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.
~Dane Creighton's Mansion~Mrs. Creighton sat elegantly on the velvet chaise lounge, her slender fingers delicately turning the pages of a leather-bound book.The lenses of her tortoiseshell reading glasses reflected the plush living room bathed in a warm glow as she lost herself in the story's world.The tranquil atmosphere was suddenly shattered by the sound of muffled sobs approaching.Mrs. Creighton peered over her glasses just as a young maid burst through the door, her uniform clinging to her trembling frame.Tears streamed down the girl's flushed cheeks as she hiccuped between ragged breaths."Clara, dear, what's the matter?" Mrs. Creighton set her book aside, maternal concern etching her brow.The maid, Clara, could barely form a coherent sentence through her hysterics. "M-Madam...the young master...he..." She dissolved into a fresh wave of sobs.Mrs. Creighton's expression hardened as realization dawned. This wasn't the first time her son had terrorized the staff.She rose gra
The scorching midday sun cast harsh, unforgiving shadows on the pavement outside the hospital.Scarlet stood there, her slim figure etched against the stark white backdrop of the building behind her, awaited her brother Michael's arrival.He had promised to join her for a lunch date, and despite running late, she trusted he'd keep his word.The oppressive heat was downright stifling, searing through her light summer dress and causing beads of sweat to form on her brow.With a frustrated sigh, she raised a hand to shield her eyes from the sun's blinding glare and checked her watch again.Her gaze drifted back towards the street, eagerly scanning each approaching vehicle with hopeful eyes. When she finally spotted Michael's familiar black sedan in the distance, a quick smile flashed across her face before settling into a broad grin."You're so damn late!" Scarlet chided playfully the momet she climbed into the passenger seat beside him, leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek.Micha
Scarlet's sleek red Lamborghini purred as it emerged from the garage a little over a minute later, its powerful engine rumbling like a wild animal.Following close behind was a black SUV carrying her team of burly bodyguards like silent, intimidating sentries protecting their charge.Her car had just crossed over the bridge that linked the city's main arteries and was about to make a right turn at the traffic light when a flashy black sports car blew through the intersection, clearly running the red light.Tires squealed as the two vehicles collided with a sickening crunch of metal on metal."Son of a bitch!" Scarlet snarled, her delicate features contorting into an enraged glare as she gripped the steering wheel in a tight grip.Who the hell was this reckless douchebag with the audacity to drive like such an irresponsible jackass and damage her prized car she cherished more than life itself?The other driver's blatant irresponsibility and disregard for traffic laws infuriated her to h
Scarlet made her way to the riverside restaurant where Lincoln had been patiently awaiting her arrival. As soon as she spotted his tall, familiar figure standing outside with hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored slacks, she applied the brakes.The powerful Lamborghini purred to a stop right in front of him.Lincoln immediately closed the distance with long, purposeful strides, concern etching his handsome features.He reached to help Scarlet out of the low-slung car, his hands gentle but insistent as they grasped her shoulders, giving her body an anxious once-over to check for any signs of injury."Are you alright, sweetheart? Were you hurt at all in the accident? God, I knew I should have come pick you up myself instead of letting you drive," he fretted, the tense lines around his eyes and mouth showing just how worried he'd been.Scarlet flashed him a reassuring smile and shook her head.She reached up to press her palms against his stubbled cheeks in a soothing ges
Dane pulled into the private underground garage of his luxury high-rise apartment building not long after.He stormed inside the private elevator leading to his penthouse, slamming the door behind him hard enough to rattle the walls once he got in.Then he stalked through the dimly lit space, carelessly shrugging out of his shirt before flinging it carelessly to the floor.Grabbing a heavy crystal glass, he poured himself a generous serving of rich, full-bodied scotch and then prowled out onto the spacious balcony to drink it while surveying his kingdom from on high - an evening ritual he performed every night without fail.Dane’s jaw clenched when he drained the glass in one long series of gulps, the potent liquid burning pleasantly as it slid down his throat.His head tilted slightly to the side at the sound of a timid knock coming from the front door.Turning on his heel, he crossed the room in ground-eating strides and wrenched open the door.Then his free hand lashed out to clamp
Scarlet was busy examining an elderly patient, carefully going through the routine checks before recommending that he be discharged from the hospital.There was a courteous knock on the door as she was taking notes in his file."Come in," she called out without looking up from her writing.The door opened and one of the floor nurses bustled in, her shoes clicking briskly against the floor. "Dr. Wovers, there's a patient who just arrived in one of the emergency bays. He's been quite...difficult, and the supervisor has requested your presence urgently."Scarlet's brow furrowed slightly at that, but she gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. "Very well. Let me finish up here and I'll head over directly."She returned her attention to the man sitting upright in the hospital bed and smiled a kind, comforting smile. "Well, Mr. Jennings, it seems everything is in order. Your test results have come back clear, and I don't see any reason why you can't be discharged this afternoon, provided you take
