“Alright, time to eat. Sit down now, or the food will get cold.” Scarlett gestured for Lucas to sit down as she stopped dwelling on the matter. Initially, both Scarlett and Lucas dined with poise and grace. But it wasn’t long before they abandoned their manners and ate messily. Jonathan raised an eyebrow, wondering if they had been pretending to be cultured all along. Before he knew it, he was eating just like them, even fighting over food like a child.It took them two hours to finish dinner, which was quite a feat in Scarlett and Jonathan’s books. They rubbed their satisfied tummies, both of them feeling very full. "Lucas, clean up," Scarlett ordered.Lucas wouldn't compromise so easily. "Uncle Jonathan, clean up."Jonathan silently gave them a vicious stare, then stood up and cleared the table. Even his movements while cleaning up were elegant, and he did it so skillfully. The house was restored to its clean state in no time, leaving both Scarlett and Lucas impressed. They t
Macy Fairmont was Dylan’s sister. Even though Macy wished Scarlett would end up with her brother, she never pressured Scarlett and always advised her to go with the flow. She'd been Scarlett’s best friend for the past six years. They were of the same age, but Macy was more optimistic. She’d once been abandoned by a trashy guy she’d loved immensely and had been devastated when they broke up. However, it only took her three days to return to the happy and lively Macy. Perhaps she wasn’t that deeply in love, or she'd buried her feelings deep in her heart.There were many things that Scarlett only shared with Macy. Even though Dylan was her brother, Macy was extremely loyal and never revealed Scarlett’s secrets to him. She knew how to keep her personal and professional lives separate and would never let her emotions tie her down or hinder her thoughts. That was probably why they had a good relationship. There were times when Scarlett was lost, not knowing what to do next. There we
Macy was smiling, but the words she spat out were hurtful. Lucas wasn’t fond of others pinching his cheeks, but his mommy and Aunt Macy were the exceptions. He stopped dwelling on the matter, thinking it was better to be a good, obedient boy since Aunt Macy could be pretty unforgiving. He put on a smile and said, “Aunt Macy, Mommy's waiting for you inside.”“Really? She said she’s excited to see me but won’t come out to meet me?” Macy asked with rightful indignation. Lucas prayed for his mommy, as he hadn't meant to betray her. “I’m sorry, Mommy,” he thought to himself. He knew all too well that Aunt Macy was frightening. He could afford to offend his mommy, but never Aunt Macy. Of course, only his actions bore witness to his statement, as he never dared to speak it out loud. “Mommy, she… She’s too full and can’t move.” Lucas made an excuse for his mommy. “Forget it, let’s go in,” Macy said as she walked in without turning back.Lucas trotted behind her. “It wasn't me. Don’t a
Macy tried to ask her about it. “You don’t want to marry my brother?”Scarlett was afraid Dylan would get upset if Macy brought it up with him, so she gave a reflexive response. “That’s not true. Who said so? Dylan's a nice guy.”It was indeed the truth. Dylan was a nice guy. What was not to like? He had a good personality, was good-looking, didn’t have a temper, and many other great things. If there was a reason why they shouldn’t get married, it was because she wasn’t good enough for him. “I’ve told you before, it’s not love when you feel moved. You should think it over sometime. If you decide carelessly, you'll ruin not only your future but Dylan’s future as well. I think having mutual love and affection would be the best. You might think you’ll fall in love with my brother later, but nobody can be certain of the future. I hope you’ll end up with him too, but I'm against it if you don’t love him. I don’t wish for you both to end up unhappy. What’s the point if you’ll just be cor
“Sigh, why did I make my life a mess?” Scarlett wondered. She laid on the couch for another half an hour, letting her food almost digest completely, before going back to her room. Macy had also just finished showering and changed into the Mickey Mouse pajamas Lucas bought her, looking extremely cute. She had perfectly proportioned features, an attractive face shape, thick, wavy hair that cascaded down her back in a naturally seductive manner, and long limbs that accentuated her height. It was hard to imagine that a stunning woman like Macy had been abandoned, and Scarlett had never believed it. It was hard to find anyone as naturally beautiful as her. Even women with plastic surgery didn’t look as good as she did. That guy clearly didn’t know how lucky he was. Scarlett took in Macy's desirable appearance. “Wait for me obediently in bed. I’ll be pouncing on you after I’m done showering.”Macy raised an eyebrow. “I think I’ll be the one doing the pouncing, Scarlett.”“
Scarlett amusedly grabbed her phone and noticed it was an unknown number. She knew Macy wouldn't invade her privacy and didn’t say anything more. She called the number back, and after a few rings, somebody answered. She asked politely, “Hello, who's this?” “Who do you think?” The person on the other line was obviously angry. She immediately knew it was Jonathan, and he seemed to be in a sour mood. She raised her brows. “Wow, how did you get my number? And why do you sound like that? Did you call just to get angry at me? I don’t think I offended you.” She disregarded his anger and continued to provoke him. There finally came a day when she could attack him back. “Scarlett Langston!” Jonathan hissed through his teeth. “Here!” Scarlett answered promptly and loudly, like a student being called out in class. “What are you doing?” His voice was still cold. “I just finished showering; why? If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.” “Can’t I just call?” His response cleanly overt
