I’ll Be My Princess

Chapter 2

The next morning, I was woken by Mom's knocking.

When I opened the door, several workers immediately walked into my room and started carrying my bookshelf out.

Mom stood in the hallway directing. "Careful. Don't damage the wall."

Seeing me come out, she pointed naturally at the guest room at the end of the hall. "Quinn, Isabella has too many clothes. Her walk-in closet can't fit them all. This room of yours has good light. We'll knock through and make her a new closet. You don't have much stuff. Move to the guest room for a few days."

I watched the workers toss my drawing board carelessly onto the floor, sheets of paper scattering everywhere.

"The guest room has no heating."

Mom waved her hand impatiently. "It's almost spring. Who needs heating? Isabella might marry into the Parker family. While she's home, can't you just let her be happy?"

Isabella walked out of her room in silk pajamas, yawning. "Mom, why are you making so much noise so early?"

Seeing me, she gave an apologetic smile. "Quinn, I'm sorry. I really do have too many clothes. If you feel wronged, I'll apologize. Anyway, your men's clothes don't need that much space."

I crouched down and picked up the scattered drawings one by one. "No need. I'll move."

I packed my things into a few cardboard boxes. It really wasn't much. Aside from a few changes of clothes and some design books, there was pitifully little evidence that I belonged in this house.

Moving into the guest room, the air smelled musty from long disuse. I opened the window. Cold wind mixed with early spring chill rushed in. I shivered.

My phone buzzed. It was a call from Hugh.

"What are you doing?"

His voice was low, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tenderness.

"Packing."

I looked at the empty guest room.

"Is it a lot?"

"Not much."

I lowered my eyes. "One suitcase is enough."

Hugh was silent for 2 seconds on the other end.

"I'll have everything ready. I've already had the villa cleaned. Just waiting for you."

"Mm."

His voice softened. "Quinn, don't go soft."

I held the phone, my fingertips warming slightly. "I won't."

After hanging up, the door was pushed open. Mom came in carrying a steaming bowl of soup.

"Quinn, I made you carrot and pork rib soup. You worked hard moving rooms. Drink it while it's hot."

I looked at the soup with carrots floating on top, and my stomach churned. "Mom, I'm allergic to carrots."

Mom froze. Her smile stiffened. "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. "Picking them out still triggers the allergy."

Mom's face darkened. "Why are you so delicate? Isabella has eaten them her whole life with no problem. Why is it always you?"

She picked up the bowl and turned to leave. At the door, she stopped. "By the way, the relatives are all happy about Isabella dating Hugh. Everyone's planning to celebrate for her. Come back early and help in the kitchen. Don't sulk all day and let them laugh at us."

The door slammed shut.

I looked at the closed door, then slowly walked to the bed and sat down. I pulled a mint candy from my pocket, unwrapped it, and put it in my mouth. The cool sweetness spread across my tongue, suppressing the bitterness rising in my throat.

This candy was from Hugh, the last time we met. He said, "When things feel bitter, eat one."

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

Almost there. 2 more days.