Chapter 6: The Fall of the Old Guard

The Whitmores fell.

The news spread like wildfire—scandal, arrests, the whole house brought down in a single night. The town buzzed with gossip, but I felt only relief.

With evidence from the main couple, they were finished, and Jackson had waited for this day for years.

He worked quietly, patiently, biding his time. When the moment came, he struck fast, leaving nothing to chance.

The Whitmore estate was seized, the old guard sent into retirement, the matriarch placed under house arrest.

It was a new era for Maple Heights. I wondered what kind of city it would become.

Suddenly, it was much quieter.

The streets felt different—less tense, less watchful. I breathed easier, for the first time in years.

Jackson got busier. He was always a capable mayor, just pretending otherwise.

He dropped the act, stepping into his role with confidence. The town respected him, even if they didn’t understand him.

Now he dropped the act, calm and focused, handling everything with authority.

He moved through City Hall like he owned the place, every decision measured and sure. He’d grown into it. I admired him more than I let on.

As for me, I did clerical work up front, sorting files and tidying desks. Most of the time, I wandered City Hall, sneaking snacks from the staff kitchen.

I found a rhythm—work in the mornings, snacks in the afternoons, gossip with the clerks in between. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was mine.

One day, while strolling, I saw smoke rising.

I followed the scent, curiosity piqued. Smoke in City Hall was never a good sign.

I ran over to call for help, only to find Jackson burning paper in a trash can.

He stood by the window, feeding slips of paper into the flames. His face was somber, lost in thought.

His back to me, he scattered the slips, watching them burn with a sigh.

He didn’t notice me at first. I watched, unsure whether to interrupt.

“Mom, I’m here to see you. Your revenge is done.”

His voice was soft, almost a whisper. I realized what day it was—his mother’s memorial.

This was his mom’s old office, and today was her memorial day.

The room was filled with memories—old photos, faded curtains, the scent of lavender. I felt the weight of history pressing in.

He turned and saw me, stunned, his eyes red.

He blinked, wiping his eyes quickly. I pretended not to notice, giving him space.

I asked, “Want to watch the moon tonight?”

I offered a smile, hoping to lighten the mood. We both needed it. He nodded, grateful.

That night, he took me to the roof to watch the full moon, silver light flooding the city.

We sat side by side, legs dangling over the edge. The city stretched out below us, quiet and peaceful. For a moment, I felt like anything was possible.

He told me his story.

He spoke softly, telling me about his childhood, his mother, the battles he’d fought and lost. I listened, holding his hand, letting him share his pain.

He’d seen his birth mother beaten down, the old guard used him as a pawn, only needing him to be a puppet, the more useless the better.

He’d been a pawn, a figurehead, never allowed to be more. The old guard kept him in line with threats and bribes.

He didn’t know how many times he’d survived sabotage and threats, the old guard always looking away, only helping if he obeyed.

He’d learned to play the game, to smile and nod, to survive by being underestimated.

He loved reading adventure stories, wanted to see the world, but they buried all that.

He dreamed of running away, of seeing the world beyond Maple Heights. But duty kept him here, tied to a city that never loved him back.

He told it lightly, but it was like a thousand needles.

I squeezed his hand, wishing I could take away the pain. But some wounds never heal.

I hugged him gently.

He leaned into me, letting himself be vulnerable for once. I held him close, promising to always be there.

He sighed.

He let out a long breath, the tension leaving his body.

“Hmm?”

I looked up, waiting for him to finish.

“From now on, be happier.”

I smiled, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “I’ll try, Mayor. For both of us.”

Gossip time in the mayor’s office.

The staff buzzed with excitement, passing notes and whispering behind their hands. I tried to ignore it, but curiosity got the better of me.

“Hey, Julian and Lena are engaged.”

The words hit like a punch to the gut. I forced a smile, acting like it was nothing.

“Oh.”

I kept my voice flat, refusing to let them see how much it hurt.

“So they’ll both be at this year’s City Hall banquet.”

I nodded, pretending to be interested in the paperwork on my desk.

“Oh.”

“Their wedding is after New Year’s, and they sent you an invite.”

I stared at the invitation, the gold lettering blurring before my eyes.

“Oh.”

I used to think life without him would be empty, seven years of habit so deep it colored everything. But later I found I could live just fine on my own.

It was a revelation—realizing I didn’t need him to be whole. I was stronger than I thought.

Like now, being a little aide at City Hall.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was mine. I found comfort in the routine, in the small victories. It was enough.

Just a bit bland.

Sometimes, I missed the chaos, the excitement. But peace had its own rewards.

The outside world is still better, with everything.

I dreamed of leaving, of seeing the world beyond Maple Heights. Someday, I promised myself.

Suddenly, I thought, the heroine would push Julian to become mayor.

She was ambitious, always reaching for more. I knew she wouldn’t be satisfied until she had it all.

She has ambition, wants the title.

You could see the ambition in her eyes.

Thinking this, I grabbed Jackson’s arm, serious.

He looked up, surprised by my urgency.

“Mayor, after they marry, send Julian to the border—don’t let him back without your say-so, and keep the keys to the city, got it?”

I spoke quickly, knowing time was running out. Jackson raised an eyebrow, amused.

He half-smiled, thinking I just wanted to avoid seeing them, ready to tease me.

He opened his mouth, but I cut him off with a look.

But I looked at him dead serious.

He realized I wasn’t joking. The smile faded, replaced by concern.

“Mayor, this matters.”

He nodded, understanding. “I’ll take care of it, Autumn. I promise.”

He was surprised, then nodded. I trusted him.

It was a promise I knew he’d keep.