Seeking Cinderella

By Marissa Garza

Once upon a time, Cinderella found her happily ever after with the help of a fairy godmother. Generations later, Cinderella's descendants are still magically bound to find true love.

The glass slipper demands a new owner.

Maxwell Channing has lived a charmed life, unaware he's the descendant of Cinderella until the day he inherits the glass slipper. A nonbeliever in magic, Maxwell is thrust into Prince Charming's role to search for his modern-day Cinderella. If he refuses to find his princess, the spell will end his life. To complete his quest, Maxwell recruits help from a young woman assigned to be his seeker.

The fairy godmother demands retribution.

Jane Baker carries a dark curse thanks to her ancestor's cruelty to Cinderella. As a descendant of the evil step-sisters, she's riddled with bad luck unless she can redeem herself in the eyes of the fairy godmother. When a modern-day Prince Charming shows up at her doorstep, she must help Maxwell find the new owner of the glass slipper before they run out of time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marissa Garza
• Release date: Nov 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370768530

Marissa Garza

Marissa Garza's love for writing started at a young age. Her first short stories were written in comic book format about kids with superpowers. When her handwritten comic books evolved into novel length stories, she ditched the notebooks and color pencils for a desktop computer. Eve spent her nights locked away in her room, creating a fantasy world of adventures until the early hours of the morning.She majored in Graphic Design, Computer Science, and earned a minor in English and enrolled in a Creative Writing course for the pure joy of sharing her stories with the class. Her dream of sharing her stories came to fruition when she decided to self-publish online. Her romance novels are within the Contemporary, Fantasy, and Paranormal sub-genres.

Book preview

SEEKING CINDERELLA

THE DESCENDANTS SERIES: BOOK 1

By MARISSA GARZA

SEEKING CINDERELLA

By Marissa Garza

Copyright © 2017 Marissa Garza

Smashwords Edition

Seeking Cinderella is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents found within are of the writer’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or deceased, actual events, locale, or organizations is purely coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be shared or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including by not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email, and printing without proper consent in writing from the author.

Visit Marissa Garza’s website for information about new eBook releases:

http://evereiher.com

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER ONE

The Texas heat tousled Maxwell Channing’s hair the moment he stepped out of the courthouse. As a native, the rising temperatures in the south didn’t bother him. His client, Mr. Jones, was still acclimating to Texas’s robust nature and her rules. The pleased grin on his client’s face was proof of their win in court. Jones escaped criminal charges and a hefty fine for driving while intoxicated.

Thank you, Mr. Channing. You helped me get out of a sticky situation. Jones shook his hand with enthusiasm.

Remember that when you receive my bill.

I will. He smirked before descending the courthouse’s steps. A gorgeous blonde in a maxi dress waited by the sports car.

Maxwell nodded. He watched as Mr. Jones sped away from the curb and joined the busy street. A car horn blared in response. The sound of screeching tires echoed in the distance. He planned to keep Mr. Jones’s number on file. With his reckless driving, Mr. Jones may need his services again.

Max! There you are! I heard you won another case. Aaron Sandoval strode up to him and patted Maxwell’s back. Aaron was a longtime friend and colleague at Johansson’s law firm. Unlike Maxwell’s six-foot-one frame, blue eyes, and muscular build, Aaron stood a foot shorter with a lean frame. His ebony eyes contrasted with his pale, freckled skin. Let’s stop by Joe’s Pub and Grill for a drink.

Wish I could, but there’s work to do.

Work? Come on, Max, we should celebrate your victory in court. This case is your seventh consecutive win, am I right?

A cold beer on a scorching afternoon sounded tempting. If Maxwell wanted to become a law firm partner, he didn’t have time to relax. Maybe some other time...

Victoria Johansson might drop by for a drink,

Maxwell paused from checking his wristwatch. He cast Aaron a sideways glance and noticed the smirk on his friend’s face.

I have time for one drink.

I knew you would change your mind if it meant seeing Victoria. Aaron typed a quick message on his phone.

It’s not what you think, Maxwell said with a shake of his head. Victoria Johansson was an attractive woman, an excellent lawyer, and off-limits. Aaron was playing matchmaker, but trying to set him up with Victoria was not a good idea.

No? Then how about you explain it to me? Aaron asked. His pale cheeks were taking on red spots under the Texas sun. He expelled a sigh the moment they entered Joe’s Pub and Grill. The cool breeze from the air conditioner wafted in greeting. It enveloped his heated flesh like a soothing balm. Victoria is gorgeous, a brilliant attorney for such a young age...

She’s the daughter of Robert Johansson, the owner of Johansson Law Firm. Our boss. Maxwell said. The smell of grilled meats and sauteed vegetables teased his senses. Customers lounged in booths or sat by the bar as the bartender filled their drinks with beer from the tap. A waitress maneuvered through the tables, carrying a tray of food.

