The Side Character’s Rebellion / Chapter 5: Bloodlines and Reckonings
The Side Character’s Rebellion

The Side Character’s Rebellion

Author: Mary Schmidt


Chapter 5: Bloodlines and Reckonings

← Prev

The betrayal stung more than anything else. I wanted to scream, to break something, to make him feel even a fraction of my pain.

He can keep dreaming.

I straightened my shoulders, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill. I would not let them see me broken.

I used the token bestowed by the First Lady to leave the house and enter the Governor’s Mansion.

The token was heavy in my pocket, a symbol of borrowed power. I walked through the gates, my head held high, determined not to let anyone see my fear.

The First Lady was dining with the younger son. When she saw me, she immediately waved. “Evelyn, have you eaten? If not, come eat with me.”

Her voice was warm, practiced—a perfect hostess. The dining room smelled of roast chicken and fresh bread, and the table gleamed with silverware polished to a mirror shine.

I hurriedly said I had already eaten.

I didn’t trust myself to sit at that table, to pretend everything was fine. My hands were still shaking, and I was sure she’d notice if she looked too closely.

The First Lady continued chatting with me while lovingly serving the younger son a bowl of soup. “You’re already grown, yet you’re still jealous of your brother?”

She ruffled his hair, her smile indulgent. The younger son grinned at me, slurping his soup with boyish enthusiasm.

The younger son downed the soup in one gulp. “No matter how old I am, I’m still your kid. Competing for affection and acting spoiled in front of Mom is nothing to be ashamed of.”

He winked at me, and for a moment, I almost smiled. The easy affection in this house was so different from the cold formality of my own.

The First Lady tapped his forehead with a smile. “You—hurry to class. If you’re late, your tutor will give you an earful.”

He grinned, grabbed his backpack, and dashed out of the room, leaving a trail of laughter behind him. The First Lady watched him go, her smile fading as the door closed.

Watching the younger son’s hasty departure, the First Lady’s smile slowly faded. “Are you here to ask me to stand up for you?”

Her tone was sharper now, all warmth gone. She fixed me with a look that made me feel like a child caught sneaking cookies before dinner.

I quickly stood up straight. “Nothing escapes your eyes, ma’am. Carter switched the bride, and I do feel wronged, but I’m not someone who doesn’t know her place.”

My voice was steady, but my heart raced. I chose my words carefully, not wanting to sound desperate.

The First Lady’s deep gaze fell on my face. “Then why did you come to the mansion?”

She raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to slip up. I swallowed hard, searching for the right words.

I bowed low. “I have a matter of great importance. After much thought, I felt I had to confide in you.”

I kept my head down, hoping she’d hear the sincerity in my voice. The silence stretched between us, heavy and tense.

Her brows furrowed. “You came from a small town. What great matter could you possibly have?”

Her skepticism stung, but I stood my ground. I glanced around, noticing the staff hovering at the edges of the room, their eyes sharp.

I glanced at the staff around and bit my lip, remaining silent.

I let the silence speak for me, hoping she’d understand. The tension in the room was palpable.

The First Lady impatiently waved her hand. “All of you, out.”

The staff filed out, closing the doors softly behind them. The room felt suddenly too big, too empty.

The room fell into a strange silence.

The ticking of the clock was the only sound. I felt exposed, every word hanging in the air between us.

After a long while, the First Lady spoke in a calm voice. “Is something wrong with Carter? I won’t hide it from you. Back then, because I failed to protect him, he suffered so much. Now, in my heart, Carter is above everyone else. If you slander him, be prepared for consequences.”

Her words were a warning, but beneath the steel I heard a mother’s fear. I hesitated, weighing my next move.

Such favoritism—I had never received it in all these years.

A pang of jealousy shot through me. I wondered what it would feel like to be loved so fiercely, to have someone defend you no matter what.

I blinked, hiding the envy and sorrow in my eyes. “Does ‘everyone’ include your younger son?”

My voice was soft, but the question hung in the air. The First Lady’s eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening.

She suddenly stood up. “If you keep spouting nonsense, don’t blame me for forgetting old ties.”

Her words were ice-cold. I flinched, but held my ground, refusing to look away.

