Chapter 5: The Price of Freedom

“All my inheritance is in my uncle and aunt’s hands. They took my parents’ property and never gave it back.” My voice shook as I told him. I didn’t want to be a burden, didn’t want people to whisper that Caleb had married beneath him.

He studied me, his gaze unreadable, then nodded. I let out a shaky breath, trusting him more than I should.

Half a month later, three U-Hauls pulled up, dust flying as movers carried out trunks I hadn’t seen since I was twelve. The smell of cedar and old perfume stung my eyes. I picked out a silk scarf and handed it to Aunt as a peace offering.

I was halfway down the hall when the mayor’s voice boomed from his den: “You’re out of your mind! The governor wants Caleb as his son-in-law. How can Anna compete with the governor’s daughter?”

Aunt’s voice shook with regret. “What should we do? Must Anna only be a mistress? Her innocence is already gone; she can only be a mistress.”

My cheeks burned. I handed the scarf to Mrs. Clark, the housekeeper, and walked out with my head high.

The word ‘mistress’ stuck in my chest like a fishbone. I’d rather sleep on park benches than let them decide my worth.

I traded most of the gold, silver, and jewels for cashier’s checks. While Caleb was out on business, I called a taxi and headed for the docks, my heart thumping.

A full moon hung over the water, city lights flickering on the ripples. My escape was nearly complete—until a sudden thud made my heart drop.

The boatman was panicked. “Miss, something’s wrong. A police boat is blocking our way.”

Flashing blue and white lights bounced off the water. My pulse pounded. My freedom was slipping away.