Chapter 3: Lessons in Jealousy and Survival

It was a Saturday, so no early classes. The First Lady—my mom—wanted me to shine at the birthday gala, so she invited Caleb Thompson over to teach me piano. I hurried to get ready. After all, I was about to meet the guy everyone called the most handsome in Maple Heights—Caleb Thompson.

I fussed over my hair, changed my outfit twice, and even dabbed on a little perfume. Not because I liked Caleb, but because I knew appearances mattered—especially when my mom was involved.

In the garden, I waited forever. Finally, I saw a tall, good-looking guy fanning himself as he walked over. His features were perfect, and he had this gentle, easygoing vibe. As handsome as he was, I just… wasn’t interested.

He had that all-American charm—dimples, sun-kissed hair, and a smile that could melt butter. But my heart didn’t so much as flutter.

"Savannah." Caleb strolled over, amused by my dressed-up look: "Why aren’t you wearing white today?"

He grinned, teasing me like only an old friend could. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile.

"What white?" I frowned. I genuinely couldn’t remember. My mind was still on the drama from earlier.

Caleb laughed. "Weren’t you asking about what color Mr. Carter likes on girls the other day? So you wore white every day, like you were at a funeral."

He winked, nudging me with his elbow. I couldn’t help but smirk. To tease me like that, he really is my friend.

"You don’t get it." I grinned and sat at the piano bench. I patted the seat next to me, motioning for him to join. He flopped down, still grinning.

Caleb fanned himself. "What don’t I get?"

He leaned in, eyes twinkling. I shrugged, playing coy.

I tapped the piano and said, "People need a change now and then."

I played a quick scale, letting my fingers dance across the keys. Caleb whistled, impressed.

"Oh—" Caleb ruffled my hair. "That’s good. Watching you chase him every day, I thought it was a waste."

He meant it kindly, but I could tell he was a little relieved. Maybe he thought I was finally moving on.

Of course, since… Caleb and Mr. Carter are destined to be rivals.

It was written all over their faces—every time they crossed paths, the air got ten degrees colder.

I was about to joke when I noticed a tall figure at the edge of the garden. Mrs. Watkins was nearby, looking like she was in agony.

She wrung her hands, glancing between me and the newcomer. I felt a chill run down my spine. Not good.

I nearly tripped. My heart skipped a beat. Mr. Carter’s presence was unmistakable—he had a way of filling a room, even outdoors.

Mr. Carter’s eyes narrowed. "Miss Whitaker, the First Lady asked Caleb to help you with piano, not to goof around."

His voice was cold, but there was something else there—annoyance, maybe, or jealousy?

Caleb’s eyebrows shot up, surprised he was the one who showed up. He sat up straighter, suddenly on guard. I could almost see the sparks flying between them.

I stammered, "M-Mr. Carter, we were just joking."

I tried to sound innocent, but my voice came out squeaky. Caleb shot me a sympathetic look.

"No need to explain to me." Mr. Carter had a faint, unreadable smile, but his eyes were cold. "Whether it’s piano skills or…"

He trailed off, stepping closer. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

He stepped closer, his gorgeous face inches from mine, lazily saying, "Changing tastes."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I swallowed hard, not sure how to respond.

His face was so close, I felt my skin crawl. I took a step back, but he didn’t budge. Caleb shifted uncomfortably.

"Mr. Carter, good day—bye!" I tried to bolt.

I spun on my heel, ready to make a run for it. But before I could take two steps—

Suddenly I felt a tug at my collar. Sure enough, I was caught—in front of all the house staff and Caleb. But they… pretended not to see? I figured I should at least try to keep my dignity. As long as I didn’t interfere with the main couple, I’d be fine. I turned around and said coolly, "Mr. Carter, please behave."

I lifted my chin, channeling every ounce of Whitaker pride. Caleb looked like he wanted to clap at my sass.

He grinned, giving me a silent thumbs-up. Mrs. Watkins was even funnier—her lined face full of shock, lips moving like she wanted to cheer me on.

As for Mr. Carter, even his suit looked darker than his expression.

He glared at me, jaw clenched. I half-expected him to storm off, but he just stood there, simmering.

I could understand—after all, the original Savannah chased him for a year. Maybe he was used to being adored.

It must be a shock to have the tables turned. I almost felt sorry for him—almost.

"Miss Whitaker." Mrs. Watkins stammered, "Mr. Carter was asked by the First Lady to teach you piano with Caleb."

She wrung her hands, looking between the three of us like she was refereeing a boxing match.

"What?" I almost fell over.

I gaped at her, then at Mr. Carter. This day just kept getting weirder.

I glanced at the man with the ice-cold face, then whispered to Mrs. Watkins, "Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

I tried to keep my voice down, but I was sure everyone heard. Mrs. Watkins just sighed, exasperated.

"I tried," Mrs. Watkins sighed. "You and Caleb were having such a good time, I couldn’t get a word in."

She shrugged, as if to say, "What can you do?" I felt a pang of guilt.

My smile froze. I finally got why her lips kept moving.

I bit my lip, wishing I could rewind the last ten minutes.

"Miss, please move to the music room." Mr. Carter walked past, bringing a chill with him.

He didn’t even look at me as he strode off. I shivered, pulling my cardigan tighter around my shoulders.

It made me shiver.

I shot Caleb a look, hoping for backup, but he just shrugged, helpless.

The music room is next to my bedroom. Normally, a teacher shouldn’t be there. But seeing them in black and white, I couldn’t help but sigh. What a life!

I trudged after them, feeling like a character in a soap opera. If only my friends back home could see me now.

If I share anything with the original Savannah, it’s probably piano skills. I was worrying about how to place my hands when a pair of slender hands guided my wrist, a faint mint scent in the air.

The touch was gentle, almost reassuring. I glanced up, meeting Caleb’s warm smile.

Caleb smiled, leaning over. "With those piano skills, maybe just quit."

He winked, but his words were light, teasing. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Caleb," Mr. Carter said from the front, sounding bored. "Are you afraid you can’t teach her?"

Mr. Carter’s voice was sharp, his gaze fixed on Caleb. The tension in the room was palpable.

Caleb grinned. "I’m easygoing. But Mr. Carter, are you worried teaching Savannah will mess up your schedule?"

He shot back, not missing a beat. I looked between them, wondering if they’d ever grow up.

These two have been rivals since they were kids. Now, they just needed an excuse to argue. I looked around, confused. "How about… both of you leave first?"

I waved my hands, hoping to break the tension. Neither of them moved. I sighed, resigning myself to another round of their endless bickering.

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