Chapter 2: The Spotlight Finds Me

A week later, there was a banquet. All the well-known businesspeople in Maple Heights came with their families. Social circles can be ruthless.

The country club was buzzing—waiters weaving through the crowd, laughter echoing off polished wood and crystal chandeliers. I clung to the edges. Invisible.

My parents went to schmooze with the bosses. Autumn was swept away by her peers, chatting happily. I stood alone on the sidelines.

I nursed a glass of sparkling water, pretending to be fascinated by the floral arrangements. No one noticed me. I preferred it that way.

Someone suggested, "Why not have your sister join us?"

Autumn answered for me, "No, she’s got social anxiety. She can’t handle big crowds."

Her words were smooth. Practiced. She smiled apologetically, and everyone nodded, accepting her version of me without question.

"Oh, then never mind."

The conversation moved on, leaving me behind. I felt the sting of exclusion, familiar and sharp.

Lucas arrived at the banquet and tried to talk to me. I excused myself, saying I wasn’t feeling well, and slipped away.

He looked disappointed, but didn’t press. I disappeared into the crowd. Grateful for the escape.

My parents saw the whole thing and quietly scolded me. "Why aren’t you talking to Lucas? Where are your manners?"

Their voices were low, but the disappointment was clear. I bit my lip. Fought the urge to argue.

"I politely turned him down."

I kept my voice even, refusing to let them see how much it hurt.

"Do you have any idea how much effort we’ve put into getting you and Lucas together?"

Mom’s eyes were pleading, as if I was ruining her one shot at happiness.

"I’m only twenty-four. I don’t want to get married."

I crossed my arms, bracing myself for the argument I knew was coming.

But that’s Lucas! His uncle is Adrian Blackwell! If you marry into the Harrington family, you’ll be related to Adrian too. Then, if something comes up at home, you’ll be able to put in a word with him for us...

So that’s what this is all about. Not me. Never me.

The realization settled over me, heavy and cold. I was a pawn, nothing more.

I asked, "Doesn’t my sister have a good relationship with Adrian?"

My voice was sharp, but I didn’t care. I wanted them to hear me. For once.

"That doesn’t count," my dad said, face stern. "Adrian only sees your sister as a kid. When it comes to real business and interests, he draws a clear line. He won’t do us any favors just because he gets along with your sister. Becoming relatives is the safest bet."

"Then have her marry Adrian."

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Dad’s face darkened.

"You think I haven’t tried? Adrian turned us down flat."

I almost laughed.

The absurdity of it all was almost funny. I bit back a smile, shaking my head.

Dad continued, "We can’t reach the Blackwell family for now, but the Harringtons are possible..."

His voice trailed off, as if he was calculating odds in his head. I waited, arms crossed.

"Then let Autumn marry Lucas. That should work, right?"

"No way. Lucas doesn’t have any real power—he’s not good enough for Autumn."

He slipped up and spoke his mind. Mom quickly covered, "Your dad just means Autumn’s too headstrong. No one can force her to do anything."

She smiled, but her eyes darted away. I saw right through her.

"But I can be forced?"

They were both stunned. For once, they had nothing to say.

Just then, the Blackwell family arrived at the event. Everyone’s attention shifted to them. The Blackwells are the top dogs, and most people at the banquet depended on them in some way.

The energy in the room shifted, everyone craning their necks for a glimpse. The Blackwells moved through the crowd like royalty. Everyone parted to let them pass.

At the same time, there was a lot of whispering.

People leaned in, gossip crackling like static. I caught snippets of conversation. Each one wilder than the last.

"Did you hear? Adrian isn’t as celibate as everyone thought!"

The rumor spread like wildfire. Excitement simmered beneath the surface.

"I know, I know. He admitted it himself!"

There was a note of triumph in their voices, like they’d uncovered a great secret.

"So exciting! Who was it with?"

Everyone wanted to know, but no one had answers. The speculation was endless.

"Even the tabloids couldn’t catch anything. Their secrecy is airtight."

I smirked, knowing the truth they never would. The irony tasted bittersweet.

The gossips had pretty much guessed every girl in their circle.

Names were tossed around like confetti. Each one more unlikely than the last.

Just then, another figure appeared—Samantha Blackwell, Adrian’s cousin. The only person in the Blackwell family who knew he’d been married. She’d gone abroad last year for grad school, but came back for summer break.

She swept into the room, confident and poised. Her eyes scanned the crowd. Sharp and searching.

But wait—does she know that Adrian and I are already divorced?

My heart skipped a beat. I shrank back. Hoping to avoid her gaze.

Samantha scanned the room, spotted me, and suddenly waved, calling out loudly, "Hey, sis-in-law!"

Heads turned, conversations stalled. I felt every eye in the room land on me, curiosity and surprise swirling in the air. The spotlight found me at last, and there was nowhere left to hide.