Page 19 of Dreams and Desires

I can feel my pulse quicken, and the anger is bubbling up. “Yeah, it happened. But what did you and Mom do? You left me to fend for myself!”

“Stand by you?” He spits out the words like they taste bitter. “With those photos in every inbox in town? Who knows where they ended up?”

The humiliation burns, but I hold my ground. “Perhaps I made mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight for what’s right. I’m going, and nothing you say will stop me.”

Mom steps closer, her eyes pleading. “Juniper, please don’t do this.”

I shake my head, my resolve hardening. “I’m thirty-four, not a teenager you can boss around. I’m going.”

She pulls back, her face hardening. “Then you go alone. We’re not with you.”

“That’s fine,” I snap, bitterness coating my words. “I lost my parents when I was eighteen anyway.”

Their anger is clear, but I don’t flinch. I won’t let them push me back into the shadows.

As evening falls, I ride my bike through Cody, the cold air biting at my skin. Each pedal stroke feels like an act of defiance. The town is quiet, almost too quiet, like it’s holding its breath.

The familiar streets blur as I make my way to the town hall, my mind racing with what’s to come.

Today, when Dad mentioned the photo scandal, it felt like a punch straight to my gut. I made the mistake of trusting someone I thought I loved and sending those nudes because I felt cornered and pressured. And then he betrayed me, spreading them everywhere. It’s hard not to blame myself, but how could they just leave me to deal with it alone? I needed them more than ever, and they turned their backs on me.

I push the thoughts of the past away as the town hall comes into view. I lock my bike outside, my hands trembling as I fumble with the lock. The nervous energy buzzes through me, but I push it down, forcing myself to stay focused.

Inside, the town hall is already buzzing with people. The low murmur of conversations fills the space. I slip into a seat at the back, hoping to go unnoticed, at least for now.

Mayor Brian Ellis takes the stage, commanding the room’s attention. His smile is wide, too wide, like he’s trying to sell us something. Which, of course, he is. “Thank you all for coming,” he begins. “Tonight, we have some exciting news. We’ve been in talks with a major investor who has big plans for Cody. I’d like to introduce you all to Zade Patterson.”

As Zade steps forward, the room falls silent. He exudes confidence, the kind that comes from always getting what you want. His suit fits him perfectly, the dark fabric accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame. His hair is dark, and his eyes are a piercing blue that seems to see right through you. He looks every bit like the powerful investor he is, and I hate that I notice.

Zade takes his time before speaking, his gaze sweeping the room as if he already knows he’s in control. “Cody is a gem,” he begins. “With the right investment, it can shine even brighter.” He paints a picture of prosperity, of a thriving economy boosted by his resort project.

The applause is polite but hesitant. People want to believe him, but there’s a lingering doubt. I can see it in the way they exchange glances and in the way some shift uncomfortably in their seats.

I can’t stay silent. I can’t let him spin his story without a challenge. Slowly, I rise to my feet, my hands trembling slightly as I clasp them together. “Excuse me,” I say, breaking the stillness. “The people deserve to know the full story.”

Zade’s eyes narrow as they lock onto mine, a flash of annoyance flickering across his face. I’m sure, as a billionaire, he’s not used to being challenged—but tough luck. I’m here to challenge him.

Brian’s smile falters, irritation flashing in his eyes as he steps forward. “Miss Harding,” he begins, contempt leaks from him in slow drops. “This isn’t the time for baseless accusations.”

“It’s not baseless,” I counter. “In other towns where Mr. Patterson has built resorts, property prices skyrocket and local businesses close down. Is that what we want for Cody?”

Murmurs spread through the crowd, with people exchanging worried glances. Zade’s expression remains calm, but I see the tension in his jaw.

“Let me guess,” Zade says, his words dripping with sarcasm. “So, you’re the one stirring up trouble?”

Brian jumps in, trying to regain control. “These are just scare tactics. This project will bring jobs and money to Cody.”

“Tell that to the people who lost their homes,” I counter, pulling out a folder from my bag. I pass around printouts of articles detailing the problems caused by Zade’s developments elsewhere. “This isn’t about helping Cody; it’s about lining your pockets.”

Zade doesn’t miss a beat. “Ah, the old ‘evil corporation’ routine,” he mocks. “Do you really think I’d invest millions just to ruin a small town? I’m not the villain in your story, sweetheart.”

Brian’s face reddens. “Why should we listen to you, Juniper? You’ve always been a troublemaker.”

His words hit like a punch, but I stand firm. “Because it’s the truth. And the people of this town deserve to know what’s really at stake.”

Zade tilts his head, a smirk playing at his lips. “You’ve got guts. But guts don’t change facts. And the fact is, this project is going to happen. Whether you like it or not.”

The room falls silent, then an older man stands up. “She’s right,” he says. “We don’t need a fancy resort. We need to save ourselves.”

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