A sense of suffocation swept over me. My vision went black, and I bit my tongue hard to stay clear-headed, staring at her bloodshot eyes and speaking hoarsely: “If you don’t believe me, why are you so agitated? You must have suspected it before, right?”

My voice was barely above a whisper, but it seemed to echo in the silent room. I watched her face crumble, just for a moment.

She slowly released my hand, as if losing all strength, and collapsed into her chair. “Impossible!”

She pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, eyes wide with shock. I stood there, unsure whether to comfort her or flee.

That time he fell into the water, Carter, though he survived, was left with a limp. It was I, unable to bear seeing him mocked by the other kids, who taught him to make platform shoes so no one would notice his limp.

I remembered showing him how to hammer the blocks to his shoes, laughing as we painted them together. It had been our secret—a way to protect his pride.

But those who serve Carter, or those who covet his position—if they pay attention, this not-so-secret secret will eventually be discovered.

The political world of the capital was cutthroat. I knew that any sign of weakness could be used against him. My warning was as much for her as it was for myself.

The governor has four sons and five daughters. By family background and the governor’s affection, your family should be secure. I heard that a month before Carter returned to the capital, the governor already intended to make the younger son his heir.

The stakes were high. Every family in the capital watched the governor’s decisions, waiting for a chance to rise—or to bring down a rival.

The younger son, both emotionally and rationally, would not and could not fight his own brother. For Carter’s pride, he would surely keep a low profile. But the third and fourth sons wouldn’t be so gentle.

I’d seen the way they eyed Carter, the way they whispered in the hallways. The competition was fierce, and there were no guarantees.

Do you want to lose to the socialite Mrs. Shaw and her son, and bow to her in the future? Or lose to Mrs. Dean and her son, dragging your clever younger son down with you?

I laid out the risks, hoping she’d see reason. The First Lady’s jaw tightened, her eyes flickering with doubt.

Today I have troubled you with my clumsy words. Please punish me as you see fit.

I bowed low, bracing myself for her wrath. My knees pressed into the polished hardwood, the pain grounding me in the moment.

After speaking, I dared not look at the First Lady’s darkened face, bowing low on the ground.

The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating. I focused on the intricate pattern of the rug, waiting for her verdict.

A sharp pain shot through my knees. The room was so quiet it made me uneasy.

I could hear my own breathing, shallow and ragged. The tension was unbearable.

After a long, long time, the First Lady finally spoke coldly: “Get up. You saved my son’s life. Today I’ll let you go. If you dare act out again, I won’t be so lenient.”

Her voice was clipped, but there was a hint of gratitude beneath the frost. I scrambled to my feet, relief and fear warring inside me.

I hurriedly got up, stumbling.

My legs were numb, but I forced myself to stand tall. I refused to let her see how shaken I was.

The barrage, quiet for a long time, once again flashed before my eyes:

[What does this side character even want? No way—my girl’s supposed to be the most powerful woman around. Why’s this side character so bitter—if she can’t have it, she wants to wreck it?]

[And what’s so special about the younger son? Everybody knows he ambushed the lead on his way back to the capital. If the lead hadn’t gotten lucky, he wouldn’t have made it. And now this side character is trying to get the First Lady to give up on the lead.]

[Ugh, I want to jump into the story and kick this side character out. She’s just stirring up trouble, so gross.]

The comments stung, but I felt a strange sense of triumph. For once, I’d shaken things up, forced the story off its rails.

The barrage was in an uproar, but I was in a great mood.

I almost laughed out loud, savoring the chaos. Maybe I couldn’t win, but I could at least make them sweat.

Who knew the First Lady would glance at me and add, “You hold such a big secret about Carter; I can’t feel at ease with you.”

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I realized, too late, that I might have overplayed my hand.

I shivered in fright. After all, this was not Maple Heights, but the capital.

Here, power ruled everything. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small.

Her gaze lingered on me for a while. “Since you don’t want to marry my son, I won’t force you. My nephew is lively and playful—a good match for you. When Carter gets married, I’ll arrange for you to marry him.”

