Chapter 2: Cave of Secrets, Storm of Karma

My Sea King boyfriend knew I was coming and already prepared a place for me—it’s just a bit far from where Marissa is staying.

I can almost hear his voice in my head, telling me to follow the signs. He always was a showman.

The comments are ruthless:

“Autumn’s only tough when she talks.”

“Just wait, Autumn and Riley will be begging Marissa to take them in soon.”

“Marissa’s so kind, she’ll let them sleep at her doorstep.”

They love to see me squirm. Too bad for them, I’m not playing their game.

Following the marks my boyfriend left for me, Riley and I reach the bottom of a cliff.

The wind whips around us, and Riley hugs herself tighter. "This can't be it," she mutters, doubt clouding her face.

Riley sighs: “Looks like there’s no path ahead. Let’s look somewhere else.”

She starts to turn away, but I grab her arm, grinning.

No way. I yank aside the vines hanging at the cliff base, and a cave opens up. Inside, glowing stones make it bright as day. Two giant clam shells are lined with soft, white sheepskins—perfect beds. In the back, a spring glitters with fish.

It’s like something out of a fantasy novel. The air smells faintly of salt and something sweet, like honeysuckle after a storm.

Riley’s eyes light up: “Wow, this place is way better than Marissa’s dump. Didn’t expect the show to set up something like this.”

She runs her hands over the clam shell bed, grinning like a kid at Christmas. For a second, I forget we’re supposed to be suffering.

The production crew is baffled—they had no idea this place existed, let alone stocked it with food and beds. They didn’t even put cameras inside—just outside—so they only catch a glimpse when we pull back the vines.

I spot a couple of the camera guys whispering to each other, scratching their heads. The look on their faces is priceless.

The comments explode:

“Damn, did Autumn just hit the jackpot or what? Her luck is insane!”

“Rigged, definitely rigged.”

Even neutral viewers clap back: “Marissa’s fans, don’t be so hypocritical. When she found the cabin, it was ‘luck.’ Autumn finds a cave, and it’s ‘rigged’? Please.”

“Exactly. If it was rigged, wouldn’t the three guys have gotten something too?”

“I don’t even like Autumn, but this is too much.”

The tide is turning, just a little. I can almost taste the schadenfreude.

We settle into the cave. As soon as I put down my bag, Riley grabs my face and plants a big kiss on my cheek: “Girl, I love you!”

She’s giddy, spinning in circles. I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in ages.

Suddenly, a cold wind sweeps through the cave. Riley rubs her arms: “Why is it so chilly in here?”

A shiver runs down my spine. I know exactly who’s responsible—my Sea King boyfriend never misses a beat when it comes to jealousy.

Not her imagination. My Sea King boyfriend is a bit possessive; even when he’s not here, he makes himself known.

I pat the air next to me, whispering, “Easy, Sebastian. She’s just happy, not competition.”

That night, we eat some fruit and go to sleep. In the middle of the night, I wake to see the spring in the cave shimmering with rainbow light. I walk over and see my boyfriend’s stunning face reflected on the water, his pale blue eyes like treasures from the ocean depths—impossible to look away from.

The room is hushed, the only sound the gentle trickle of water. It feels like I’m standing on the edge of a dream.

His voice is low and cool: “Autumn, are you comfortable here?”

His tone is distant, but I hear the concern behind it. He always tries to play it cool, but I know him better.

“Pretty good. I’m here already—when are you coming to see me?”

I lean closer to the water, hoping he’ll reach out and pull me in.

“Soon. I just have one last traitor to deal with.”

His eyes flicker with something dark. Even sea kings have enemies, I guess.

“Oh.” I can’t help feeling a little disappointed.

I let out a sigh, tracing circles on the water’s surface. The cave suddenly feels a little emptier.

He notices and his voice softens: “Autumn, is there anything you want me to do?”

He always spoils me when he senses I’m down. I bite back a smile.

I think for a second and get a wicked idea: “There’s a cabin on the island I don’t like the look of.”

I picture Marissa and her crew shivering in the rain, and the thought makes me grin.

“Alright, I’ll take care of it.”

He says it so matter-of-fact, like he’s promising to pick up milk on the way home.

Before leaving, he adds, “Autumn, remember to keep your distance from Riley.”

I can’t help but laugh. Even with girls, he gets jealous.

I blow him a kiss, promising to behave. His possessiveness is oddly endearing.

Soon, a storm hits outside. Our cave, covered with thick vines, is untouched by wind or rain. Riley and I sleep on the soft sheepskins in the clam shells—so comfortable. Riley wakes up once, hears the rain, and mutters, “I wonder if Marissa’s crappy cabin will get blown down.”

I grin in the darkness, feeling like a villain in a fairy tale. Sometimes karma really is a storm.

It has to! My boyfriend always keeps his promises. I smile—let the storm rage on. It’s not like I’m the one getting soaked. I’m terrible, and it feels great.

I snuggle deeper into the sheepskin, savoring the sound of rain pounding everywhere but here.