Scarlet made to step back to retrieve the necessary medical supplies; however, Dane's large hand shot out with lightning quickness, catching her by the arm and halting her right by the side of the bed."It hurts real bad, Doc," he practically purred. "You're going to have to take real good care of me now."Scarlet couldn't quite stifle the heavy sigh that escaped her at his words and the way his grip tightened ever so slightly on her arm before loosening again.She pulled herself free, went to the supply tray, and took out some antiseptic solution and a sterile gauze pad.As she carefully cleaned and dressed the wound on his arm, Scarlet was mildly surprised by how still and calm Dane remained throughout the process.Most male patients would be whimpering or cursing up a storm at the sting of the antiseptic, but he didn't so much as flinch.He simply watched her face intently the entire time.Once she'd finished bandaging him up properly, Scarlet stepped back and crossed her arms over
Scarlet’s hand stretched toward the doorknob and her fingers barely grazed the cool metal when a large hand slammed against the door.Her heart jumped to her throat.She frantically twisted the handle and pulled with all her might but the door wouldn't move an inch.Scarlet slowly turned around in defeat, dreading what she’d see.Her 5'4" frame felt impossibly small as she faced Dane, who towered over her with his broad shoulders blocking any escape route.The fluorescent hospital lights cast shadows across his face, making his expression even more menacing."Going somewhere, doctor?" Dane’s voice was soft yet held an edge that made her skin crawl.He shifted his weight, placing his supposedly injured arm against the door and leaned down to her eye level.The arrogant smirk she'd grown to hate played on his lips, but there was something darker in it now."Mr. Creighton, I need you to step back. This is completely inappropriate for a doctor-patient relationship." Scarlet tried to keep h
Terror propelled Flora to her feet. Her body swayed like a reed in the wind as she attempted to flee. Unfortunately, her escape lasted mere seconds before Dane's fingers tangled in her hair, yanking her back with savage force.His features transformed into a mask of unbridled fury."Please, I'm begging you." Chris's voice cracked with desperation. "She's just a child, innocent of all this. Take my life instead. She doesn’t know anything of the person you want."Tears streamed down Chris's face as he collapsed to his knees.Dane's penetrating gaze shifted between the trembling girl and his former right-hand man with his expression unreadable.The girl's presence stirred something deep within Dane - a recognition of the pure innocence he'd once known in another.His dead love interest had taught him to recognize the difference between genuine innocence and calculated deception. Yet this knowledge did nothing to stay his hand as he tightened his grip on Flora’s hair, drawing a sharp cry
Chris’s stomach twisted at Dane’s words. He knew what his boss was capable of, and he knew that Scarlet or Hanna as he had tried to convince Dane was in grave danger.“Sir, please—”Dane silenced Chris with a glare. “I don’t need your permission, and I certainly don’t need your protection!” He snarled.With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his men trailing behind him.Chris watched him go and his heart pounded in his chest.Dane refused any company in his car, having his security detail follow at a respectful distance in another vehicle.His grip on the leather-wrapped steering wheel tightened until his knuckles blanched white.The interior of the car felt suffocating, charged with the electricity of his rage. Every breath he drew felt like inhaling fire… his chest constricting with an emotion he refused to name."How dare she?" The words escaped through clenched teeth, venom dripping from each syllable. "How dare she crawl under my skin like this?"Memories of
Flora’s hands were trembling so badly she could barely turn on the faucet when she returned to the restroom.She splashed cold water on her face, her reflection in the mirror pale and wide-eyed.Her heart was still racing, and she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her breathing.The man who had dragged her into that room was terrifying. Yet, there was something strange about him—something almost… noble.He had let her go, after all. Why? She couldn’t understand it.“Flora! Where have you been?” Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her brother’s voice filled with worry.She turned to see him standing just outside the restroom with their mother close behind. Both of them looked anxious, their faces tight with concern.“I was about to come in there after you!” Jean continued in a tone sharp yet laced with relief.“I’m sorry,” Flora said quickly, forcing a weak smile. “My stomach was upset, and I felt dizzy. That’s why I took so long.”Jean frowned, scanning her pale
