Chapter 2: A Riverboat, a Reunion, a Reckoning

Half a year later, I boarded a riverboat heading south with Lucas Hart.

The air was crisp and clean, the river sparkling in the morning sun. Lucas met me at the dock, his smile as bright as I remembered. We stood side by side, watching the city fade into the distance.

Mrs. Whitmore came to see me off.

She arrived in a flurry of lace and lavender, arms full of gifts and good wishes. The other passengers stared, but she ignored them, fussing over me until the very last moment.

She held my hand, giving me endless instructions, reluctant to let go.

Her grip was firm, her words a jumble of advice and affection. I squeezed her hand back, grateful for her kindness despite everything.

At last, she took out a circular locket and pressed it into my hand, saying:

Her fingers lingered on mine, her eyes bright with unshed tears. The locket was warm from her touch, the engraving delicate and precise.

“This was given to me by your mother when I got married. Now that you’ve found a good match, I’m passing it on to you. May you have a happy and beautiful life.”

Her voice wavered, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. I clutched the locket to my chest, promising myself I’d cherish it always.

I stared at the locket, tracing the engraved patterns, lowering my head in silence.

The weight of history settled over me, heavy and comforting. I closed my eyes, letting the memory of my mother’s smile carry me forward.

Mrs. Whitmore added:

She squeezed my shoulder, her voice low and earnest. I listened closely, tucking her words away for safekeeping.

“Maple Heights is close to Silver Hollow. Even though Harrison is busy, if you ever need help, you can always go to him.”

Her words were meant to reassure me, but they stung all the same. I nodded, forcing a smile.

“I understand.”

I kept my voice gentle, not wanting to worry her. I knew better than to count on Harrison for anything.

I knew Harrison was busy and shouldn’t be disturbed.

He had his own life now, far removed from mine. I let the thought drift away, focusing on the journey ahead.

The riverboat headed south, reaching Silver Hollow after more than ten days.

The days blurred by in a haze of water and sky. I watched the landscape change, the city giving way to rolling hills and fields of wildflowers. By the time we arrived, I felt lighter, as if I’d shed a layer of old sorrow.

Lucas and I grew closer with every passing day.

We spent hours talking on the deck, sharing stories and laughter. He had a way of making me forget my troubles, if only for a little while.

Though he came from a family of academics, Lucas was handsome and easygoing, with the air of a playful scholar.

He wore his learning lightly, never showing off. His jokes were clever, his laughter infectious. I found myself smiling more than I had in years.

As soon as the boat docked, he could hardly wait to invite me out.

He bounded down the gangplank, turning back to grin at me. The town bustled with energy, the air thick with the scent of fried dough and popcorn.

“Lotus, there’s a county fair in Silver Hollow today. It’s packed. Want to come with me?”

His eyes sparkled with excitement, his hand outstretched. I hesitated, then took it, letting him pull me into the crowd.

I shot him an annoyed look.

I pulled my hand back, pretending to pout. “You know I hate that nickname.”

“I’ve told you, my name is Lila—Lila Evans. Don’t call me Lotus. I don’t like it.”

I crossed my arms, trying to look stern. He just laughed, undeterred.

He smiled, his eyes full of warmth.

He reached out, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. “You’ll always be Lotus to me,” he said softly. My cheeks flushed, but I didn’t pull away.

“This spark—that’s the you I remember, not the ghost you’d become.”

His words were gentle, but they cut deep. I blinked, surprised by the sudden rush of emotion. For a moment, I forgot where I was.

Hearing this, I froze in place.

Time seemed to stop. The noise of the fair faded, replaced by the pounding of my heart.

Before I knew it, tears spilled onto my clothes.

They splattered against my skirt, darkening the fabric. I wiped them away, embarrassed by my own weakness.

He panicked, fumbling to wipe my tears away. But the more he tried, the more I cried.

His hands were clumsy but kind, his concern obvious. I tried to laugh, but it came out as a sob.

I couldn’t help but slap his hand away. “You’re hurting me.”

I pushed him gently, half-laughing, half-crying. He jumped back, his ears turning bright red.

Lucas’s ears turned red, and he stammered, “Then I… I’ll be gentler next time.”

He looked so earnest I almost forgave him right there. I sniffled, wiping my nose on my sleeve.

I was about to get angry.

I opened my mouth to scold him, but before I could—

Suddenly, the sound of fireworks erupted outside the boat.

The first boom startled us both. We turned together, drawn by the lights bursting across the sky.

I walked to the bow, looked up, and saw both riverbanks lit up, fireworks blooming overhead.

The colors reflected in the water, painting the world in gold and crimson. I leaned against the railing, letting the spectacle wash over me.

In the next instant, a familiar figure appeared before my eyes.

I blinked, sure I was seeing things. But there he was—tall and unmistakable, his posture rigid and purposeful.

It was Harrison Whitmore.

He moved through the crowd with that same quiet authority I remembered. People parted around him, drawn by his presence.

He came straight toward me.

His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, all the noise of the fair faded into silence. My heart leapt into my throat.

After half a year, he seemed even steadier and colder, carrying himself with the confidence of a man in charge.

He looked older, the lines around his eyes deeper. There was a new weight to him, like he’d seen things he couldn’t forget.

Three steps away, he stopped, glanced past me, and greeted Lucas beside me:

He nodded politely, his expression unreadable. Lucas straightened, caught off guard by the attention.

“Lucas, your reputation precedes you. Sorry I couldn’t welcome you sooner.”

His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it. I wondered if anyone else picked up on the tension simmering underneath.

I didn’t know why, but I suddenly felt a strange relief.

A calm washed over me. Maybe it was the distance, or maybe I’d finally let go of the past. Either way, I felt lighter.

I was wearing a veil. Of course he didn’t recognize me. Besides, Mrs. Whitmore probably hadn’t told him about my marriage—because, really, it didn’t matter.

The thin lace shielded my face, granting me a little anonymity. I watched him carefully, waiting to see if he’d notice.

Lucas exchanged a few polite words with him.

Their conversation was stiff, full of pleasantries and hidden barbs. I stayed quiet, content to let them circle each other.

Just as Lucas was about to lead me away, Harrison’s gaze swept over the sachet at Lucas’s waist, and his expression shifted.

His eyes narrowed, the mask slipping for a heartbeat. I tensed, bracing myself for whatever was coming.

“Wait.”

His voice rang out, sharp and commanding. The crowd stilled, sensing something had changed.

He called out, his tone suddenly intense.

Lucas and I both turned, startled by the force in his voice. I clutched my shawl tighter, bracing for the storm.

“That sachet—I think I’ve seen it somewhere before.”

His gaze bore into me, full of questions I wasn’t ready to answer. The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for my reply.