Chapter 1
2014. Sutherland Hall was a sauna, the three clunky fans buzzing away as if they could somehow cut through the stifling heat. Even the potted cactus seemed to sag under the pressure. "Guess what? There's a cute guy from Avalon University inviting us to dinner tomorrow night, and I've already said yes for all of you. No backing out!" Alice Littleton declared, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Since when did you start mingling with the brainiacs at Avalon University?" someone chimed in. "Just lucky, I suppose,” Alice replied, her smile wide. "Even though Sutherland is just a little third-tier school, we're all in the journalism department. I mean, who knows—we could end up working alongside them someday! And hey, I hear the smart kids over there are super friendly to us 'not-so-smart' types." "Friendly towards pretty girls, you mean—" Before her roommate could finish, Eleanor Elwood, who had been silent until now, flung a few random books into her backpack, barely bothering to zip it up. She gulped down a quick drink of water and vanished into the Privy Chambers. Alice, not one to let it go, followed her for some heavy-handed moral support, banging on the door. "I warned you! The first month's internship report is due next week. Have you even found a placement yet?" "Not interested." "At this rate, you might as well skip meals," Alice said, pouting a little. Such was life at a lesser-known college. Concerned for their future jobs, the advisors had been hounding Alice about her friends' internships for months. Eleanor’s unique family situation meant that she barely paid attention, leaving Alice to feel cornered. Lounging around while other students hustled didn’t seem like the brightest plan to her, and she ended up telling their advisor, "Eleanor’s probably planning to head back home after graduation, so she might not be looking for an internship in Brighthelm." The advisor had gone off on her, shooting off the usual tirade about how girls like them—without connections or background—were already at a disadvantage. "If you don't work hard for four years, all you'll have is a degree and then it’s back to your parents' place, living off their hard-earned cash. Don’t you understand the sacrifices your families make for your education?" "Eleanor said she was hoping to hear your wise words," Alice shot back smoothly, channeling Eleanor’s usual snark. "Stop embodying her attitude and start learning from good examples. Let’s go!" the advisor said, though with a laugh on her face. —— Blackthorn Manor Psychiatric Suite. Dr. Langford wasn’t in yet. A handsome young man lounged at the consultation desk, a steaming cup of Nescafé in front of him. "Fiona Langford just wrapped up in the ward; she’ll be here shortly," a nurse assured him. "Thanks." He looked nothing like someone who’d be seeking therapy for depression. His smile lit up the room, warmth radiating off his good looks. "I swear he looks like Kevin Granger’s friend," a nurse gossiped quietly. Kevin had been Fiona’s ex. Their breakup might not have been the smoothest, but Kevin came from wealth, and his crew had more than their fair share of good-looking guys. The nurses kept Kevin’s Messenger on hand, occasionally checking in to enjoy the eye candy. "Wow, you’ve got a keen eye; I can’t believe you recognized him through that pixilated mess. I should pin a nurse supervisor badge on you for next year!" "Don’t get too dreamy; you might get your heart broken by some golden boy," another replied, feigning concern. "He’s different. He’s kind of a sweet idiot from a rich family. Kevin once said he was the type to get scammed and help count the cash. Super naive—never even had a girlfriend before." "That kind of innocent is rare nowadays," the first nurse remarked. Just then, the elevator dinged as if the world had just reset. Fiona emerged from the lift and flagged down a coffee from the lone nurse holding the fort at the station. Once inside, she spotted the back of a luxuriously coiffed head. The coffee on the table was cooling, the rim pristine and clean—he hadn’t even bothered to take a sip. She figured he was a quintessential rich kid; everything about him screamed privilege, right down to the logo on his phone case. Slipping off her lab coat, Fiona smiled warmly. "Do you want me to ask for a glass of water instead?" "No, thanks," he replied, simply. A flicker of surprise crossed his face as his eyes landed on her abdomen. "Kevin didn’t mention you were pregnant." "Don’t worry; the baby isn’t his," Fiona shot back, feeling a bit awkward. She chuckled to herself, then directly steered the conversation, "Let’s get down to business." "Sure," he nodded obediently. But as they delved into the session, things turned out to be less straightforward than she'd hoped. "Can I have your name?" He hesitated for a moment, and Fiona smiled softly. "Just a formality; I know who you are. Kevin mentioned you. You’re safe here. I’ll do everything I can to help." "I’ve heard that from a few therapists before," he grinned, revealing a set of charmingly perfect teeth. "But in the end, they didn’t even remember my name." "How many therapists have you seen?" she asked, slipping in the question like a pro. "Three." "All couldn't remember it?" "Well, the last one did; he just went and told my mother I was faking my depression." "…It does seem like you’re not the poster child for depression," she remarked, her glance flickering to a faint mark on his neck—more likely a hickey than a scar. "So you think therapists are just out to cash in?" He smiled gently. "Not quite." Fiona set the pen down. "What about your mother? What’s her view on all this?"
