Burn Those Who Burned Me novel Chapter 169

Wait what!!

Londyn noticed my surprised expression and explained further. The KRS Spring Flings were a big deal. Every year, one of the major 4 continents would host. The year we turned 16, the event was hosted in Kingston. As a present, my parents treated Olivie and her friends to an entire weekend of a luxury hotel, the entire three–day concert, and backstage passes. Of course, I wasn’t invited.

A nerve wrecking thought crept into my mind. If she did all of that for her cousin’s birthday; what would she be willing to do for her brother’s….Oh dear god! They were already talking about over 500

guests.

“So, Gracie, what did your parent’s say when you told them you were marrying Kai!”

Londyn’s question snapped me back to reality. Suddenly, dark memories of the day I told them I accepted House Christiansen’s proposal came flooding back. My father’s greedy overjoy, my mother’s disbelief, my sister’s envy, and the mocking from Jonathan and Brian. A sour taste seeped into my mouth. It took a moment for me to realize the room had fell quiet as Kayla and Jackie gazed at me empathetically. I guess Jackie knew about the Rochesters….made sense…I’m sure Cameron told her.

“What??? Did I say something wrong?”

Before I could answer, Kayla interjected.

“No, no…Gracie’s mom passed away when she was 12.”

Londyn’s eyes widen. She slapped her hands over her mouth as her eyes began to water.

“Oh, my gosh!!! Gracie! I’m so sorry!!! I didn’t…”

I immediately held up my hands. I knew Kayla was trying to protect my truth about the Rochesters; but I didn’t want it to be at anyone’s expense.

“You don’t have to apologize Londyn. What Kayla said is true, my adoptive mother did pass away when I was 12. But my biological parents are aware and happy about the marriage.”

Londyn had a confused look on her face. Knowing what questions would follow, I proceeded to tell her about my life and the Rochesters.

The room was silent after I finished my harrowing tale of my adoptive mother and my life after her

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11:13 Thu, Sep 11

Chapter 169

passing. Jackie shook her head quietly; tears flowing down her face. Londyn’s face was filled with tears and anger. Through a shaky voice, she spoke.

“H–How….how could they? Who does that to their own daughter and sister.”

Looking at me with conviction and guilt, Londyn walked over and embraced me into a tight hug.

“Could you all excuse us for a moment?”

Kayla asked the waitresses and nail techs as she walked over to me and Londyn.

As the waitresses and nail techs stood to leave, Jackie jumped up.

“Wait!! Before you all leave, please sign these NDAs. I’m sorry but we have to protect our privacy, we’d appreciate if you all kept what you heard indoors.”

What!!! When did she…as if reading my mind, Jackie explained.

“Cam gave them to me this morning to be cautious. He said he wasn’t sure what women talked about on spa days.”

She laughed aloud causing us all to laugh.

“OMG!!! He’s such a right–hand!”

Kayla giggled as she wiped the tears out of her eyes. I looked at all three of the women standing before me, in a short time, these women all became so important to me. They’d become my family, welcoming me with opened arms and no judgement. I loved them all. I needed them to know that. Sitting everyone down, I began to explain.

“Listen to me…I want you all to know something. I love you! In just a short time, you have all done more for me than my family could have ever done in an entire lifetime.”

The irony was that was true…I lived two lifetimes with the Rochesters, and they still couldn’t hold a candle to my new family.

“I told you all this story not because I want your pity…but because I want you all to know how much you mean to me. What I went through, yes it was terrible. BUT…it also led me to my new family and my new life. So, for THAT…I’m eternally grateful! I have you all.”

My voice cracked at that last part. It was true…through all the pain and horrors, I’d found my way

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Chapter 169

here. If I had too, I’d do it all again just for this moment.

We all hugged and cried as we told each other we loved each other.

“I’m so glad Kai found you!”

“We love you too!!”

The girls‘ said in unison as they sobbed and hugged me tighter.

“Alright, alright! Enough of this mushy stuff! Back to girl’s day!!”

We all laughed and held our glasses high at Kayla’s toast. And just like that…Girl’s day was back in

motion!

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11:13 Thu, Sep 11

“Burn those who burned me!”

Chapter 170