Chapter 7: Shifting Alliances and Wedding Bells

My dad naturally disliked Caleb, but I fanned the flames: “He’s scheming and not to be trusted. He wanted to marry my housekeeper—he could’ve done it quietly, but instead made a huge scene so everyone would know. Everyone thought he was marrying the mayor’s daughter, but in the end, he married her housekeeper. If not for Derek, I would’ve been the laughingstock of Silver Hollow. He’s the governor’s handpicked valedictorian—he should have a spotless reputation, but he did this anyway. I think he’s already siding with your political enemies, Dad. You need to be careful.”

I’d learned from the best—my father. In a place like Silver Hollow, reputation is currency, and I was ready to spend it.

My dad listened carefully.

He tapped his finger on the armrest, eyes narrowed. "Noted," he said. That was all he needed to say.

I said almost the same thing to the governor’s son, half-complaining, half-suspicious, and he immediately took a dislike to Caleb.

The grapevine worked fast. By the time I finished my story, the governor’s son was already texting his friends.

The governor’s son is Derek’s cousin, so we’re close.

We’d grown up playing tag at the governor’s summer house, and he’d always looked out for me, like an honorary big brother.

When he found out I was engaged to Derek, he was delighted. “You should thank Caleb. If not for him, Derek wouldn’t have rushed to propose.”

He clapped Derek on the back, his laugh echoing through the living room.

He added, “Derek, what do you want? I’ll give you a wedding present.”

The whole room went silent, everyone waiting for Derek’s answer.

Derek didn’t hesitate. “Your hot spring cabin outside town.”

He grinned, knowing exactly how outrageous his request was. Derek had always loved that place—the old pine trees, the steam rising in winter.

The governor’s son was shocked by his shamelessness. “Do you know how much that cabin’s worth?”

He looked at me, as if hoping I’d talk Derek down.

He said, a little embarrassed, “Natalie gets cold easily.”

The whole room chuckled, and even my dad’s stern face softened for a moment.

Yeah, I do get cold easily. Caleb knew that too, which is why he chose the thing I feared most to kill me.

I shivered, recalling the ice, the winter, the betrayal. But this time, I wouldn’t let anyone use that against me.