Chapter 2
He leaned back in the chair, casually tossing a baseball that sat on the desk. “My mom really believes in him, so I gave him some money to change careers.” “So, your mother didn’t defend your dignity as a patient,” Fiona Langford said, her tone steady. “Yeah.” “Actually, before Kevin Granger, I heard about you from my brother. He’s Marcus Langford, another student at Avalon University, but in a different major.” “Is he the one with the birthmark on his left cheek?” Fiona seemed taken aback. “You remember him?” “Yeah, we took an elective together.” “My brother said you’ve been getting all sorts of awards and scholarships since you were a kid, that your family’s walls are plastered with your accolades. He said you have an incredible memory—read a page once and remember everything. I heard a French professor wrote you a recommendation for a speaking gig at their school. Marcus said you’re one of the few wealthy kids he doesn’t find irritating; you treat people really kindly. So when Kevin reached out to me, I was surprised.” “I was surprised too,” he said slowly. “I’ve always been the good kid, but everyone around me seemed to prefer my brother.” “If you got a do-over, would you still be the obedient one?” “Not a chance.” He looked almost disgusted with himself. “I’m thinking maybe it’s because you’ve always been too perfect, never faced any real challenges. Your ability to handle pressure might be weaker than that of an average guy. Sometimes, the things that others overlook can end up hurting you.” “So, you’re saying I can’t handle it and that I’m too sensitive,” he raised an eyebrow, half-joking. “That’s not what I meant,” Fiona quickly clarified. He flashed a disarming smile. “It’s fine; I’m not mad.” Maybe it was his striking appearance and impressive upbringing that made him more aware of social nuances than many others. Compared to all the other patients Fiona had seen, he was open, engaging, and just polite enough. He’d willingly bare his emotional scars if it meant helping the conversation flow. Fiona was just a regular therapist, but he was the kind of patient who was both enchanting and enigmatic. Later that night, in Sutherland Hall’s dormitory. “Hey, didn’t they say the upperclassmen at Avalon were treating us to dinner tonight? Where’s Alice Littleton? Did she get stood up?” As Alice sat in front of her computer, looking utterly dejected while scrolling through job postings, her roommate entered the room. “It’s cancelled,” Alice said, dragging out the words. “Yes! You’re kidding me!” her roommate lamented. “Seriously, I just bought a new dress this afternoon!” “I thought they were only nice to the pretty ones,” another chimed in. “Why didn’t you send Eleanor’s picture? Just say she asked us out.” Eleanor strolled in just in time to hear her name, glaring playfully at them. “After all this time scamming, you guys haven’t managed to snag a boyfriend yet?” “You’re the campus queen; who are we scamming?” Her roommate laughed, pulling Eleanor into their conversation. “Is that finance major still chasing you?” “Let’s not,” Eleanor cut in. Alice's lips seemed glued shut, unable to form any words. When her friends noticed her blank expression, they sensed something was off. “What’s wrong?” “A guy from Avalon just texted. He said the dinner was cancelled. I asked why, and he replied that a freshman from the journalism department had committed suicide and is in the hospital fighting for his life.” “That’s pretty heavy. Are we really that unattractive that we need to resort to suicide to get out of a social gathering?” “Don’t joke about that. He was a great guy and really talented, plus he came from money.” “People have all kinds of reasons to survive or not survive,” Eleanor offered softly. Alice held back tears, unable to express her grief. She had met the freshman at Kevin’s party the year before and even heard him sing. Eleanor had asked how it was, and Alice had said it was just okay. “I remember him being charming. He might have been off-key, but everyone tried to help him save face. How can someone like that...” The next day, Fiona didn’t leave after work. She pulled up the digital file, staring at the cold, detached photo. The boy in the picture was ruggedly handsome, radiating youthful energy. His features weren’t striking, but his deep-set eyes held a gentleness that felt alive, almost like a deer caught in the sunlight. The stillness of the image belied his vibrant spirit, full of vigor, reminiscent of a young poplar tree dancing in the wind. No matter where he went, he would shine like a light in the darkness. File note: Jonathan Lancaster, twenty-two, Avalon University, Journalism Major.