“A pervert? She could speak to a pervert on the phone for so long, not warn them using some harassment law she knew, and even childishly provoke them?” Macy mused silently. She was impressed that Scarlett had managed to keep the conversation going for so long. Usually, with strangers, she would hang up in one or two sentences. Macy wasn't that naive, and it was the first time she’d actually wanted to dig into someone else’s private matters. “Mmhm, and?”“And? And what?” Scarlett played dumb.“You spoke to a pervert for that long? You didn’t sound like you hated them either.” Macy voiced her doubts. It was Scarlett's turn to be doubtful. “You were never this nosy before. Who's been teaching you lately?”“Hey, how dare you call me nosy?” As Macy said that, a pillow went flying out of her hand. The pillow just so happened to go in the direction of Scarlett’s face. Her first instinct was to cover her face with her hands, but since the pillow flew faster, her hand ended up on the p
As she went closer to have a look, she saw a photo of herself looking viciously at the camera and was exasperated. “Macy, how could you take such an ugly photo of me?”Macy wanted to slap her to death. “That’s not the point! Look at the comments.”“Wow, she looks so young. Mother of a six-year-old? That can’t be right.”“She’s so cute! Mother of a six-year-old? Macy, you’re joking, right?”“How's that possible? A mother of a six-year-old? She looks younger than me.”All of the comments mentioned "mother of a six-year-old" with disbelief. As Scarlett read them, she got more excited. “What? I really am the mother of a six-year-old. I’m old!”Macy felt helpless and muttered to herself. “They're praising you for looking young; what more do you want? Do you want them to say you’re old instead? You’ll get upset then.” She gave up on Scarlett, replying to a few comments left by her close friends instead. She told Scarlett after she was finished, “Go to sleep already; it’s almost midni
Scarlett knew there was no real solution to the problem between her and Jonathan. The both of them were just choosing to ignore what had happened between them.There was nothing left for them to do to fix what had been broken.Until now, she still felt as if she was in a dream. Was she really married to Jonathan? Was she really living with him in such a lavish house? She found it hard to wrap her mind around it because it was all so surreal.The warm water in the tub sloshed gently over her body, and she felt her eyelids droop. These few days have been tough, and she hadn't been able to sleep well. All she wanted to do was fall asleep in this tub. If she were any less rational than she was right now, she probably would've just fallen asleep in the tub.Scarlett changed into a simple set of pajamas after her bath, completely ignoring the sexy lingerie set that Jonathan had picked out for her. She could probably wear that lingerie set if she were alone but she couldn't possibly w
Jonathan's tone was loving and teasing, and she was immediately transported back to the carefree times she had spent with Jonathan at university. Back then, they didn't have much to worry about and could just enjoy dating each other without reality holding them back."Have you had breakfast? I'm making breakfast right now. Do you want some?" Scarlett asked."No, thank you. I don't like eating in the morning. You can go ahead and enjoy your breakfast," Jonathan replied. Jonathan never got into the habit of eating breakfast; after he went overseas, he had less reason to have breakfast. As such, he never ate breakfast anymore. After Scarlett had finished her food, Jonathan drove them to city hall to sign the necessary documents for their marriage.The entire time, Scarlett felt as if she were in a dream. Everything that was happening seemed so surrea. The absurdity of the events and the fact that she had not slept well in two days only made her more dazed. Scarlett hadn't realize
Scarlett immediately understood what he was trying to say and bashfully lowered her gaze. Since when had he become so sleazy? Going overseas had done nothing to teach him to be a better man. Scarlett didn't know how to answer him, so she stared silently at the ground. Suddenly, she thought of something and raised her head to say, "Jonathan, I have to tell you something. I can marry you, but you must promise me one thing. We won't have a wedding ceremony."Jonathan was upset by that suggestion, and he huffed, "What? No ceremony? Are you planning on just getting married in secret? Is it that embarrassing to be married to me? Is that why you don't want a ceremony? If you don't want to marry me, just tell me! You don't have to do all this to show how reluctant you are to marry me!" Jonathan had no idea what was going on in her head. What woman would outright refuse to have a wedding ceremony? Any woman would love to have a grand ceremony to celebrate her marriage, but now that Sca
