Page 62 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“Mom tried to tell me that if I didn’t end it with Serena, all of that would go away because they’re the only reason I’m successful.”

“If anything, they probably tried to hinder your success at every turn.”

“That’s what I thought. They can claim whatever they want. I don’t care. I know how much work I’ve put in and all the amazing things I’ve accomplished. They won’t take that from me.”

“Good for you. But…I’m a little confused. How did you and Serena suddenly go from boyfriend/girlfriend to engaged.”

“I may have told a little white lie. I reacted too quickly when they were being assholes to her.”

“And how did Serena take the news?”

“Not well.”

Dee laughs and nods before she smiles at me. “You might want to go fix that, baby bro.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I chuckle as I walk back outside.

I hope she lets me fix it, anyway.

13

SERENA

Istep out of the garden, the laughter and music of the party fading as I walk toward the house. The sun is setting, casting a warm, golden light over everything, but the warmth doesn’t reach me. I feel a chill in the air, an unease that’s been building all day. Something is off.

As I near the house, I hear voices—Logan’s voice, low and firm, and then others, sharper, more insistent. I slow my pace, my heart picking up speed as I catch snippets of their conversation.

“…end it with her, Logan. If you don’t, you’re out. Out of the family, out of the business, out of the will.”

I freeze, my breath catching in my throat. They’re talking about me. I inch closer, hiding behind the corner of the house, and peek around to see Logan standing with his parents and brother. Their faces are set, hard, as they confront him. My stomach twists, guilt gnawing at me as I realize what they’re asking him to do.

“She’s beneath you, Logan,” his mother says, her voice sharp with disapproval. “A party planner? You can’t be serious. This is not the life we envisioned for you.”

“You’re throwing everything away for a mistake,” Chaz adds, his tone dripping with contempt. “You don’t even know who she really is. She’s probably just after your money.”

My chest tightens, and I press a hand over my heart as if I can physically hold the pain in.

They’re right, aren’t they? I mean, who am I compared to them?

I’ve spent my whole life working hard, but I’m a candy shop owner who can barely live paycheck to paycheck.

But then I hear Logan’s voice, steady and resolute. “You don’t know Serena like I do. She’s not after my money. She’s kind, talented, and she makes me happy. I love her, and nothing you say is going to change that.”

Love.

Slow down, boy!

We just met. You can’t love me already

What are you doing?

Tears prick my eyes, and I have to bite my lip to keep from making a sound. Logan’s defending me, standing up to his family, and the sincerity in his voice is overwhelming. But it’s also crushing. He’s willing to give up everything for me, and I’m not sure I’m worth it. Not worth the millions, the legacy, the life they’ve built for him.

I have to stop this. I can’t let him ruin his life for me. My heart pounds in my chest as I turn away, trying to clear my head and figure out what to do. That’s when I see the magician, standing a few feet away, adjusting his props. He catches my eye and waves me over.

“Serena, perfect timing! I could use an assistant for this next trick. What do you say?”

I blink, momentarily thrown off.