Chapter 3
Five years later, it was late October 2019. “Eleanor, come over here and chop some onions!” a voice called from the kitchen. “Ugh,” Eleanor Elwood groaned, reluctantly putting down the remote. She trudged into the kitchen. Alice Littleton was busy tossing crab legs into a pot, her focus unwavering. Eleanor rolled up her sleeves and peered into the bubbling pot. “Those crabs are really in for it, huh?” Alice shot her a teasing glare. “You can always skip eating then.” “Oh, no! That would be a tragedy for me.” Eleanor grinned, her tone playful. “To be honest, after all these years in Brighthelm, I haven’t thought much about you or Grandma. I've only been dreaming about these crabs.” Alice clapped the pot lid shut with a mocking laugh. “Weren’t you just saying that Edward Westley takes you out to fancy dinners every night? Now suddenly the crabs have been demoted? You know, even if my cooking isn’t up to your high standards, you’ve always been a liar. I’d need a brain transplant to start believing any of your claims.” Eleanor chuckled, knowing that being an outsider in the big city was a twisted reality only she understood. Her family had never supported her journey; she was too proud to air their struggles in front of Alice. As she placed the onion on the cutting board, her mind went blank. “Wait, how do you even chop this?” Alice knew she hadn’t stepped foot in a kitchen all these years. “Just chop it any way you want. Dice it, it doesn’t matter.” “Got it.” Eleanor brought down the knife with a thud, muttering, “What a great way to save money.” “Grandma’s coming over soon,” Alice reminded her smoothly as she chopped ginger with practiced skill. “Try not to get into a fight with her, okay? It’s not often you come back. Don’t give the neighbors something to gossip about. He really is a decent guy, you know. Grandma did a lot of work... Liu from Civic Registry said as long as you like him, he’ll cover the overtime tonight.” Her grandmother had invited someone over without her permission again. “Yeah, what a generous offer,” Eleanor said absently, still fixated on the pot. “But could you throw in some cilantro with those crabs? And where’s the chili sauce?” Eleanor bustled around the kitchen like a headless chicken. “Right behind you!” Alice shoved her out of the way, rolling her eyes. “Crabs, crabs—every day it’s crabs with you. You’d think you’d put your smarts to better use than just eating.” --- Suddenly, the early autumn rain began to fall in heavy sheets. After being shooed out of the kitchen, Eleanor leaned against the window sill, watching raindrops cascade from the heavens like a million tiny silver webs, enveloping the somber city in a thick, suffocating mist. “What does Miss Eleanor do at Brighthelm?” a man’s voice broke through her thoughts. She turned to see a sharply dressed man who had appeared behind her. His suit was crisply pressed, his demeanor exuding a reserved confidence that didn’t quite resonate with her taste. He wasn’t particularly handsome but had a certain boyish charm—all straight lines and solid edges. In this small town, he passed as striking, yet his mature, dependable vibe didn’t catch her interest. He spoke sparingly, mostly choosing to silently smoke on the porch, his presence revealing an unspoken financial burden that led him to agree to marry her. Eleanor came from a line of women cursed to remain childless. Her three aunts had all faced the same fate, now relegated to division of pretty things and finesse. Only Eleanor’s father had managed to have one child, but timing had been against him—a victim of the one-child policy. Working at a bank, he could only afford to keep her; otherwise, it would have spelled disaster