Just then, Scarlett heard someone call her name from behind her, "Scarlett?"Scarlett turned in confusion and realized that it was the school counselor. She never expected to see him here, and her heart was filled with warmth at the sight of him. She hadn't seen him since graduating, so she didn't think he would still remember her. She hastily wiped the tears from her face before greeting him with a brilliant smile, "Mr. Brown! Why are you here?""I had nothing to do today, so I thought I would drop by to play basketball. How's work? Why aren't you here with Jonathan? I can't believe it's been a year already. Time really flies … I still remember when Jonathan would play basketball, and you would cheer for him from the sidelines. I miss all of you, so come by with Jonathan next time! By the way, don't forget to send me a wedding invitation when both of you get married. After all, I've got my eye on both of you, and I'm sure you will end up together. I remember how nice Jonathan trea
"Hey! What are you doing? Are you going home now?" Scarlett asked."Of course! Where else would I go? Didn't we just break up? Why are you calling me again? Don't tell me that you miss me already!" Teresa's voice which was filled with glee, came from the other end of the receiver. Hearing her voice made Scarlett feel much better than before, but Scarlett was worried that she would no longer be so happy after Scarlett tells her the truth. She didn't want her problems to affect the lives of those around her. Since she made a mistake, she would be the one to bear responsibility, and no one else should have to suffer because of her … especially not her best friend.Scarlett hesitated before asking, " Teresa, do you like your job?""What's not to like? I love it! Being a teacher is my dream! My students are obedient and understanding. My job also gives me a sense of accomplishment! Why are you asking me this now? I've told you before that my dream is to be one of the best teachers in
As she spoke, Scarlett attempted to push Jonathan away, but he was too strong. She couldn't fight back at all. She felt like a fragile child in front of Jonathan, and he could crush her into pieces with just a little force. Jonathan leaned in and whispered coldly, "Do you think I’m still as compliant as before, allowing you to push me away repeatedly? Let me tell you, I’m not the same. How well do you think you know me? Let me make it clear, I will get what I want, including you!" Scarlett sensed the threat in Jonathan's words and looked at this unfamiliar man with some caution. She asked cautiously, "Jonathan, are you threatening me? What exactly do you mean? Why don't you just tell me instead of playing games? My time is not free, so let me go if you won't talk. I still have to work tomorrow." Scarlett was truly exhausted at this moment. Listening to her colleagues discuss Jonathan in the office had already put her on edge. After work, she spent so much time walking aroun
Jonathan did not take her comments to heart and continued coldly, "You came home quite late, Scarlett. It seems like you've learned to enjoy life more now, huh? Weren't you just a bookworm before? Why are you so late today? You've changed a lot after starting work and made more friends, huh? Tell me, who were you out having dinner with just now? A colleague? Your boss? Or is it your boyfriend? Whoever it is, it seems like he takes good care of you, and since you were having so much fun with him, why bother coming back home in the evening?" Scarlett could hardly believe the cruel words that came from his mouth. When did Jonathan become so heartless? Although he could be a bit carefree before, he would never say such things to her. In Scarlett's eyes, Jonathan had always been gentle and caring, completely different from the person uttering these words now. Scarlett felt infuriated and couldn't help defending herself, "It's not what you think! I was just having a cup of coffee with
The two best friends chatted, and before they knew it, time had passed as they enjoyed their coffee. Soon, night fell, and the sky that was once adorned with the setting sun was now full of twinkling stars. It was beautiful, but it also reminded Scarlett of the day she parted ways with Jonathan. That day was just like today, a beautiful night with bright stars. However, things had changed, and she could never sit here and talk with Jonathan as she did that day. Teressa noticed the shift in mood from across the table. After hesitating, Teresa couldn't help but speak up, "Scarlett, Jonathan ... He's coming back soon." Teresa didn’t know the details of Scarlett and Jonathan’s relationship, but she knew they went on a trip together during their final year while everyone was looking for internships. It was quite sudden since Scarlett barely hung out with Jonathan. Then, there were rumors that they were dating, but Jonathan went abroad to study soon after, and Scarlett never menti
Scarlett sighed heavily at these words. “Yeah, there’s no way our small magazine can get an interview with the great Jonathan Leonard. Only those major news outlets have the qualifications for that. It’s his first time returning to the country after going abroad, so this is big news. The media would be busy with this, but it’s certainly not for us to handle.” Just then, the editor-in-chief of the office suddenly appeared. He must have overheard their discussions outside and sternly said, “Am I paying you to gossip around? You’re all good for nothing. You’re all itching to gossip now that I’ve eased up on you?” Once he roared, everyone fell silent. They either looked down at their computers or pretended to be busy with their work. No one responded to him. Who dared to oppose the editor? His words were final. However, Scarlett, who had always disliked this editor, felt grateful to him at this moment. She thanked him silently for saving her from her colleague’s gossiping. This wa