The offer was unexpected. I tried to hide my surprise, wondering what kind of man this nephew was. But anything was better than being a mistress.

[Wait, who is this nephew? Why is the plot going off the rails? If the side character doesn’t marry into the governor’s house, how are my girl and the lead supposed to fall in love?]

[Yeah, if the side character isn’t pushing things, the lead would never promise to clear out the harem and love only my girl.]

The voices got shriller, almost funny in their outrage. I felt a surge of defiance—why should my life be a stepping stone for someone else’s happy ending?

The more I read, the angrier I got. So all of us are just stepping stones for Savannah?

My jaw clenched. I refused to be used, to be cast aside when I was no longer useful.

I refuse!

I said the words aloud, feeling their power. I would not let them write my ending for me.

Facing the First Lady’s deep gaze, I bowed low. “I am willing.”

My voice was clear, unwavering. For the first time in days, I felt a glimmer of hope.

Dragging my tired body back home, before I could even change out of my sweat-soaked clothes, my mother sent someone to escort me to the family room.

The house was quiet, almost eerily so. I trudged up the steps, the fabric of my dress clinging to my skin. My mind raced with possibilities and fears.

Dad held a leather belt in his hand. “I warned you a thousand times—after coming to the capital, mind your manners. Yet you entered the mansion without permission. I have to teach you a lesson in front of the family.”

His voice was hard, but his eyes darted away from mine. I could see the tension in his jaw, the uncertainty in his stance. This was about more than discipline—it was about control.

I suddenly grabbed the belt from Dad’s hand. “Cousin will be married in half a month, and my marriage will be decided that day as well. Do you really want me to go to my wedding covered in bruises?”

My voice was steady, but my hands shook. I met his gaze, daring him to defy me. For once, I held the power.

I was referring to my marriage to young mayor Preston Reed, but Dad must have thought of what Carter said before leaving—that he would take me as a mistress on his wedding day.

The confusion flickered across his face, but he quickly masked it. The family’s reputation was at stake, and he knew it.

Though it’s only as a mistress, it’s still marrying into a political dynasty. Dad hesitated for a moment, then finally threw down the belt.

He let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. The fight had gone out of him, at least for now.

Mom gently helped Dad to his seat. “Let’s not leave any marks. She can still kneel in the family room, right? Evelyn is too unruly—let her reflect a while.”

Her voice was soft, but there was no kindness in it. I knelt, staring straight ahead, refusing to show any weakness.

I stared at the few family photos on the Hamiltons’ mantel and sneered.

The smiling faces in the frames looked nothing like the people I knew. I wondered if they’d ever loved me at all.

My ancestors are far away, in the Clark family of Maple Heights. What is the Hamilton family to me?

The thought brought a strange comfort. I wasn’t alone—I had roots, a real family who cared.

Three days before cousin Savannah’s wedding, people from the Clark family arrived.

The house was suddenly alive with activity—laughter, the clatter of dishes, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. For the first time in ages, I felt like I belonged.

The loving Grandma, the dignified Uncle, and the gentle Aunt—they brought seven truckloads of wedding gifts.

The sight was breathtaking—boxes piled high with ribbons, heirloom quilts, silver candlesticks, even a gleaming upright piano. The neighbors gathered on their porches, whispering in awe.

When they learned that Savannah was to marry my childhood friend Carter, now the governor’s heir, Grandma’s always-smiling face turned cold. “Linda, I entrusted Savannah to you, and you promised to take good care of her. How could you treat my Savannah like this?”

Her voice was sharp, cutting through the chatter like a knife. My mother’s face paled, her hands twisting in her lap. The room fell silent, all eyes on Grandma.

Mom was scolded by Grandma and instantly changed her expression. Cousin Savannah anxiously clung to Grandma. “Grandma~ Marrying Carter was my idea. Aunt couldn’t refuse me. Why blame her? In the capital, you’re the only family I have.”

Savannah’s voice quivered, her lower lip trembling as she looked up at Grandma with wide, pleading eyes. But I saw the calculation there, the way she pressed herself against Grandma’s side, angling for sympathy.

Aunt’s expression grew uglier. She frowned. “That was Evelyn’s fiancé. How could you want to marry him? How is Evelyn supposed to face this? You—you’ll be the death of me.”

