THE WRONG brOTHER
CHAPTER 1
Jenny
Every time I blink, it’s like flipping through a magazine, each page showing a different perfect scene. They don’t look real, any of them. This entire night feels like a fantasy…a place too beautiful, with its sprawling garden around the lake, all wrapped up in starlight and soft music. The whole scene glows with all the golden lights strung from the tree branches, shimmering in the lake’s reflection.
I’m tucked up in my perfect hiding spot, curled up on a sturdy branch on one of the estate’s many trees. From here, I can see it all…the glimmering water, the guests in their finery drifting across the lawn like they’re in a movie.
This whole night is some kind of enchanted scene, and I’m just a spectator on the edges, looking in.
But I’m not here for them. Yes, they are beautiful and glamorous, but my eyes are glued to the shining star of the movie…Brett Jackson.
His blond hair practically glows in the crowd, bright and golden. He sticks out like a beam of light among a sea of dark-haired men. He’s laughing, that perfect laugh of his, and every time those marvelous teeth flash, I feel a jolt in my chest, like I can’t breathe right. It’s like he’s lit from within. He is completely at ease. For he was born to be in this kind of crowd. And all around him, the women giggle, hanging on his every word, leaning in close to touch his arm. Their eyes sparkle with interest, and I feel a tight, hot knot of jealousy twist in my stomach. He isn’t that funny…he’s never been that funny.
I hate the way they look at him. The way they laugh, practically swooning, their eyes eating him up. I know he’s charming, but they don’t know him like I do. They don’t know about the time he lifted me into his arms when I was little, scooping me up to protect me from that cranky dog everyone thought was harmless. They weren’t there that day… weren’t there when he smiled down at me and promised I’d be safe as long as he was there. They don’t understand that he’s been mine ever since. My heart’s been his since the moment he rescued my stuffed animal from that dog’s slobbery mouth and handed it back to me like it was nothing in the world.
Ever since then I’ve been biding my time.
One day… when I turn eighteen, I’ll be ready, and he’ll see me as more than the chauffeur’s daughter who lives above the garage. I’ll finally be part of this world, part of his world. But right now, all I can do is watch from the shadows, feeling like my heart will burst just seeing him laugh with someone else. It’s torture, pure torture, knowing he’s so close yet so far away, and all I can do is stay hidden up in this darned tree.
Just then, he glances away, moving from his little circle of admirers, and for a second, it feels like he’s looking right at me. My breath catches, and I freeze, feeling my whole body go still as if by some miracle he’s finally noticed me. But then I realize…he isn’t looking at me. His gaze has slipped past and is scanning the crowd. My heart sinks, realizing I’ve just imagined it.
But someone else is looking.
A darker, heavier presence, like a shadow passing over the ground. I spot Brett’s older brother, Zack, watching from across the lawn, his eyes scanning the crowd with that intense gaze of his. My heart speeds up for a different reason now. Zack isn’t exactly evil, but there’s something about him that feels heavy, like he knows more than he lets on, and he’s always watching, always lurking on the edge of things. I shrink back into the shadows, hoping he doesn’t see me up here. He makes me feel like he knows my every little secret, like he sees everything I’m trying to hide.
Before I can sink any lower, I hear my father’s voice calling out from below.
“Jenny! Jenny! Why on earth haven’t you been answering your phone?”
I clench my teeth, trying to blend into the branches, willing him not to notice me. But his voice comes again, sterner this time. “
Jenny! Stop trying to hide, you brat. I know you're there. I can see you. I’ve told you to stay out of that tree.Get down here right now!”
My stomach twists with a sinking feeling as my father’s voice echoes again, stern and unyielding. I know there’s no hiding now. With a reluctant sigh, I begin to climb down, inching my way carefully from one branch to the next. The bark scrapes against my palms, rough and uneven, and I cling to each branch as though it might save me from the lecture I know is coming.
The leaves brush past my cheeks, whispering against my skin like a secret. I’m only a few branches from the ground when my foot slips and my hands lose their grip on the rough bark. Before I can even gasp, I’m tumbling through the branches.
The world blurs into a swirl of leaves and twinkling lights, my heart pounding in my chest as gravity pulls me down. I feel the sting of branches scratching against my arms and legs, snagging at my clothes as I tumble faster towards the ground.
