Chapter 1: Main Street Auction

The courthouse steps bit with the chill of early morning, a cold wind nipping at my cheeks and whipping my hair into my eyes. Every clang of Marcus Carter’s shackles echoed off the red-brick walls, metallic and sharp, setting the crowd on edge. Main Street was alive with murmurs—the kind of gossip that always blooms after a parade, only today, the town’s favorite son was the parade. Cinnamon rolls from the bakery perfumed the air, blending with exhaust from a rusty pickup idling by the curb. I could feel the stares from every angle, the courthouse—where we’d all posed for school photos—now a stage for Marcus’s ruin.

They beat him until he couldn’t hear out of one ear, then dumped him on Main Street—ready for the highest bidder.

I crouched in front of Marcus, careful not to let my jeans snag on the rough sidewalk. I leaned close and whispered, "If I break off the engagement now, wouldn’t you think I’m just kicking you when you’re already down?" My voice barely made it out—my hands trembled against the concrete. My stomach twisted. If I walked away now, would I ever forgive myself?

God knows I’m innocent.

Just yesterday, Marcus had been the golden boy—varsity jacket, all-state quarterback, his family’s photos hanging in the diner beside the mayor’s. Now, he looked like a stranger, battered but unbowed.

How did he become a criminal overnight?

He opened his eyes, calm as a winter lake. Something cold flickered in them, but he didn’t flinch from the mess. If anything, his stillness made the onlookers restless, like he was still the prince of this town and we were the rabble.

A shout rose behind us: "You buying or not? If not, let us have a look."

Maple Heights was out in force—church choir director Mrs. Harper peeking over her sunglasses, bakery ladies whispering, even the sheriff’s wife pretending to check her phone.

Buy him back and he’d be the town’s biggest story. The gossip alone would last till next year’s county fair.

"Look at her, all shabby—no way she can afford it."

That dug under my skin. "Who do you think you’re looking down on? I’m buying him." My voice cracked but I squared my shoulders, daring anyone to laugh. Someone snickered, but I held their gaze until they looked away.