Chapter 36: Torn
“I’m honestly doing okay after my mate’s rejection,” I told Isabella. “As you said, the power of choice is just as important as fate. And I want to choose to be happy and not waste my life pining after someone who rejected me.”
Now, if only my former mate would leave me alone.
“That’s a great way to look at it,” Isabella noted as she pulled into her long driveway.
The beauty of Gareth’s mansion stunned me just like always. On the front steps, Butler Jones was waiting, his posture straight and his arms behind his back.
“Miss Isabella,” he greeted, then turned to me. “And Miss Lowett, good morning. Miss Michelle is in the back. She’s already started practicing her swordwork. Her weapon’s test is next week.” The butler glanced around and lowered his voice slightly. “She needs to improve greatly if she’s going to pass the test.”
I nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her where she needs to be by next week.”
“I’ll come with you to offer moral support,” Isabella added as we walked through the wide doors.
In the expansive backyard, Michelle was swinging a sword around wildly. She didn’t have the correct form or proper footwork. When she saw me, her green eyes went wide with joy.
“Jasmine!” she yelled and flung the sword to the ground. She raced up to me and brought me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. How are you?”