My Final Decision

Chapter 33 I looked at my mother, her voice was honeyed, but I tasted the bitterness beneath. She spoke of Jayden's good character, of how they'd known him since childhood, and how they'd always trusted him to take care of me. But I knew the truth her words were laced with self-interest, not concern for my happiness. Their plan had always been to use me to gain proximity to the royal family, to build alliances and secure power. And if I chose Orion, it would all come crashing down. My mother's words were a thinly veiled attempt to manipulate me, to keep me in line with their expectations and as they know I always obey them they just have to mention it. Aurora's voice sliced through the tension, a calm rebuke to my mother's manipulation. "Mrs. Bryson, you shouldn't be doing this. We've all agreed to let Davina choose without pressure, so let's allow her to make her own decisions." Amelia chimed in, her tone firm. "Aurora's right, Elena. Let Davina choose what she wants. Don't coerce her