Chapter 6: Betrayals, Bargains, and the Choice of a Lifetime

After the new grads got their college letters, my brother was hardly ever home. When he did show up, he complained about early mornings at the bank. I never asked directly about Logan, but from his stories, I knew everyone was busy.

Soon, Mariah showed up, grinning like she had a secret. “Did Logan propose?”

“What?!” I was shocked and thrilled. “He hasn’t said a word to me!”

“Maybe he’s planning a surprise?” Mariah whispered. “I heard from my dad that someone proposed to your family. Since you and Logan are basically a thing, it has to be him.”

I shook my head. “He’d have told me. Maybe it’s some business guy’s son.”

But deep down, I was over the moon. I even started thinking about wedding dress styles—mine had to be made by the best seamstress in Chicago.

“Fine, don’t believe me.” Mariah said. “Just don’t faint from happiness when you get the news—remember, you’re Maple Heights’ number one beauty.”

“You’re such a gossip!” I laughed, swatting her.

She stayed a while, then left, saying her dad had gotten strict and wouldn’t let her stay out late.

After she left, I fixed my hair and clothes, then happily went to find Dad and ask about it. As I reached the front hall, I heard voices inside.

“Ethan is a good kid, and he and Savannah grew up together. I think we should settle it.”

Wait, what? I pressed my ear closer.

“Dad, Savannah’s marriage should be her choice.”

“Caleb, in normal times, I’d let her choose. But you know the situation—this marriage would protect both the Whitaker family and Savannah.”

“But Ethan clearly loves Autumn. If you marry Savannah to him, will she be happy?”

“Happiness comes after safety.” Dad sighed. “The city councilman’s son also proposed. After much thought, I chose the mayor. The Whitaker family supports him, and he and Savannah grew up together. Even if she doesn’t become First Lady, she won’t suffer.”

I staggered, nearly falling.

So… the proposal wasn’t from Logan, but from Ethan.

The town was tense—everyone was busy, probably because of the mayoral race. My family had been principals for generations, never picking sides, but now? There was no way out.

I closed my eyes, trying not to cry.

“Supporting the mayor is fine, but does it have to be tied to Savannah’s marriage?” Caleb’s voice was sharp.

“We need a bond—a stake in each other’s success. Otherwise, he’ll always worry I’ll side with the city councilman’s son. My only demand is that he protect my daughter.”

“But…”

Dad’s voice grew stern. “But what?”

“But your daughter already loves someone else.” I pushed open the door.

Dad and Caleb stared at me, stunned.

“Savannah… you heard everything?”

“Yes.” I stared at my shoes. “I know better than to eavesdrop. I’ll take whatever punishment.”

“Silly girl…” Dad sighed. “…I’m sorry, Savannah.”

Suddenly, I couldn’t hold back my tears, but I stood my ground.

Dad pulled me into his arms, gently stroking my hair like when I was little.

I closed my eyes and cried quietly. After a while, his voice floated to me, soft and distant:

“Who’s the boy you love?”

“It’s… your star student, Logan Brooks.” I stared at his shoes, voice trembling.

“So it’s him.” He sighed softly. “He’s a good kid. If only I’d known sooner…”

He paused, then sighed again. “You know the situation—the mayoral race is tight. Even if we try to stay neutral, we have to pick a side. One wrong move, and the whole family could go down. I arranged your engagement to Ethan—if he wins, you’ll be First Lady, and Caleb and I will keep you safe. If he loses, we’ll probably be in trouble, but I’ll make sure you and your mom can get out and start fresh somewhere else.”

I quickly covered his mouth. “Dad, don’t say that—you and Caleb will be fine…”

“Savannah, it’s done… Let him go.”

I closed my eyes, but the tears kept coming.

I knew—even without the engagement, I couldn’t marry now. If the Brooks family didn’t back Ethan, we’d be rivals.

“I understand. For the Whitaker family.”

After we declared for Ethan, Dad and Caleb went to work as usual, sometimes meeting with the city councilman’s son. I mingled with the city’s elite girls, collecting gossip about which families were loyal to whom.

But after our engagement, Ethan was always with Autumn. Once, he even made Lily cry and storm out of city hall.

I didn’t mind him hanging out with Autumn, but sometimes, when I had to talk to him, seeing her jealous looks made me feel both envious and sad. If Ethan became mayor, he’d probably cherish her—a perfect couple. But would he still love her, or would she just be a political pawn?

I laughed at myself—why was I even thinking about this? Maybe if I’d told him, or my dad, sooner, things would be different. But it was too late.