Chapter 6: Losing Carter, Finding Trouble

After that, Carter was clearly not himself.

He grew distant, distracted, his thoughts always elsewhere. I saw him walking through town with the woman, their heads bent together in quiet conversation. He barely spoke to me, and when he did, it was with a politeness that felt like a knife.

I knew his feelings had changed, so I stubbornly refused to seek him out.

I told myself I didn’t care, that I was better off without him. But every time I saw them together, laughter in their eyes, it felt like a fresh wound. I stayed home, refusing invitations, burying myself in work and pretending I didn’t notice the ache in my chest.

Rumors swirled around town, saying he and a certain woman attended every poetry reading together, always taking the top prizes.

The gossip spread like wildfire—at the diner, in the church pews, even at the grocery store. People whispered about how perfect they looked together, how Carter had finally found his match. I tried to ignore it, but the words followed me everywhere, a constant reminder of what I’d lost.

Everyone who saw them would say, “What a perfect couple.”

Their names became linked in every conversation, their smiles the talk of the town. I heard it from friends, neighbors, even strangers. It was like the whole world was conspiring to rub salt in my wounds.

I didn’t want to believe the rumors, but during our silent standoff, Carter never once came to see me.

I waited, hoping he’d show up at my door, hoping for some explanation. But the days passed, and there was only silence. The emptiness grew, settling over me like a heavy blanket.

Two weeks passed, and I still hadn’t heard of him asking my brother for his blessing. Part of me wondered if he’d just been too busy and forgotten, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the rumors of him and that woman. In the end, I couldn’t take it anymore and left the house to look for him.

I threw on my coat and headed out into the night, determined to find answers. The streets were alive with music and laughter, but I barely noticed. All I could think about was Carter, and the question that haunted me—had he really moved on?

When the housekeeper at Carter’s place said he’d just gone to the county fair, I bit my lip and hurried in the direction she pointed.

The fairgrounds were lit up like Christmas, the air thick with the smell of popcorn and cotton candy. I pushed through the crowds, searching every face, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread.

The streets were ablaze with lanterns, and crowds flowed endlessly.

People danced in the glow of colored lights, laughter echoing through the night. I felt lost in the sea of masks and costumes, my nerves stretched thin by the noise and chaos.

Everyone wore masks for the masquerade, making it hard to search.

It was impossible to tell who was who, and I found myself spinning in circles, searching for a familiar face. The anonymity made everything feel surreal, like I was trapped in someone else’s dream.

My best friend hurried over, urging me to go home.

She grabbed my arm, her voice gentle but firm. “You don’t need to do this, Autumn. Let him go.” I nodded, trying to swallow my disappointment, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave just yet.

Disappointed, I withdrew my gaze and nodded.

I tried to convince myself it didn’t matter, that I could move on. But as I turned away, a voice in my head whispered that it wasn’t over—not yet.

Turning a corner, I happened to look up—and caught sight of a familiar figure.

The crowd parted for just a moment, and there he was—a tall man in a wolf mask, lantern in hand, laughter in his eyes. My heart stopped, and I froze, unable to look away.

A tall man in a wolf mask held a bunny-shaped lantern, tilting his head to listen to the person beside him, a faint smile on his lips.

His posture was relaxed, his movements easy. I recognized the way he laughed, the way he leaned in to listen. It was Carter, and he looked happier than I’d seen him in months.

When I saw the woman clinging to Carter’s arm, laughing sweetly, I knew then—he would never marry me.

The truth hit me like a punch to the gut. I watched them together—the picture of happiness. I knew I didn’t belong in that story. I let the realization sink in, breath catching in my throat. I turned away, feeling hollow.

Carter looked up and recognized me, his expression flustered for a moment before regaining composure.

For a split second, our eyes met. I saw the guilt, the regret, but then he looked away, his mask slipping back into place. He didn’t move toward me, didn’t say a word. It was over.

He didn’t offer one word of explanation.

The silence between us was deafening. I waited, hoping for something—anything—but Carter just stood there, unmoving. I turned and ran, my heart pounding with anger and grief.