And then…thud.
I land flat on my back, the impact jolting through my spine. For a moment, everything is still, the breath knocked out of me as I stare up at the sky, stars scattered like glittering shards in the vast darkness. My heart is racing, my pulse pounding in my ears as I lie there, feeling every inch of me throbbing from the fall.
The sounds of the party fade around me, muffled by the ringing in my ears. Slowly, I become aware of my father leaning over me, blocking out the stars. I blink, disoriented. His expression is a mix of worry and irritation. The world snaps back into place, the voices and laughter of the ball swirling faintly around us.
“You’re going to break your neck one of these days,” he says with a frown.
CHAPTER 2
Zach
The night is perfectly orchestrated…at least, it should be.
Guests cluster around the gardens, champagne in hand, their laughter drifting lazily in the night air. My brother, Brett is as ever, surrounded by a bevy of admirers, each one with eyes full of the ridiculous fantasy that he will choose her. Most of them have come with their parents, who are also hoping Brett might finally show interest in one of their daughters. They won’t approach me; they know better. My patience for small talk is nonexistent. The ball may look like a social event, but it’s meant to keep the Jackson family’s business running at full throttle.
I weave through the garden, catching the attention of a few key executives who have gathered in small groups, each one is here tonight for more than the champagne. I stop by one of the circles, and almost immediately, Richard Lawson, one of our lead architects, leans in.
“So, Zack, about the Manhattan project,”he begins, his voice loud to compete with the sound of the live music.“We’re making quite the statement with this one. Have you seen the latest foot traffic numbers? We’re going to be smack in the middle of it all. Tourists, locals…they will have the Jackson name in front of them daily.”
“Exactly the plan,”I say, nodding.“We’re not just adding another high-rise. We’re creating something that draws people in. Floor-to-ceiling glass, strategic lighting that highlights every inch. This building won’t blend in.It’ll stand out, even in the middle of Manhattan.”
Lawson’s eyes light up, clearly energized by the vision.“We’ve run simulations on it already. It’s going to be one of the most noticeable structures on the skyline…right up there with the best of them.”
Andrew Barron, another executive, chimes in.“And it’s not just the aesthetics. With a space like this, we’re also setting the standard for high-end office rentals in the city. Companies are already reaching out about securing floors. We’re creating a brand in itself.”
“Which is why we’re carefully curating the tenants,”I reply, my tone sharpening slightly.“We need long-term contracts, names that add prestige. We’re Jacksons…this isn’t a revolving door for anyone who can pay the rent.”
Just then, the mayor strides over, extending his hand.
“Zack,”he says, shaking my hand firmly.“I hear your new project is going to change the face of Manhattan.”
“That’s the goal,”I respond, meeting his gaze.“But we could use a little cooperation with zoning.”
He raises an eyebrow, clearly expecting this part of the conversation.“You know how it is…city council likes to see benefits for the community.”
“Of course,”I reply smoothly.“To that end we’re building green spaces on the lower levels. A terrace accessible to the public, featuring local art facilities. We’re not just putting up a building. We’re creating an experience for the city.”
He nods, pleased.“And air rights? How are you managing that?”
“We’ve already bought additional air rights from the surrounding lots,”I say.“And as a show of goodwill, we’re allocating a portion of the budget to refurbish the nearby subway entrance. It’ll be safer and more modern.”
Lawson jumps in, enthusiastic.“And by the way, we’re aiming for a LEED Platinum certification. Eco-friendly design all the way. This building will be a model for sustainable urban development.”
The mayor’s interest piques.“The council will like that. It’s good press for everyone involved, myself included.”
I nod, knowing that’s exactly the response we need from him.“We’re hoping to submit final plans soon. I’d like to keep this moving on schedule, if possible.”
The mayor’s gaze is steady, calculating.“I’ll make sure your plans get a proper review. And Zack—don’t hesitate to call if you need anything expedited.”
“Much appreciated,”I reply, smiling broadly.
At that moment there’s a sound of something crashing through the leaves and a sudden thud from somewhere beyond the garden. A few heads turn, confused, but no one knows what to make of it. No one’s expecting someone to fall out of a tree at an event like this. I glance over, catching a flash of auburn hair through the shadows and shake my head.