It didn’t cross my mind, Aaron shrugged as he settled on the bar stool.

Maxwell took a seat and tapped a finger on the shiny lacquered counter. Scratches riddled the wooden bar from years of use, but the rustic appeal drew customers to the pub. This place brought back fond memories of their college years and his late-night meals at Joe’s pub. His favorite spot used to be a secluded booth away from the rowdy crowd. He spent some of those nights preparing for his midterms. Aaron joined him occasionally, but he spent most of his time mingling with the single ladies at the bar.

This might surprise you, but I’m not interested in Victoria. Eying the bowl of peanuts on the bar, Maxwell pushed it aside. He signaled the bartender for two beer bottles.

Could have fooled me. I’ve seen the way you look at her.

Dating Victoria is too risky for my career, Maxwell turned his attention to the front door, expecting to see Victoria. But the woman entering the restaurant was a Hispanic woman in her late fifties, but still a beauty. She clutched a wad of tissue paper in her right fist. Wisps of salt and peppered hair escaped her bun. The woman’s eyes were puffy and red. Had she been crying or a case of allergies?

If there’s an attraction, I don’t see the harm in dating her. Aaron popped a peanut into his mouth. Marrying the bosses’ daughter might benefit you. Mr. Johansson would make you partner for sure.

I plan to become a partner on my merit and not because I marry the boss’ daughter. Maxwell thanked the bartender for the beer. And there’s no way in hell I’m getting married.

What’s your aversion to marriage? Aaron sipped his beer. It might be nice to come home to a wife and kids. Maybe enjoy family trips like the ones we used to have as kids. He paused from taking a sip and tossed Maxwell an apologetic look. Sorry, man. I forgot you lost your parents when you were young.

It happened a long time ago, Maxwell ignored Aaron’s attempt to recover from his blunder. Are you still dating the cute clerk at the court? What’s her name again?

Sally. Aaron’s neck flushed while he shifted in his seat. We’re planning a weekend trip to the beach.

A weekend trip? Maxwell’s lips quirked, Is it becoming serious?

Well... Aaron cleared his throat as he slipped a black box from his pocket. I’m going to ask her to marry me.

You can’t be serious... Maxwell stared at the diamond solitaire ring set on a white gold band.

What can I say? She’s the one...

The one. Maxwell cringed. The stone twinkled under the fluorescent lighting. He snapped the box shut. There’s no such thing.

You’ve always been cynical about marriage. Aaron said with a slight shake of his head. He tucked the box into his coat pocket. One day, you’re going to find the right woman. You’ll understand what it’s like to be in love.

Don’t hold your breath. Maxwell took a sip of his beer to wash away the unsettling pit in his stomach.

"Disculpe. Excuse me, but are you, lawyers?" Maxwell and Aaron shifted in their seats. The polite voice came from the Hispanic woman he spotted earlier. Upon closer view, tear-streaked lines stained her blushed cheeks.

Can we help you? Maxwell asked. The woman extracted a photo from her purse and handed it to him. It was a school picture of a teenage boy, maybe seventeen, with dark brown hair and eyes. He handed it to Aaron, who studied the picture with little interest.

My son, Ignacio, was visiting a friend to play video games. The cops arrested him during a drug bust looking for his friend’s Uncle. He had nothing to do with the drug dealing, but the cops don’t believe me.

Aaron frowned and handed the woman the picture. Sorry about your misfortune, but we work for a large firm. I don’t think you can afford our fees.

His dismissal brought fresh tears to her eyes. She struggled to maintain her already crumbling composure. Her hand shook as she clutched the photo of her son to her chest. Maxwell pitied the woman’s predicament. Aaron’s comment might be accurate, but his lack of sympathy caught him by surprise. Aaron shifted on his stool. He curled his lip in annoyance before signaling the bartender for another drink. No longer interested in the woman’s plight, Aaron turned his attention to the bowl of peanuts. Not too long ago, Aaron would have stopped to help a person in need even if there was nothing to gain. The least they could offer is some free advice.

If you plead your financial situation, the court will appoint an attorney to your son’s case. Maxwell said.

I already did, but the attorney doesn’t care. He wants my son to accept the plea bargain. If he does, my son will go to jail for ten years. Her lips trembled as she struggled to speak past the tears clogging her throat.

Who’s assigned to the case?

Mr. Larry Thomas.

Aaron and Maxwell exchanged knowing looks. They were familiar with Larry Thomas and his ambulance-chasing ways. There were laws against seeking clients in the emergency room or from disaster sites. His get-rich-quick tactics were disreputable. And on the verge of losing his license to practice law. Working as a court-appointed attorney sounded like a desperate act to fall into the court’s good graces. Thomas was not representing his client’s best interest.

