Page 47 of Royal Deception

“There’s no sense in pushing for more if the other person isn’t capable of stepping up,” she continues, a slight edge creeping into her voice. “Trust me, Clary. Sometimes, it’s better to keep things to yourself than to set yourself up for disappointment.”

I don’t miss the shift in her tone—the way her frustration seems to have a deeper root. “Ana…” I murmur, watching her carefully.

She shakes her head, waving a hand as if brushing it off. “This isn’t about me,” she says, forcing a small smile. “I just don’t want you to rush into anything and end up hurt.”

I nod slowly, letting her words settle over me.

Because as much as I want to believe Rory would handle this the right way… I can’t be sure.

Not yet.

I exhale slowly, still feeling unsteady, but somehow, lighter. I don’t have all the answers—hell, I barely have any—but at least I know I’m not alone in this.

I glance at Ana, who’s watching me with quiet understanding. “Thank you,” I say softly. “For not judging me. For just… listening.”

Ana’s face softens. “Of course, Clary.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “You don’t have to figure everything out all at once. Just take it one step at a time, okay?”

I nod, swallowing past the tightness in my throat. Then, without thinking, I lean in and wrap my arms around her. She doesn’t hesitate, hugging me back just as tightly.

When we pull away, she gives me a reassuring smile. “I’m always here if you need to talk.”

“Same,” I promise.

We grab our things and head for the door, stepping out into the cool evening air. As Ana waves and walks in the opposite direction, I stand there for a moment, watching her go.

I’m still conflicted. Still scared.

But at least now, I know I have someone in my corner.

And maybe for now, that’s enough.

As soon as I step through the front door, I know Kate is in one of her moods. The air is thick with tension, and I barely have time to close the door before her sharp voice cuts through the silence.

“You’ve been out all day,” she snaps from the kitchen, not even bothering to turn around. “Must be nice to waste money gallivanting around town instead of pulling your weight around here.”

I clench my jaw, forcing myself to keep moving. Engaging with her when she’s like this is pointless. “It was just coffee,” I say evenly, slipping off my shoes and heading straight for my room.

“Just coffee,” she mimics mockingly. “Every time I turn around, you’re out spending money like you have any to spare.Maybe if you actually contributed, I wouldn’t have to keep this household running all by myself.”

I grip the doorknob to my room a little too tightly, biting back the retort burning on my tongue. Instead of taking the bait, I shut the door behind me, shutting out Kate’s bitter muttering.

Exhaling, I drop my bag onto the bed and pull out my phone. A quick glance at my bank app should be enough to put my mind at ease. Last night, I moved a decent chunk of my paycheck into savings—money I’m going to need now more than ever.

I tap into my account. And then I freeze.

My balance is lower. Way lower. The savings transfer I made is gone. In its place, a large withdrawal stands out in stark red numbers.

Panic tightens my chest. I click into the transaction details, but I already know.

Kate.

She’s done this before, but never with this much.

My stomach twists as I grip the phone, my hands shaking with barely contained fury.

This was my money. My future.

And she stole it. Again.