for the family. Thus, the House of Elwood had been reduced to Eleanor, their lone living hope. Thankfully, her family didn’t hold on to those archaic male privilege views. They pampered her, despite the financial ruin they’d endured. After university in Brighthelm, the mantra was clear: come back home, get married, and have kids. They practically shoved her out the door every time she entertained the thought of staying longer. “I’m working for someone,” Eleanor replied, stretching casually before shifting gears. “How much is my grandma bribing you to marry me, anyway?” The House of Elwood didn’t have much. Their once-proud lineage had dwindled into something almost sad. Once revered storytellers with histories that had captivated townsfolk, they now barely made rent. Their grandeur faded, thanks to her great-grandfather’s passing. The family matriarch clung to the remnants of their former glory, insisting Eleanor found joy in staying within the town instead of floating in the chaos of Brighthelm. After years of decline, the town had grown curious about the Elwoods. If her fiancé moved in—especially given the stigma around “living with a woman”—the town would surely gossip. Only after several heartfelt conversations, her aunts managed to persuade Grandma not to push for a name change if he married into the family, but children had to assume the Elwood name. Grandma could compromise on various points, except that one. “Just to clarify,” he continued, leaning against the railing, absentmindedly flicking ash, “I’m applying for a loan through my uncle. When we get married, I won’t need to worry about buying a house or a car. My uncle will also help me with an employee loan. Plus, your grandmother is willing to put our names on your family’s old house at Greystone Abbey. But we’d only get that after we turn fifty.” “Fifty?” Eleanor exclaimed. “That house is a wreck. By the time we reach fifty, it’ll be a pile of bricks!”
Chapter 4
William Westley didn’t expect her to be so straightforward. He stood there, momentarily stunned, the smoldering end of his cigarette burning dangerously close to his fingers. In a reflexive gesture, he swiped at the railing with his sleeve, leaving a faint scratch on the freshly painted surface. He quickly brushed off any concern for his suit and offered a gentle apology. “Sorry about that. I’ll get someone to repaint this railing tomorrow.” Eleanor Elwood took him in, eyes sweeping over his tailored suit, then she exhaled slowly. “Thanks, but I think we’re better off as just friends. Don’t worry; it won’t affect your loan or anything.” Grace Littleton bustled over, carrying a steaming cup of tea. She spotted Eleanor heading downstairs and called out, “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” “Just checking on Evelyn Fletcher; she broke her leg,” Eleanor said without looking back, weaving a quick excuse as she descended the stairs. Evelyn Fletcher was Eleanor's childhood friend, someone who knew her better than anyone. They had grown up together, but the paths they took diverged when Evelyn dropped out of high school to work in Shenzhen and later returned to run a suit shop in town. In a place full of rumors, Eleanor was often the center of gossip, but it was Evelyn who had stood up for her against the bullies as they grew up. By eight o’clock, the two women were in a downtown escape room, smashing records and winning a small trophy for their trouble. The owner was eager to take down their information to invite them back for new challenges. Once outside, as they walked toward the parking lot, Evelyn turned to Eleanor, remembering something. “Hey, weren’t you supposed to be on a blind date tonight? What happened to