Chapter 3: River Rivalry and Revelations

The next time Savannah insisted on taking me boating, I didn’t refuse. If she wanted a showdown, I’d give her one.

Whatever was coming, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I braced myself for the storm.

On the party boat, the music and dancing were lively. The river breeze ruffled my hair as Savannah led me, sly as ever, to the empty stern.

Before she could make a move, I suddenly asked, “Why?” I let the silence stretch, making her look at me.

“We’re family. We should have each other’s backs. Why do you always want to hurt me?” The question hung between us, raw and honest.

My aunt snorted, not the least bit flustered. She looked me up and down, her eyes hard.

“If you want to blame someone, blame your own bad luck for being born into the Brooks family the same day as me.”

“There can only be one favorite daughter in this family.” Her words landed like a slap.

“No one cares about you anyway. You might as well die for your aunt’s sake—at least then you’ll have finally done something for the family.” The cruelty in her voice made my stomach turn.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself before you go.” She smiled, her eyes glittering with malice.

Savannah’s face twisted with malice, her eyes wild. She gave a little wave to the maids behind her.

I’d underestimated just how vicious she was. I felt a jolt of fear, but I refused to back down.

She didn’t just want to ruin my reputation—she wanted me gone. I felt the weight of that realization settle in my chest.

A few sharp-faced maids closed in around me. I backed up until I hit the rail, the river stretching out behind me.

Seeing this, I quickly darted behind Savannah and pulled her into the water with me. We hit the river together, the shock of cold stealing my breath.

If that’s how she wanted to play it, why should I hold back? I wasn’t going to be the victim anymore.

I dragged my aunt up and down in the water. Her nails raked my skin, but I held on, refusing to let her win.

Every time Savannah surfaced, I’d accidentally kick her back under. The struggle was messy, frantic.

Disrespectful to my elders? So what if I really am? For once, I didn’t care what anyone thought.

The commotion startled everyone on the boat. People screamed, the music cut out, and bodies pressed to the rail, searching for us in the water.

After being rescued, I slowly opened my eyes and glanced around. The world was blurry and bright, shapes swimming in and out of focus.

Feigning panic, I asked, “Where am I? How’s my aunt?” My voice was shaky, just the right amount of scared.

A kind woman nearby answered gently, her voice soothing. “That young lady hasn’t woken up yet. I’ve already sent for a doctor—he should be here soon.”

I thanked her and, almost without thinking, mentioned who I was. The woman’s eyes widened in surprise.

When the doctor arrived, he checked a few things, and Savannah’s eyelids fluttered. The tension in the room was thick.

I begged the doctor to check her pulse, my voice trembling. “Please, doctor, make sure she’s okay.”

After a moment, stroking his beard, the doctor congratulated my aunt: “Congratulations, Miss. You’re expecting.”

I clapped a hand over my mouth, exclaiming loudly, “That’s impossible! You must have made a mistake!” My voice rang out over the crowd.

“My aunt is Mr. Brooks’s daughter—she hasn’t even married yet. How could she be pregnant?” The words dropped like a stone in the room.

The old doctor huffed, glaring at me, his cheeks flushing with indignation. “You silly girl! How could I be wrong?”

He turned back to Savannah, his tone gentler. “You’ll need to see your family doctor soon, Miss, but I’m quite certain.”

Savannah’s face turned ugly as she realized what had happened. Her eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape.

“You brat! Who told you to call the doctor?” she snapped, glaring daggers at me. Her voice was shrill, desperate.

“Aunt, I was only worried about your health—that’s why I asked the doctor to check.” I widened my eyes, letting my lower lip tremble.

I looked like I was on the verge of tears, pitiful and fragile. A few of the onlookers murmured sympathetically.

“Is this how Mr. Brooks raises his daughter?” the woman sitting in the high-backed chair said coldly. Her posture radiated authority.

Savannah noticed for the first time that another woman was in the room, plainly dressed, her eyes sharp as knives.

“If you know who I am, you’d better mind your own business. Know what to say and what not to say.” Savannah’s voice was icy.

“Otherwise, one day you might end up dead and not even know why.” Her words hung in the air, threatening.

The woman let out a furious laugh, her laughter ringing out like a challenge. “Miss Brooks, you really are something else. I’ve certainly learned a lot today.”

With that, she swept her coat and left. The door slammed behind her, and the room seemed to exhale.

I caught up with her, apologizing as best I could. “Mrs. Harper, please forgive us for what just happened. I apologize on my aunt’s behalf.”

Mrs. Harper, dressed in plain linen, suddenly fixed me with a sharp gaze. Her eyes were sharp and appraising.

“You know who I am?” Her voice was soft, but there was steel beneath it.

I straightened, speaking clearly. “The other day, the Harper family arrived from up north. The whole town lined the streets to welcome you.” I paused, remembering the parade. “I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of you then.”

Mrs. Harper’s expression softened, and she smiled. Her words were gentle. “Who would’ve thought something bright could grow in all this Brooks-family mess.”

I straightened my dress and nodded. “If anyone asks about what happened today, would you mind just telling the truth?”

Mrs. Harper’s eyes softened. She looked at me for a long moment before saying, “Very well, I’ll do as you ask, Autumn.”

As she left, she paused and added, her eyes twinkling, “You’re a girl I rather like. If you ever find you can’t stay here in Maple Heights, come find me up north.”

I smiled softly and replied, “That day will never come.” I squared my shoulders, feeling a strange surge of confidence.

“I’ve never doubted it.” Her laughter echoed down the hallway. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen.

Mrs. Harper turned back, laughing heartily. Her presence lingered like a promise, and I tucked it away in my heart.