Life as a teenager is already a challenge. Life as a mute only adds to the chaos, but for Aubrielle Matthews, it’s just a regular day. Balancing being a gold medal gymnast, a social pariah, and backlash for her mutism is nothing new.

If that wasn't already enough, throw in Riverback Heights alum Lynx Peak.

Lynx is the golden boy who returns with some unfinished business. Despite his popularity, he faces demons from his past. On the outside, he’s handsome and rich with a carefree aura, but that’s just on the outside. Much darker and haunted things lie beneath. Lynx knew his return wouldn’t be a warm welcome, but he was shocked by all the changes in the town that never changes.

Can Brie and Lynx find the strength to overcome the poison that is Riverback Heights?

Will Lynx be able to right the wrongs of his past?

Can Brie find the voice the town stole from her? 

The Balancing Act was created by AZW, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

The Balancing Act

There was so much to unpack. Lynx had allowed me the space to do so with the occasional check-in text messages. As much as I tried, I couldn’t stop the butterflies that fluttered deep in my stomach or the smile that overtook my face when I saw his name flash across my screen. I couldn’t even bear to delete the train of emojis that followed his name after our first date.


How could I make Vic see that I wasn’t picking a side, that I was trying to do what was best for everyone? Or was I? Was I being selfish trying to force my best friend to accept the guy that I liked for my own personal reason?


Hell, of course I was. I wanted her to meet the guy that I met, but I also wanted to help her move forward with her life. She had spent four years holding a grudge against the Peak family, and she hadn’t even stopped by to see that Oliver was awake. He could have cleared everything up if she wasn’t so hellbent on serving vengeance.


Chapter 31: Choosing Sides