Chapter 9: The Attic Reckoning

"Weren’t you looking for rare books? Let’s go."

As the two spoke, they entered the library. I didn’t want to run into them, so I stayed quietly in the attic, waiting for them to finish. The dust up here clung to my skin, but I’d grown used to hiding in quiet corners.

Unexpectedly, after searching downstairs for a while, they soon came up the wooden stairs to the attic.

The attic was small. There was nowhere to hide, so I didn’t bother trying.

We ran into each other face to face.

Our eyes met, and Derek’s cold gaze darkened.

Natalie exclaimed, “Aubrey’s in the attic? Lucky Derek and I didn’t say anything bad about you just now.”

She looked me up and down, smiling brightly. “Looks like the rumors aren’t all false. Aubrey is dressed so glam today—totally different from before. Even I really like it.”

Socialites in Savannah always spoke with hidden barbs and double meanings. First, she accused me of eavesdropping. Then, she mocked me for dressing flashy.

I felt my jaw clench, but I kept my smile bright as the Georgia sun. “I’m not as refined as you, Natalie. I don’t have the grace of a real lady.”

In my old life, I almost never wore makeup. My jewelry was simple; my clothes, plain and light. All to please Derek.

But today, I wore a bright red dress, lips painted bold, hair pinned with gold barrettes. A grand outfit, as if daring the world to look.

But this was the real me. I liked bright clothes, bold makeup, glittering jewelry. Even I once hated that version of myself. I tried for years to become a refined lady like Natalie.

Now, I know I’m fine as I am. I don’t want to live as someone else. After fighting myself so long, I’d rather just be me.

As I left the attic, Derek’s eyes followed me—unreadable, but burning. For the first time, I wondered who was really letting go.