that?” Eleanor hesitated, creating a bit of distance between them before muttering, “I said I was going to the hospital.” “Going to the hospital? For what?” Evelyn’s eyes narrowed, already suspicious. She had known Eleanor long enough to recognize when she was deflecting—there had been countless instances of “Evelyn has a cold” or “Evelyn fell down the stairs” as excuses over the years. “You broke your leg,” Eleanor shot back before sprinting away, laughter in her voice. Evelyn erupted in frustration, “You’re itching for trouble, aren’t you? Does your grandma seriously think I survived this long just hanging on by a thread?” Only Eleanor could poke fun at Evelyn, who was once a driving force in their lives. Now reclusive, Evelyn was still notorious in the small town for her fierce attitude. Annoyed, Evelyn fumbled around the car for her lighter. After digging through her bag and coming up empty-handed, she tossed the bag back into the passenger seat before flooring the accelerator. “So, how long are you in town for, anyway?” Eleanor lounged in the passenger seat, casually dropping a bombshell. “I quit my job.” The abrupt stop sent Eleanor crashing into a framed picture of Evelyn’s son clipped to the dashboard. Evelyn’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious! Just like that?” “Yeah, why not? The new partner brought in someone to replace me, yanked my projects right out from under me. The boss stayed silent, so I decided to quit.” Another jarring stop had Eleanor grinding her teeth. “Can you please drive? If I hit my head one more time, it may be time for you to call my mother.” “Don’t do that. You know my dad’s still single; that’ll just make it awkward,” Evelyn chuckled, easing off the brake. “What was up with your boss? After all those years, no one appreciates the hard work you put in. You’ve practically bled for that job.” “Exactly.” Eleanor leaned back, staring out the window as the city lights blurred. “But the new partner said my boss has been worried I’d outshine him and wanted to make sure I didn’t.” The night was falling, with the roads narrowing and traffic building. Evelyn navigated the streets cautiously, “Sounds to me like Kevin pushed them to shove you out. Speaking of, what’s going to happen with your house?” “What house?” “You were dreaming of buying a place in Brighthelm and moving your grandma and aunts out here, right? At least you could have settled for a three-bedroom.” “Not anymore. Honestly, even if I bought one, they wouldn’t want to live there.” Eleanor gazed at the scattered lights of the town, her heart heavy. “And this time, I don’t plan on going back.” They pulled up to a grocery store, and Evelyn jumped out to grab a lighter, leaving Eleanor alone in the car. It was crowded, the chaos comparable to the days when the owner’s niece got herself entangled with a cheating husband. Eleanor's eyes drifted to a group of guys huddled under a streetlamp, lighting up a cigarette and laughing. Typical small-town scene. As much as she had grown tired of her aimless life, the cutthroat nature of the city she came from was equally exhausting. The betrayal by the new partner had felt like a personal stab, and with Kevin’s silence on the matter, it felt like all her sweat and tears had gone to waste. A resignation had been hovering in the back of her mind anyway. When Evelyn finally returned, she lit a cigarette, rummaging through her bag for perfume. “You’re really not going to leave, are you? After all those years it took you just to get out, and now you’re back to square one.” “Seems that way.” Eleanor sighed, her heart aching as she contemplated the life she had left behind—only to find herself right back where she started.
