Chapter 4: The Bargain and the Betrayal

I went to find Aunt Linda. For my marriage, Aunt Linda picked many candidates—her lists were organized, practical, as if she were planning a fundraiser instead of my future.

I set my sights on General Peter Shaw, stationed at the border. He’d lost his wife and had a son and daughter at home. This time, he came to D.C. to seek a second wife among the illegitimate daughters. His reputation was spotless—a campaign speech waiting to happen. But his postings were far: military bases where the only green came from the uniforms.

Many girls disliked the remoteness of the base and were unwilling to marry. But for me, marrying far away was safer. Distance meant freedom—out of sight, out of gossip.

Not long after, Aunt Linda brought news that General Shaw was coming to propose. Her smile was tight, her voice brisk. She squeezed my shoulder, nails digging in—a warning or reassurance, I couldn’t tell. She promised a new beginning, somewhere nobody knew my name. I tried to believe her. I nodded, though worry gnawed at my stomach.

That’s when things changed. On the day General Shaw proposed, the legal wife promised the fourth sister instead. Just like that, my plans vanished—swept away by a signature and a smile.

My face went pale, and I staggered to the main room to ask why. The house felt colder, the ceiling higher, like it wanted to swallow me whole. As I reached the door, the legal wife’s voice floated out: "I’ve thought about it for a long time. It’s more stable to have Quinn as a companion for you."

Her tone was as casual as rearranging the Thanksgiving guest list. "Your fourth sister is scheming and hard to control, but Quinn is easier to manage. And with her birth mother in the estate, she won’t dare cause trouble."

They talked about me like a chess piece, not a person. My chest tightened as I pressed my ear to the door.

Then came the legitimate sister’s reluctant complaint: "Mother—Quinn is too pretty. I’m afraid she’ll catch the Second Son’s eye."

Jealousy colored every word. She’d always watched me, as if beauty was a crime I could control.

"So what? She’s just a pretty face. Why take it to heart? Be generous. This marriage your aunt fought for—don’t let yourself be unhappy."

Only then did I realize: the First Lady had asked the President to betroth my legitimate sister to the Second Son, and the legal wife wanted me to be my sister’s companion. The puzzle fit together. My life, rearranged at someone else’s whim.

Originally, they meant the fourth sister, but at the last moment, they gave her to General Shaw. I was left as the consolation prize.

"Quinn, why are you here?" A call yanked me back. The legal wife and sister looked at me in astonishment as the door opened, hallway light falling across my face. I wiped my palms on my dress and forced myself to meet their eyes.

I lowered my head and heard my own hoarse voice: "Mother, I want to marry General Shaw." The words tasted like copper—sharp and desperate.

"Excuse me?" The legal wife’s anger was expected. She stood, looking at me coldly. "Marriages are decided by parents. How can a daughter decide for herself?" She slammed her hand on the desk, rattling a vase. Her authority was absolute here.

"Since you’ve heard, I won’t hide it. I plan to have you be a companion to the Second Son. Grandma Carol knows this too. As an illegitimate daughter, being in a senator’s household is already an honor."

It was meant to be kindness, but it landed like a slap. The room felt suddenly airless. I raised my head, disgust rising, my dark eyes unreadable, my voice edged with mockery.

"Is Mother serious? If I end up in that house, trust me—your golden boy’s political career is toast."

I’d spent enough time around power to know how D.C. worked. Scandal was currency, and I was a loaded gun.

Clearly, they didn’t catch my meaning, thinking I was just cursing the Second Son. They exchanged uneasy glances, missing the real threat.

The legitimate sister angrily threw something at me. The compact smacked the wall, powder bursting like a tiny pink cloud. She looked ready to cry and scream all at once.

Only then did I notice the luminous pearl hair combs in her hair, pearls sparkling as she moved—taunting me.

I was locked up, and only Aunt Linda came to see me once. They put me in the old guest room—cold, drafty, forgotten by everyone but the spiders. The window looked out on the backyard, the magnolia dropping its leaves.

Aunt Linda’s hands trembled as she poured the tea, eyes fixed on the floral wallpaper instead of me. She bit her lip, making a hard decision. "Quinn, I’ve talked to your fourth sister. She wants to marry the Second Son. On the day General Shaw comes, you’ll marry in her place, and she’ll become the Second Son’s companion for you. Is that all right?"

She tried to smile, but the lines around her mouth deepened. Her loyalty was torn between blood and conscience. The room was silent except for a distant dog barking. For the first time in days, I felt seen.

Aunt Linda loved her daughter dearly, but I couldn’t let her fall into misfortune. Her sacrifice shamed me, but my mind was made up. I gently shook my head. "Aunt Linda, I will marry."

My voice was barely above a whisper, but she understood. Since they wanted me as a companion, I would fulfill their wishes. Sometimes, giving up is the bravest thing you can do.

I also wanted to see what Luke Harrison would feel, seeing me as his son’s woman. Would he finally see me—or turn away in disgust? Would he still be able to swallow his pride and tell me to wait?

I wanted to see if love or power meant more to him.

A sparrow landed on the sill, cocking its head like it was waiting for gossip. I whispered, "Go tell your boss I said yes." It chirped, fluttered its wings, and darted away into the morning sun.