Page 240 of Bad Prince

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I went after something.

Just like Isa would.

Just like the world expects you to if you want anything.

The thought hits me sideways.

And I let out a shaky breath.

Because maybe?—

just maybe?—

this is what it feels like to stop being the girl who endures…

and start being the one who moves.

The park hasn’t changed.

The sun is still warm.

The flowers still bloom.

People still pass by like nothing just happened.

But everything inside me?

Different.

Completely.

Because somewhere out there?—

a man who built empires just got a message

from the daughter he never knew existed.

And I don’t know what he’s going to do with that.

But I know what I did.

I showed up.

And for now?—

that’s enough.

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