Chapter 5
Eleanor Elwood had grown up in the small town of Elwood, where gossip swept through the streets like autumn leaves in a gust of wind. Her childhood was a series of humiliations, none more memorable than that time her zero-scoring test paper was pinned to the town hall bulletin board. The local men, quick to pick on her family’s reputation, cynically tagged her as the dumb girl from the Elwood clan. Years later, whispers still circulated: “Eleanor, the girl who scored a fat zero.” Her grandfather’s misfortune loomed large—failing to raise a son with any backbone and having three daughters who couldn’t seem to bear sons of their own. When a granddaughter finally came along, she turned out to be just a tad above average intellect, stumbling through five years of high school before scraping into college. Yet, her friend Evelyn Fletcher wasn’t one to disparage Eleanor for her intellect. She simply knew Eleanor was a free spirit, too laid-back to stress the small stuff. “My grandma swore she would die right here in this town, and honestly, she probably will. She even expects me to settle down, pop out kids, and tend to the Elwood grave plots for the rest of my life.” Eleanor sighed, her voice trailing off. “Forget Brighthelm. I’ll just find a job around here.” “Where to?” Evelyn asked, applying a fresh coat of lipstick while preparing to hit the road. “Cobblestone Alley for some crab,” Eleanor replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. Evelyn shook her head, mockingly exasperated. “All that brainpower wasted on crabs. But I can’t today. My husband’s away, and I still need to help my son with his homework. Rain check?” “Your son’s not even in kindergarten yet! What homework?” Eleanor scoffed. “He’s in elementary school now!” Evelyn shot back, feigning annoyance. “And with kids these days, it’s all about staying ahead; the neighbors’ kid is already speaking English fluently!” “Right, sure,” Eleanor said, smirking. She didn’t plan to drag Evelyn along anyway. “Guess I’ll be solo for a bit. Who knows, maybe I’ll run into someone interesting. It’s been ages since I’ve seen how the local boys have grown.” Evelyn laughed, shaking her head. "You're really holding onto that thing for older guys, huh?" However, as Eleanor strolled down Cobblestone Alley, she quickly realized Crabclaw Tavern had moved without a signpost, and the entire street appeared to be gearing up for demolition—every sign stripped bare. The town was cloaked in darkness, only a handful of flickering streetlights fighting against the creeping dusk. The mountains loomed in the background, fuzzy silhouettes against the fading daylight, while the moon’s faint glow provided just enough visibility for Eleanor to find her way. Deciding to wander through the park across the street, she ambled along, expecting little more than a peaceful evening. But as she arrived at Lakeview, her attention was drawn to a figure. Actually, it was the crabs that caught her eye first, then she noticed the guy sitting next to them on the railing. The area was poorly lit, the stone fixtures along the lake also seemingly out of commission. Moonlight generously spilled over the tranquil water, turning the surface into a giant mirror adorned with delicate ripples. In that pale glow, Eleanor could tell the crabs were indeed cooked. And there was the young man—dressed all in black, seated casually. A zippered hoodie sealed tightly against the evening chill framed his long neck. A black fisherman's hat cast a slight shadow over his face, but the wisps of damp hair peeking from underneath glistened in the moonlight, as if he had just rushed over from a shower. Something about that tall frame hunched over, alone in the night, struck Eleanor as inherently sad—like Liam Sanger, the town’s reluctant heartthrob. Perhaps sensing her gaze, the guy suddenly lifted his head, revealing a sharp jaw offset by the subtle sheen of an earring that glinted in the moon’s phosphorescence. In Elwood, a guy like him wouldn’t be caught dead with an earring unless he was trying to make a statement, but this wasn’t the kind of statement you saw every day. “Whatcha looking at?” he snapped, voice smooth yet laced with an undertone that hinted at weariness. “Uh, nothing,” Eleanor stammered, feeling caught off-guard. The silence surrounding them was palpable, punctuated only by a few rustling leaves. Everything felt muted, even the town felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for something—anything—to break the tension. “Better keep your eyes on your own business,” he muttered, turning away, his demeanor cold and dismissive. Eleanor blinked in surprise. Wow, this guy was a piece of work. “I wasn’t—” “Got something you need?” His voice was clearer now, if a little hoarse, rough around the edges as if he’d been shouting or crying. “No—” she paused, gathering her thoughts, figuring she might as well lean into this. “Could you help me find Crabclaw Tavern?” Liam raised an eyebrow, the edge of his lip curling into a smirk. “Lady, are you serious? You’d think a person could use a map here, not just sit around fishing for info.” Eleanor couldn’t help but chuckle at his arrogance. “Or maybe just some decent company?” “Not on my watch,” he shot back, and Eleanor caught the glint of his earring again as he grabbed for something inside his hoodie's pocket. Before long, the little tension in the air morphed into a curious kind of banter, as Eleanor pushed past her initial annoyance and decided a little flirting might just make the night interesting after all.
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