chapter816

Fiona and Monica were bursting with curiosity.

They just couldn't wrap their heads around it. Sandy, of all people, had been talking trash about Lydia the whole time they were away at training. How could someone who always acted so delicate be so spiteful?

What really made them mad was that Silvia never said a word to Sandy. Instead, she just kept picking on Lydia. Was the teacher out of her mind? It didn't make any

sense.

Lydia glanced at them and spoke quietly. Have you ever heard those stories about the real and fake heiress?"

Both girls stared at her, completely lost. "What?"

Real and fake heiress? Wait, wasn't that the plot of those trending novels lately? Sandy and Lydia... It couldn't be, could it?

Lydia nodded, just a little. It's exactly what you're thinking. Sandy's convinced I stole the life that was meant to be hers."

"Oh my god, but... We've never even heard her last name," Monica said.

"Yeah, which family is she supposed to be the real heiress of?" Fiona added. Lydia replied, The Smith family. Used to be the richest in Lakeview Town." Fiona and Monica just stared, at a loss for words.

That night after dinner, Lydia didn't head back to the dorm with them. She disappeared into the lab instead she had way too much on her plate.

The week slipped by before they knew it.

On Friday, Connor came to pick Lydia up, just like before. Aiden was behind the wheel of his usual black Mercedes, waiting outside the dorm.

Lydia walked out with Fiona and Monica. When she spotted the car, she paused and smiled at her friends. "See you next week."

That's when it hit them-Lydia had someone waiting for her.

Monica shot a look at the black Mercedes and caught a glimpse of Aiden in the driver's seat. She leaned toward Lydia and whispered, "Is that your boyfriend? He's seriously good-looking, even from the side. You two would look amazing together."

Aiden heard her and froze, wishing he could suddenly lose his hearing.

Connor, not far away, caught every word, too.

He remembered Lydia mentioning her new friends in the dorm. So, these were the

ones mistaking Aiden for her boyfriend? That was definitely not okay.

Lydia was about to explain when the back window rolled down. Suddenly, a ridiculously handsome face appeared.

Lydia lifted an eyebrow.

Fiona and Monica went totally still. He was gorgeous. Was he even real? How could anyone look like good?

He did look a little familiar, though. But not so familiar that they could figure out why. Was this Lydia's actual boyfriend?

Before they could start guessing, Connor looked at Lydia and asked, "Lydia, why not invite your friends to dinner with us?"

Lydia almost laughed. Was he really

trying to mark his territory? Just

because they mixed up Alden and

dup

Connor, did he really need to make a

big deal out of it?

Then again, she had promised Fiona and Monica that Connor would take them out sometime.

"I'll ask them," Lydia said.

She turned to see Fiona and Monica still looking starstruck. "It's almost dinnertime anyway if you guys aren't busy, want to grab something. to eat before you head home?"

Fiona and Monica finally snapped out of it, cheeks pink. "Are you sure? We don't

want to crash your plans."

"It's fine, really," Lydia said. She planned to pick up Luke anyway.

Oh, well... okay then." They were way too curious to pass up the chance. Just this once, they'd tag along.

Monica climbed into the front seat. Lydia slid in next to Connor in the back with Frona on her other side sneaking glances at Connor. He looked so familiar, but she couldn't quite place him.

Once they left campus, Connor said, "Let's go pick up Luke."

Lydia always treated Luke like her own brother, so Connor did the same.

Fiona glanced around, realizing the car was already packed. "Wait, we're picking someone else up? Monica and I can get a taxi if it's too crowded."