Chapter 6: Medals, Matchmaking, and a Stolen Kiss

The hill was a local landmark, the kind of place where kids carved their names into the bark and lovers left secret notes. I figured it was the perfect setting for fate to work its magic.

There was an ancient oak there, so big it took a bunch of people to wrap around it. Legend said if you wrote a wish and tied it to a branch, it would come true.

I remembered tying my own wish there once, back when I still believed in fairy tales. The memory made me smile.

When I arrived, Savannah was already there.

She looked ethereal in the dappled sunlight, her laughter carrying on the breeze. I felt a pang of envy, quickly squashed.

Beside her was a guy—this year’s top law school grad, Julian Price.

Julian was the second male lead, born into money, handsome, smart. In a year, he’d gone from clerk to assistant DA. The kind of guy who makes everyone else look ordinary.

The reason the main couple suffered so much was mostly because of him.

His presence always complicated things, adding drama where there didn’t need to be any. I watched him closely, trying to read his intentions.

Watching Julian quote some mediocre poetry and instantly win Savannah’s admiration, I got anxious and kept glancing at the path.

He recited lines from Frost and Dickinson, and Savannah swooned. Of course she swooned. Who wouldn’t? I rolled my eyes, resisting the urge to gag.

By the time Zach arrived, they’d already wandered off together.

I caught a glimpse of them disappearing into the trees, Julian’s hand hovering near Savannah’s elbow. Zach jogged up, breathless.

“Why so late?” I grumbled.

I tried to sound annoyed, but relief washed over me at the sight of him. Daisy ran circles around his feet.

He produced a brown paper bag and offered it like treasure. “Sis, look, your favorite apple pie. I went all the way to the farm stand to get it. Try it.”

The scent hit me first—warm cinnamon and flaky crust. I took a bite, closing my eyes in bliss. Zach watched, hopeful.

I was mad, but his hopeful look melted me.

It was impossible to stay angry with him. Daisy whined, begging for a taste.

The pie was delicious—warm, sweet, flaky.

I licked the crumbs from my fingers, savoring every bite. For a moment, the world felt simple.

But…

I taught him to win Savannah’s heart, not to flatter me.

I gave him a look, trying to remind him of the mission. He just smiled, oblivious.

Such a good kid—how is he such a dork?

I shook my head, ruffling his hair. Daisy barked, as if agreeing.

Trouble hit during the service.

The church was packed, sunlight streaming through stained glass. I sat in the back, fidgeting, waiting for something—anything—to happen.

The new governor was only ten. Some local bigwigs weren’t happy and sent men to blend into the crowd and try to assassinate him.

It all happened in a blur—shouts, a scuffle, the sound of gunfire. People screamed, diving for cover.

People panicked and ran.

The pews emptied in seconds. Daisy barked, trying to herd everyone to safety. I grabbed Zach’s hand, heart pounding.

I dodged flying debris, cursing the system. “What the hell? I don’t remember this part in the book!”

My voice was lost in the chaos, but the system’s reply buzzed in my ear.

The system replied lazily: [Host didn’t read carefully? It was there.]

A pop-up flashed, highlighting a single line buried in a sea of text. I groaned.

It flashed the page in my head.

I barely registered the words, my focus on staying alive.

It only said: During the service, Governor Parker was attacked, but thanks to the National Guard, he was unharmed.

Me: ...

I rolled my eyes, muttering curses. Typical system, always with the fine print.

Nobody else mattered?

I thought bitterly about all the nameless extras in these stories. Daisy whined, pressing close.

I wanted to hide, but suddenly saw an attacker with a knife coming at me.

His eyes were wild, his grip tight on the blade. I froze, fear rooting me in place.

At the last second, Zach appeared and took him down.

He moved like lightning, tackling the man to the ground. The knife skittered across the floor, and blood spread across his shirt.

He knelt beside me, breath coming fast, his hands shaking just a little. I reached for him, relief flooding through me.

“Sis.”

His voice was steady, but I could hear the fear beneath it. He helped me to my feet, shielding me from the chaos.

He helped me up and led me to hide in the church basement.

We stumbled down the stone steps, Daisy at our heels. The air was cold and musty, but it felt safe. Safe, for now.

Once I was safe, I urged him, “I’m fine now, hurry and go help the governor and Savannah.”

I pushed at his shoulder, trying to send him back into the fray. He hesitated, torn.

Such a perfect chance to save the girl—he couldn’t miss it.

I practically begged him to go, knowing how important this moment was for his story.

But Zach shook his head. “I’m not leaving. I’ll stay here and protect you.”

His jaw was set, his eyes fierce. I’d never seen him so stubborn.

“Are you nuts?” I snapped.

I couldn’t believe he’d throw away his big moment for me. Daisy barked, as if agreeing.

He looked confused, and I felt guilty, muttering, “…If you help the governor, that’s a big deal.”