CH.4

Scarlet's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of dawn peeked through her window.

She let out a big yawn and stretched her arms over her head, squinting at the clock across the room. It was seven o'clock - an early start to another bustling day at the hospital where she worked as a doctor.

Her fingers rubbed at the sleep in her eyes before she pushed back the plush duvet and rose from her bed with a languid stretch.

After luxuriating under the steamy cascade of water, letting it unknot the knots of stress in her shoulders, she stepped out and toweled off.

She got dressed for work and stepped out into the hallway. Her older brother Michael's room was right across from hers.

Scarlet stopped outside his door, wondering if he was home and awake as well before rapping lightly on the polished wood surface with her knuckles.

"Come in!" came his muffled reply from within.

A soft smile graced Scarlet's lips as she nudged the door open and stepped inside the very masculine yet luxurious bedroom.

Her brother sat ensconced behind his large oak desk, the glow of his computer screen reflecting off his chiseled features as his gaze remained locked on whatever document he was reviewing so intently.

"Do you have work today too?" she asked, tilting her head curiously to one side.

Micheal nodded serenely without breaking eye contact with his screen. "Yep, just about to head out actually." he replied smoothly.

Finally tearing his gaze away, he gave her a warm smile and rose from his chair with an effortless, athletic grace.

He moved towards her until his tall frame towered over her not-so-petite form and ruffled her blonde curls affectionately. "What's up, little sis?"

“Can I ask you something?”

Michael’s brown eyes crinkled at the corners with affection. "Absolutely, darling! What's on your mind?"

"I was wondering if we could go to the hospital together?" Scarlet asked hopefully. "I miss spending time with you."

Michael's smile widened. "Of course we can, sis. In fact, I was planning to swing by and pick you up for lunch. Just the two of us like old times."

Her face lit up with unabashed delight at his words, a rare show of childlike joy that only her adored older brother could elicit from the usually serious young doctor. "Really? It's been so long since we hung out, just the two of us."

"I know, I've been swamped," Michael sighed, running a hand through his dark curls. "But I'll make more of an effort. I miss my little sis."

He took her small hand in his larger one and gave it a gentle squeeze before guiding her towards the door, their conversation flowing easily as they made their way down the hallway toward the living room.

The mouthwatering aroma of food permeated the entire mansion as they sat down for a quick breakfast.

After sharing a hearty home-cooked meal, they left the sprawling family mansion together.

Michael slid into the driver's seat of his sleek black sports car while Scarlet settled in the passenger’s seat.

"I haven't seen Lincoln around the house recently," Michael began hesitantly as they pulled out of the driveway and onto the tree-lined street. "Are you two still...you know, hanging out and spending time together?"

"Yes, we were actually together last night. He brought me home after my shift," Scarlet replied softly. "Between my demanding job at the hospital and his busy schedule, we hardly get to see each other as much as we'd like these days."

She pouted slightly, her full lips forming an adorable moue of displeasure. "You're hardly ever home anymore either. I feel like I never get to spend any quality time with the two most important men in my life."

Michael nodded solemnly in agreement, regret flickering across his handsome features. "I know...and I miss you too, more than you could possibly imagine, little dove."

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "I suppose I'll have to make more frequent trips back home, just to catch sight of my two lovely ladies. This big empty mansion wouldn’t  feel like home at all without you both there to fill it with warmth and laughter."

Scarlet leaned across the console towards him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

He shot her a playful warning glance. "Now keep your distance, missy. I'm driving here. If we crash because you're distracting me with your blonde beauty, it'll be all over the news.”

His eyes flickered with amusement as he added teasingly, "Can you imagine the headlines? 'a Blonde bombshell seen kissing and groping a half-African boy before causing a fatal accident.'"

Scarlet's eyebrows furrowed in irritation at his words, her delicate features scrunching up in displeasure. "It's not my fault you inherited more of our father's strong African features like his skin tone and I took after our mother instead," she retorted, her tone defensive yet laced with envy.

"Honestly, big bro, I wish I had your flawless walnut complexion, and exotic looks instead of this pale skin. And I still can't fathom why you decided to change the name our parents gave you."

A flash of bitterness crossed Michael's features. "Don't even go there. I hate Dad for giving me such an awful family tradition name in the first place."

"Oh come on, 'Harold the Third' isn't that bad!" Scarlet teased with a giggle. "But really, is 'Michael' that much of an improvement, dear brother of mine?"

"Absolutely! It's a strong name, one I chose for myself rather than having it foisted upon me," Michael shot back defiantly. "I'd think you of all people would understand my desire to establish my own identity, free of Father's archaic beliefs and value systems."

Minutes later, their vehicle rolled to a stop in the hospital's underground parking garage.

Michael put the car in park and killed the engine. "Don't forget about lunch!" he reminded as she opened the door to hop out. "I'll be here to pick you up, so don't keep me waiting."

"I won't, bro. See you later!" Scarlet responded.

She watched him drive away before turning and heading for the elevator.

Once inside, Scarlet slipped her white doctor's coat on over her silk blouse and tailored trousers, hanging her ID badge printed with her name and title around her neck with practiced ease.

She wove her way through the organized chaos of the busy nurses' station, exchanging friendly greetings with her colleagues as she made her way to the first patient room to begin her rounds.

She immediately immersed herself in her work—examining one patient while discussing treatment plans with another, her mind sharpening its focus as she fell into the familiar routine that she loved.

Scarlet was busy reviewing a file when a vibration from her coat pocket interrupted her intense concentration.

She reached in and pulled out her phone, her heart rate picking up slightly when she saw the caller ID.

"Hello?" Scarlet answered, unable to keep the slight tremor out of her voice.

"Scarlet, why didn't you tell me you were going to work with your brother today?" The deep voice on the other end was sharp with irritation, causing a shiver of trepidation to run down her spine.

Scarlet exhaled a shaky breath.

The mounting hostility between Lincoln and her beloved brother was slowly poisoning both of her most cherished relationships. Despite their best attempts to conceal the growing tension from her, Scarlet wasn't ignorant or naive—she could feel the animosity and resentment coiling around them all too clearly.

"What's wrong with spending time with my own brother?" Scarlet responded evenly, striving to keep her calm in the face of the man's anger that she could practically feel radiating through the phone line. "He's my family member, the person I'm closest to in this world."

"How often do I have to remind you that I'll handle driving you to and from work?" Lincoln snapped impatiently. "Why don't you ever listen?"

"Michael's my family. I don't get to see him much anymore with how busy we both are. Can't you understand that?" Scarlet's voice carried a touch of irritation now.

"Watch your tone with me, Scarlet. You won't like how I respond if you keep being disrespectful." Lincon’s voice was sharp and icy.

Scarlet bit back the angry, defiant words that threatened to spill over, swallowing them down with difficulty. She was at work. She had to remain professional and had to keep her composure.

"I have to go now and get back to my patients," she managed to say, striving to keep her voice steady despite the rising tempest of emotions roiling within her. "Do you need anything else from me?"

"Yes," he replied flatly. "I'll be there for lunch."

"No!" The word slipped out before she could stop it. "I mean...my brother is actually taking me out for lunch, so I won't be available. Perhaps another night?"

"Then dinner it is!” His tone left no room for refusal. “I'll text you the name and location of the restaurant so you can meet me there promptly after your shift ends."

Scarlet opened her mouth to protest, to say she had plans with Michael for the evening too...but something in Lincoln's tone stopped the words in her throat. "Alright. See you then," she said finally.

With that, the line went dead in her hand.