightly. Before Willow, he had doted on me, spoiling me rotten. The curse had turned him against me.
At dinner, he watched me, frowning. “You’re too thin. Eat more.”
I stuck my tongue out at him and added more rice to my bowl. He told me not to worry about Willow anymo- re. Knowing his ruthless nature, I trusted him to handle the fallout.
