The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel Chapter 821

Jeanette had no idea what was in store for her—not until several days later, when she and Leif finally arrived back in Africa.

Now, standing in front of two crumbling red-brick houses, she was completely stunned.

This had to be a joke. Wasn’t Leif supposed to be African royalty?

A creeping sense of dread settled in her chest as she stared at the dilapidated buildings. Slowly, she turned to look at Leif, searching his face for answers.

He was staring right back at her, but there was none of the tenderness or affection she thought she’d seen before. His expression was cold, calculating, almost cruel. Still, Jeanette clung stubbornly to her fantasy—she refused to believe her dream of marrying into royalty could shatter so easily. She stared desperately at Leif. “What’s going on? Can you explain this? Didn’t you say you were royalty?”

Leif’s grin stretched wide, flashing his blindingly white teeth. He finally dropped the act.

“Royalty? Oh, come on. You actually believed that?”

His laughter shook his entire chest, deep and mocking.

Jeanette’s eyes widened as she remembered the news stories she’d seen back home—her heart skipped a beat and fear swept over her. Her lips trembled, but she couldn’t form a single word.

Just then, three women stepped out of the red-brick house, each cradling a child in her arms.

When they saw Leif, their eyes lit up. All three hurried toward him, their faces full of joy, like wives welcoming home a long-absent husband.

Leif slipped an arm around each of them, speaking in rapid, affectionate tones in his native language. Jeanette couldn’t understand a word, but it was clear they were all delighted.

It should have been a sweet, touching scene, but Jeanette only felt a chill run down her spine.

She silently begged for this tender moment to last, but her hope was in vain. It ended all too quickly.

The women—all still holding their children—turned their attention to Jeanette, surrounding her with sharp, appraising looks. It felt as if they were sizing up livestock, not another human being.

Jeanette recoiled, stumbling backward in fright.

One of the women looked her over for a while, then said softly to Leif, “Well, looks like we finally have someone to handle the chores.” There was a smile in her eyes as she spoke.

The other two nodded in agreement, grinning at Jeanette with the same unsettling delight.

Jeanette’s face went pale. Without another thought, she turned and bolted.

No. No way. She was not spending the rest of her life in this miserable place.

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