It’s her…Jenny, the chauffeur’s daughter. I’ve caught her sneaking around like this before, hiding in places she shouldn’t be.
It’s only a brief disturbance, barely noticed by most. I move toward Brett, catching him just as he reaches for another glass of champagne. Without a word, I pull him aside to the champagne bar, handing him a fresh bottle.
“How nice of you Mr,..” he kids as usual.
“Maybe it’s time to keep your admirers in line, or take them somewhere out of sight,”I tell him, keeping my tone even.“This is still a business event, not a dating circuit.”
He glances at me, unfazed.“What’s the harm? Which one are you worried about…one or both?”he jokes, nodding to two women nearby, their eyes following his every move.
“The tall brunette is Harrington’s daughter…major construction investor. The redhead? Millie Devereaux. Senator Devereaux’s kid. So, you might want to consider carefully.”
Brett raises an eyebrow, then smirks.“Harrington and Devereaux. Quite the pair.”He pauses, considering.“Why not both?”
I roll my eyes, pushing the champagne bottle into his hands.“Whatever you do, make sure it’s discreet. This is a serious event. Dad’s going to notice sooner or later, and then you’ll be hearing about it for months. He’ll probably ban you from next year’s ball too.”
Brett frowns, though there’s a playful glint in his eye as he accepts the bottle.“Fine, whatever keeps the peace,”he says, rubbing my arm and giving a mock toast.
“Oh, and one more thing,”I add.“Check on that girl…the chauffeur’s daughter, Jenny. She just fell from a tree. Again.”
“Again?”Brett’s expression shifts, a flicker of concern mixed with surprise. Then he shakes his head, a faint, fond smile on his face.“She’ll never stop climbing into trees and falling out of them. Sometimes I tell people I grew up with two brothers instead of just you. He turns around to look towards the trees and turns back to grin at me. “No worries there. Her father’s got her. I on the other hand have two beautiful women to get to know a bit better if you know what I mean.”
He wiggles his eyebrows as he makes his way over to them with a bottle. I do know what he means and once again it worries me that he’s not focused at all on fostering connections or participating in the company’s enhancement. My father is the one who’s most displeased with this but my mother in the immaculate kindness keeps insisting that we should let him be.
He walks away and I turn to watchJenny’s father more or less chase her back towards their home above the garage.
CHAPTER 3
Jenny
“Jenny! Jenny!”My father’s voice echoes down the hall.
I walk faster, pretending I can’t hear him. He’s close on my heels, furious with me for storming out in the middle of his latest lecture on“knowing my place.”As if I don’t know it well enough.
And of course, as I turn the corner, there is Brett, coming in my direction with his usual, lazy charm, a woman on each arm. They hold champagne glasses in their manicured hands, laughing like they’d already won him. I know where he’s taking them. To the bloody indoor conservatory, where…No, I can’t even think about it. About what he wants to do to them and with them. I’ll lose my mind if I do.
“Jenny, you okay?” Brett asks.“Zack says you fell out of a tree.”
My pulse races as he addresses me but the hysterical giggles from the women hanging onto his arms makes me race ahead even faster to hide from the shame consuming me.
“Be careful!”Both Brett and my father yell after me, but I ignore them both and run home.
I shove open the door to our little apartment above the garage and storm into my room, pulling the blanket over my head as if it can block out everything…the party sounds, the music, the laughter, all of it. But it seeps through, filling my room and my head like poison. Sometimes it feels like I’m trapped in some kind of prison, surrounded by all this wealth, yet always just on the outside. It’s like I’m taunted with it, reminded every single day that I’ll never be part of it, and that Brett…would never see me as anything other than the chauffeur’s kid.
Below me, in the garage, are more luxury cars than most people see in a lifetime. Brett loves them. I don’t even care about cars, but I know every damn model because he’s obsessed, talking about them with the kind of focus he never shows on anything else. Once, when I was fifteen, I tried to kiss him, back when we were both in the garage, just him and me in his sleek, cherry-red Ferrari. But he was so wrapped up in some smudge on the windshield, he barely noticed. I thought he’d feel something, just a flicker of what I feel, but…nothing. He tossed a rag over his shoulder, not even looking at me, and I had to swallow back my embarrassment, pretending I was helping him with the damn spot on the glass.