Dane stood before the mirror the next morning, meticulously adjusting his tie. His reflection stared back at him, cold and unyielding, the sharp lines of his face a perfect match for the sharpness of his emotions.He had chosen his finest suit and the scent of his signature cologne clung to his skin like a second layer.Behind him, the woman in his bed stirred but didn’t wake. He glanced at her briefly with his expression unreadable.He had no intention of waking her… she would follow soon enough, and if she didn’t, there would be consequences. She knew that. He had made it clear.By the time he stepped outside, Chris and the security team were already waiting.The usual salutes from his men were conspicuously absent. Dane noticed but didn’t comment. His demeanor had grown colder, harsher, and he suspected the shift hadn’t gone unnoticed. Everyone was scared to even utter a word around him.The convoy moved swiftly through the city until they reached the company.Chris busied himself
~Meanwhile~Dane leaned back elegantly in his chair.The air in the warehouse office was thick with tension.Across from him, Chris stood with the kind of poised stillness that made him almost blend into the background. His hands were clasped neatly in front of him, his posture respectful but rigid, like he was bracing for whatever Dane might say next.“Why do I care, Chris?” Dane’s voice broke the silence, low and strained. The faint tremor in his voice betrayed the turmoil he worked so hard to conceal.Chris’s lips parted slightly before closing again. “I do not know, sir.” He replied finally.Dane let out a sharp and frustrated sigh. He lowered his head into his hand, his thumb and index finger pressing into the sides of his forehead.The weight of Chris’s response settled uncomfortably in his chest.Was Chris being deliberately evasive? Or was he genuinely clueless? Dane couldn’t decide, and the uncertainty only deepened the gnawing tension inside him.The room felt stifling, suffo
Both mother and daughter clung to each other, their sobs filling the room.Scarlet felt like her chest might burst from the intensity of it all. For the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself sink into her mother’s embrace, into the warmth she thought she’d lost forever.Her face pressed into her mother’s shoulder, and she breathed in that familiar scent—soft and floral, the smell of home, of safety, of unconditional love. It was the same perfume her mom had always worn, and the familiarity of it made her cry harder.Mrs. Wovers eventually pulled back just far enough to take in Scarlet’s face.Her hands cupped Scarlet’s cheeks, trembling as though she couldn’t believe this was real. Then, she began pressing frantic kisses all over her daughter’s face—her forehead, her cheeks, her closed eyes, the tip of her nose. She even gave a quick peck on Scarlet’s lips, just like she usually did when Scarlet was a little girl.“My baby,” she whispered between kisses. “My sweet, bea
Scarlet’s stomach churned the moment Michael mentioned their father had moved back into the mansion.It wasn’t fear. No, she’d burned through her fear of that man long ago. What churned inside her now was pure, undiluted hatred.Not a single part of her cared about his wellbeing. Not his health, not his life—nothing. The mere thought of him being in the same space as her made her jaw tighten.Her hands curled into fists on her lap. “I swear to God, if he tries to touch me…” Her voice was low, venomous, muttered like a warning to herself.She didn’t finish the sentence. She didn’t need to. The thought alone was enough to make her blood boil. She’d rather disappear into thin air than let him so much as glance at her again. After all, he was the one who had destroyed her life.The car slowed as it passed through the mansion’s towering gates. Scarlet glanced out the window, her eyes scanning the familiar grounds. The sprawling gardens, the stone pathways, the grand house… it all looked th
Michael leaned forward to kiss her forehead before pulling her into another hug. "Lincoln is struggling without you. He's been seeing a psychiatrist due to his parents persistent and concern for health."The hair on Scarlet's head stood on end as she looked at his face for confirmation.He nodded solemnly. "You don't know how much he's suffered since you left. His condition is deteriorating. The doctors have warned his parents he might even... hurt himself."Lincoln!Scarlet gasped.The fear of facing him had driven her to her extreme actions, and now it was what kept her tied to her lie.But learning of his despair, she realized the extent of her selfishness. Even though she loved him truly, she feared him too.There would be no one else besides Lincoln in her life. The will to return for him, her mother, and her brother was what kept her going all these months.As for the devil responsible for shattering her dreams, she would do whatever it took to get rid of him from her life.Tears
Scarlet felt the weight of immense shame pressing down on her.She averted her gaze from her brother's intense stare, unable to meet the internal fire that burned relentlessly in his eyes.Tears flowed freely down her cheeks in a torrent unlike anything she'd ever experienced before.She drew in a shuddering breath, steeling herself to finally confide in him about the depths of agony she'd endured during her time living alone in a constant state of distress and fear."The fact that I became his...his whore, it shattered me, Michael," she confessed in a broken whisper. "I never should have been tainted by that indelible stain, that filth. You can't possibly understand the weight of shame and disgust that oppressed me, that shook me to my very core."Her voice took on a haunted edge as she pressed onward. "I lived in constant terror that Lincoln would somehow find out, would start to question my purity. And that's a doubt any man in his position would be justified in having, isn't it?"