Aunt’s voice cracked, her hands shaking as she reached for a handkerchief. The pain in her eyes was real, and for the first time, Savannah seemed to falter.

Cousin looked more and more impatient. “Mom, people should aim high. Should I refuse Carter’s affection and give up the chance to rise above others? It’s Carter who loves me. Whose parents are you, always siding with others?”

Savannah’s words were bold, her chin lifted defiantly. The room bristled with tension, the old wounds between us laid bare for everyone to see.

Uncle slapped the table. “You fool! Don’t you realize, if Carter can abandon Evelyn today, how will he treat you in the future? We’ve spoiled you since childhood, and now you’re so shortsighted?”

His voice thundered through the room. The younger cousins shrank back, and even Savannah looked chastened. I felt a surge of gratitude—finally, someone was on my side.

My eyes grew hot. Such upright and honest elders—these are my true parents and grandmother.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen, protected.

[Are the Clark family people out of their minds? Look how wronged our Savannah is.]

[But I think the Clark family is right. Just because Savannah is the main character, does that mean she can steal someone else’s fiancé?]

The barrage was split, voices arguing back and forth. I ignored them, focusing on the warmth of my family’s support.

The barrage was noisy, but I volunteered to escort the Clark family to the guest rooms to rest.

I led them down the hallway, my steps lighter than they’d been in weeks. Grandma squeezed my hand, her touch gentle and reassuring.

Along the way, Grandma held my hand, apologizing to me again and again.

She brushed a stray hair from my forehead, her eyes shining with tears. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. You deserved better than this.”

Uncle was downcast. “Savannah is nothing like a daughter of our Clark family. How did she become so eager to curry favor with the powerful?”

He shook his head, his disappointment clear. I could see the pain in his eyes, the worry lines etched deep on his face.

I looked around, making sure there were no eavesdropping staff in the guest wing, then leaned close to Uncle. “Uncle, two days ago, I went to see Mom and vaguely heard Mom and Cousin arguing. Cousin said she is the real daughter of the Hamiltons and asked Mom what she was worried about, why she wouldn’t give her more wedding gifts.”

I whispered the words, careful to keep my voice low. Uncle’s eyebrows shot up, and Grandma’s grip on my hand tightened. The truth was finally coming to light, and for the first time, I felt hope bloom in my chest.

