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“Well?” Diana prompts.
I glance over at her. “I’ve been accepted.” My voice sounds hollow even to my own ears.
She beams, and I smile back at her. That’s when the news fully hits me.
“I’ve been accepted!” I scream, and hug her. “I’m going to Columbia University in the fall!”
Roman appears over Diana’s shoulder. He leans casually against a pillar, pride shining in his eyes as he watches me. When I release the housekeeper, he wanders over.
I leap into his arms. He catches me, with an easy chuckle, and crushes me to his chest.
“Congratulations. I knew you could do it, principessa.”
“You did?”
“Of course. When you’re determined, nothing in this world can stand in your way.” He takes in my dubious expression. “Have some faith in yourself, I have plenty in you.”
I’m beginning to believe that’s true. He seems to think I can take on the world and it will bow before me, opening any door that I decide to knock upon.
My gaze narrows. “You didn’t influence my acceptance, did you?”
Roman clicks his tongue in mock offense.
“Absolutely not.” He sets me on my feet. “This was something you had to do for yourself, on your own merits, and you did it. I’ve never been more proud of you.”
Relief washes over me like a tropical waterfall. I did this. On my own. Without help from Roman, or my father, or anyone or anything else. I studied hard and it paid off. I’ve been accepted into the college of my dreams.
I smile at Roman. “I’m going to Columbia!”
He pulls me in for a scorching kiss and my toes curl. “We’ll celebrate tonight. Be ready by six.”
“Where are we going?”
“Dinner on my—our—yacht.” Another kiss. “Then love-making beneath the stars.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“Good. Don’t be late.” After one more kiss, he disappears back inside the house.
I create a group video call with my sisters and cousins. As soon as they’re all on, I blurt out the good news.
“Congratulations!” Ravenna and Elena say in unison.
“That’s wonderful.” Arianna shoots me a reserved grin.
“Ah! I’m so envious.” Ginevra pouts. “You get to experience the world outside of…this. There’ll be parties and boys. You lucky bitch!”
I laugh at her reaction, having expected nothing less from Gin. “News flash, I’m married, so there won’t be any boys.”
Gin pulls a face. “Fine. But are you not going to cheat on your husband because you’re afraid of what he’d do or because you’re madly in love with him?”
Her question throws me. I blink at the screen like a mute owl.
Gin gasps.
Arianna chides her.
Elena’s brows shoot up.