Can you tell me your name?

It’s Rita Rodriguez.

Maxwell reached into his coat pocket and handed the woman his business card. Rita, this is my office number and address. The first thing I want you to do is to fire Mr. Thomas and tell him to forward your son’s case to me.

You’ll help my Ignacio? Fresh tears flowed down her cheeks. I promise I’ll collect some money and pay you....

There’s no need. I’ll represent your son pro bono.

Gracias! Rita clutched his business card along with the photo of her son. "Your kindness will bring you good fortune. Que Dios te bendiga." The woman wiped away her tears as she hurried out of the pub. She crossed the street and entered the courthouse, on her way to fire Larry Thomas. The lawyer’s lack of interest cost him a job. Maxwell might have made an enemy of the shady lawyer, but it was of little importance. He could handle a man like Larry Thomas.

I’m surprised you agreed to help her. Aaron sipped his beer and eyed Maxwell with a curious expression.

"Why are you surprised? Maxwell asked.

Because it’s possible he is guilty, and it’s going to ruin your winning streak.

Have you forgotten one of the most sacred principles of our legal system? Innocent until proven guilty.

Yeah, sure, but pro bono? We work at a prestigious law firm and help clients who can afford our high-quality legal representation. We don’t work to do charity work.

No rules prohibit us from doing pro bono work.

True, but you said you have lots of work waiting for you. You don’t have the time to add another case.

I’ll find the time. Maxwell placed the twenty-dollar bill on the bar. Thanks for the drink.

The beer only cost four bucks. Aaron pointed out as he stared at the twenty.

Use the extra cash and buy Victoria a drink on my behalf.

Why not stick around and buy her a drink?

Can’t. If I’m handling Mrs. Rodriguez’s case too, I need to catch up on my other files today.

CHAPTER TWO

Jane Baker stood beside the hospital bed of her friend, Paige. Her friend looked comfortable, but she was too young to be living in a nursing home. At twenty-five, Paige should have been going out on dates and enjoying life. Instead, she was living in this sparse room with a heavy scent of bleach and medicine. A small table and two chairs offered the family a place to sit. As an only child with no family left, there would be no visits for Paige. Jane brushed away the stray tendrils of her hair from her friend’s pale cheeks. In her unconscious state, the Doctor advised them a nursing home was the best place for her.

I brought Paige some flowers. Ally’s voice wavered. Her hands trembled as she settled the vase on the small table. Like Jane, they were both shaken by their friend’s sudden condition. Yellow roses are her favorite.

I thought the car accident was a minor fender bender.

I thought so too. Ally pushed aside the curtain, shedding more light into the room. Jane could see Ally’s reflection in the window. She feigned interest in the garden behind the nursing home as she blinked away her tears. Her aqua-colored eyes resembled the beautiful sea on a sunny day. The shadow clouding her thoughts made them turbulent, like an approaching storm. Jane’s eyes watered. Her throat constricted painfully to see her best friend this way.

The doctors were at a complete loss when nothing medically wrong afflicted their friend. This unexplained condition had to do with dark magic. It sounded crazy, and no one would believe them. Ally fretted across the room—she understood the cause just like Jane. They shared similar circumstances. Their fates were touched by magic and a dash of misfortune. It lurked around them, and they tried to protect each other from it. But Paige’s current condition proved it hadn’t been enough. No one descended from storybook villains was safe.

Jane clasped Paige’s limp hand. For a brief second, an overwhelming rush of panic filled her. Her attention darted to the heart monitor to check if it was still beating. The rise and fall of Paige’s chest gave her reassurance.

Did the doctor say anything else about Paige’s condition?

Jane wiped away a tear. They said the concussion caused it.

Do you believe that?

I think there’s magic involved.

Ally shuddered. If you’re right, it won’t be long before we’re next.

Panicking will not help. Paige’s sudden coma was disconcerting, but the fairy godmother’s fickleness was never random. They didn’t strike without devising a plan. What were they planning for Paige’s fate?

What do you suggest we do? If Paige is under a sleeping spell, the fairy godmothers are sending a message. Ally backed away from the bed in alarm, My ancestor came from the ocean. If magic is behind this, what do you think it’s going to do to me?!

Ally, please calm down.

I don’t know how to swim!

Ally! Jane gripped her friend by her upper arms before she might have run out of the nursing home in a panic. Breathe.... She inhaled and exhaled until Ally mimicked her.

I’m sorry, Jane. I’m okay now.

Good. I need you to call Nina Swan so she can arrange a meeting with the Descendants Support Group. She needed to remain calm. A storm brewed in Ally’s eyes. If Jane displayed any signs of fear, Ally might crack. They needed to stay focused and contact their support group leader, Nina. Unlike the storybook villain’s descendants, the Swan family were victims of