This chapter is VIP-only. Activate membership to continue.
← Prev

You may also like

My Daughter Is the Reborn Heroine
My Daughter Is the Reborn Heroine
4.7
When my rebellious daughter suddenly became obedient, begging for private school tuition, I thought she’d finally changed. But pop-up comments only I can see reveal she’s the heroine of a second-chance romance, scheming to run away with her bad boy boyfriend—and in her last life, I was the villain who ruined her happiness. Now, as she plots behind my back and strangers invade my home, I must decide: fight for her future, or let her go and risk losing everything—including my own life.
Stolen Futures: The Sidekick's Rebellion
Stolen Futures: The Sidekick's Rebellion
4.9
Ivy Carter, once the overlooked sidekick in a blockbuster novel, wakes up to her family’s plot to steal the heroine’s life—and must choose between complicity and rebellion. As Ivy defies her fate, she battles family betrayal, public humiliation, and her own mortality, desperate to seize a future that was never meant for her. With the arrival of the secret society and the unveiling of hidden powers, Ivy’s struggle for agency turns into a fight for survival and self-worth, setting the stage for a high-stakes rivalry where only one girl can claim the spotlight.
Revolt in the Lunchroom: We Fought Back
Revolt in the Lunchroom: We Fought Back
4.7
Starving students, rotten mystery meat, and a cafeteria run by the principal’s greedy cousin—enough was enough. When our only ally, Mr. Sanders, is humiliated for sneaking us real food, we rise up as one to take revenge on the corrupt lunchroom tyrants. If we’re going down, we’ll make sure the whole school hears our battle cry!
I Refuse to Be the Villainess
I Refuse to Be the Villainess
4.9
Fate always cast me as the villain, but what if I could rewrite the ending? The night my mother vanished, she warned me: when the beloved heroine enters our home, my world will collapse—and I’ll be the one blamed for every heartbreak and scandal that follows. Now, with Savannah dazzling my father and brother, I’m forced from my room, my reputation ruined, and my heart shattered by those I once trusted. But when a historic opportunity for women emerges in our town, I see a glimmer of freedom beyond the story’s script. If I refuse to play the villain, can I escape the fate written for me—or will jealousy and betrayal destroy my last chance at happiness?
Kept by the Villain, Cast Aside by Fate
Kept by the Villain, Cast Aside by Fate
4.8
I’m the disposable rich girl—destined to be a side character, never the heroine. But when I pay the campus outcast to fake-date me, I discover he’s the secret villain the system wants me to fear…and the only one who ever truly sees me. As my family crumbles and the main couple’s love story devours my future, I must choose: betray my role, or risk everything for the boy I was supposed to ruin.
The Main Guy Chose the Wrong Girl
The Main Guy Chose the Wrong Girl
4.7
Rachel always played the part of the cold, perfect student—never the main character, always the villain in someone else’s story. But when the new transfer heartthrob declares he came for her, the entire school—and her so-called childhood friend—turn on her, hungry for drama. Now she’s caught in a viral love triangle, hated by the heroine, hunted by jealous rivals, and forced to choose: play the villain, or finally take the lead.
Forced to Kiss My Rival's Captain
Forced to Kiss My Rival's Captain
4.7
Trapped in a BL novel as a powerless side character, I risk everything to steal a miracle supplement—only to land in a twisted game with the school's ruthless fencing captain. Forced to kiss the golden boy hero while the villain watches, I must play along or lose everything. But with my disguise slipping and secrets on the line, one wrong move could destroy us both.
I’m the Villain Dad in Her Story
I’m the Villain Dad in Her Story
4.7
Everyone thinks I’m the cold, controlling father ruining my daughter’s life and my wife’s happiness. No one sees the years I spent sacrificing everything—until the voices in my head start cheering for my downfall. When my family finally pushes me too far, I decide to stop being their villain and walk away, but what happens when the ‘heroine’ daughter and ‘princess’ wife have to face the real world without their scapegoat?
Reborn as the Villain’s Scapegoat Sister
Reborn as the Villain’s Scapegoat Sister
4.6
After dying young, I woke up inside a novel as the infamous sister doomed to bully my autistic brother—and die hated by all. The whole family expects me to fight for love and attention, but I just want to survive without becoming the villain again. But when my brother reaches out with silent kindness, and the world keeps twisting my every move, can I rewrite my ending—or am I trapped in someone else’s tragedy?
He Was Meant for Her—He Chose Me
He Was Meant for Her—He Chose Me
5.0
What if you were just a side character—until the main guy fell for you? Savannah Reed is the notorious 'mean girl' sidekick, tasked with delivering love letters for a time-hopping girl desperate to fix a broken romance script. But when Carter, her childhood friend turned brooding main lead, confesses with a single look, Savannah’s world cracks open: secret photos, drunken birthday wishes, and a love so fierce it might just break the rules of reality. As the author of their universe intervenes and a ruthless app threatens to erase everything, Savannah must choose—play her role or fight for a love that was never meant to exist. If destiny is just a script, can real love rewrite the ending?
Mistress of the Main Guy
Mistress of the Main Guy
4.9
Aubrey knows she’s just the side chick in Mason’s story—his real love is destined to return. But the thrill of forbidden nights, online gossip, and the rush of being the villain make it impossible for her to let go. When Mason’s old flame comes back to reclaim him, Aubrey must decide if she’s willing to be discarded—or if she’ll rewrite the ending herself.
Reborn to Serve My Villain Daughter
Reborn to Serve My Villain Daughter
4.7
I died as a mother, and was reborn as a maid—only to find the cold, feared mistress of the governor’s mansion is my lost daughter from a past life. Everyone whispers that Mrs. Reynolds is a monster who destroys anyone who crosses her, but I refuse to believe the sweet child I once loved could become so cruel. To protect her and uncover the secrets that broke her soul, I’ll risk everything—even if she never knows who I truly am.