Now, that memory burns in me, and my heart aches at the thought of what he’s doing in the conservatory, with those two women laughing and fawning over him, probably already melting under his touch.
I’ve walked in on him before, wrapped around some woman like he couldn’t get enough, and it was horrible. She was panting like an animal. Ugh!
A knock on the door breaks through my thoughts, and my father’s voice follows, low and firm.
“Jenny. We need to talk.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping he’ll leave, but of course, he doesn’t. I hear the door creak open and his heavy footsteps as he comes in, pulling a chair to my bedside. The mattress dips slightly as he sits beside me, sighing in that way he does when he’s about to start in on me.
“You can’t keep doing this,”he says, voice softer now.“I know what you’re feeling, Jenny.”
“No, you don’t,”I whisper, biting down the lump in my throat.
“Believe it or not, I know,”he insists, his voice gentler but unyielding.“But I keep telling you that it’s because you’re young. It will pass. This infatuation will pass. You’ll come to your senses soon enough to understand how this world works.”
“Please stop,”I plead.“I’ve heard you. I know I’m not good enough for the likes of the Jacksons. So please go.”
He doesn’t listen, and as always, he is adamant on trying his best to get me to come to my senses.
“Look at him, Jenny. Brett’s not for you. You’ll never be part of their world…you’re not even in his orbit. These people…they’re different. They don’t live by the same rules. And Brett, he’s the life of the party. Do you think he even knows you exist in the way you want him to?”
“Stop,”I hiss, but my voice breaks.“Dad! I hear you. You don’t need to remind me again that we are nothing. I get it.”
He sighs, his hand resting on my blanket.“Jenny, I have been trying to get you to understand and to listen to me for the longest time, but you haven’t. So now, I think it’s best I take matters into my own hands and fix this problem.”
At this, my heart nearly sinks into my belly.“What do you mean?”I ask.“What are you planning to do?”
“Virginia,”my father replies.“I’m sending you to your grandparents. They’ll be more than happy to have you. You’ll stay there for a while, work on the farm. I think it’ll be good for you to get away, to have some time, some distance.”
I cannot believe the words coming out of his mouth. I’m in so much shock that for the longest time, I just stare right back at him, open-mouthed.
“No,”I say, my voice barely a whisper, but my whole body stiffens.“No. You can’t do that. I can’t leave…I can’t…No!”
“You don’t have a choice. Plus, you always loved the fields and working in the gardens. There’ll be plenty of trees for you to climb there, but please be careful.”
He sounds casual, like this is just a discussion, but there is a finality in his tone that I know makes it clear this is not up for discussion.
“It’s what’s best for you, sweetheart,”he says.“This crush, this obsession…it has to stop. You need to see this for what it is.”
The words sear through me, leaving me raw and open. I clench my fists, fighting back the scream bubbling up inside me. I can’t stand the way he looks at me, like I’m some naive girl with foolish dreams, like he knows everything, and I know nothing.
“Just…go away,”I whisper, my voice shaking.“If you don’t leave right now, I’ll scream.”
For a moment, he stays where he is, a heavy silence stretching between us. Then he sighs, standing up slowly.
“Alright, Jenny,”he says, his voice quieter, sadder than before.
I hate to hurt him. I hate to be rude, but right now my heart is breaking. He’s sending me away, and who knows if I’ll ever return. He’s talked about moving back to Virginia as well, so what if…what if I never get to see Brett again?
He leaves, closing the door softly behind him, and as soon as he’s gone, I feel the tears well up, hot and unstoppable. I bury my face in the blanket, sobbing as I clutch my pillow, the pain ripping through me like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
He’s right. There’s no hope. There’s no way out of this. Brett will never see me. I’m nothing more than the chauffeur’s daughter, and that will never change. And now that he’s shipping me off, there’s no longer any time to fix this. I imagine the farm, spending my days there, wallowing…and it hurts too much. I make up my mind then. It’s not a sudden thought. Frustration and despair have seeped in over and over again through the years, and the thought has crossed my mind countless times. But maybe now, it’s time to find peace.
Sniffling, I reach for my journal, my hands shaking as I flip it open. I press the pen to the page, but I can barely see through the blur of my tears, my hand trembling as I start to write my suicide note.