Chapter 40

EMILIA

Who’s real? Who’s not? Emilia Janice Carter, the poor bakery owner, or Emily Margaux Vanderbilt, the estranged daughter of billionaire couple Genevieve and Andrew Vanderbilt?

The headline loops in my mind, over and over, like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.

My stomach twists violently, and I hunch over the toilet, retching.

Liam is right beside me, one hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on my back, the other holding my hair away from my face. His touch is steady and reassuring, but I can hear the worry in his voice.

“Breathe, love. Just breathe.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t breathe.

Because it’s out now.

The truth.

The secret I’ve spent years protecting.

Exposed for the whole world to see.

Liam helps me up and I stand in front of the mirror, leaning onto the sink for support. I open the tap, rinse my mouth and face. My movements are automated and I can vaguely feel Liam let go of me.

Then I hear th