CH.6

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.

Michael offered a sheepish, apologetic smile in return. "Traffic was an absolute nightmare," he admitted with a shrug.

He scrutinized her appearance and could tell something seemed off about her despite her effort to hide it.

His brows furrowed with concern. "You seem...different than you were this morning," he remarked cautiously. "Everything okay?"

"Just the usual work stress," Scarlet replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

A wry smile tugged at Michael's lips as he shook his head slightly. "You've never been good at lying to me," he said gently but pointedly. "Did you have another argument with your fiance? You know you can talk to me about it."

Scarlet hesitated, chewing on her lower lip before letting out a resigned sigh. "It was just a stupid disagreement, that's all."

Knowing better than to push his sister when she clearly wanted privacy, Michael swiftly changed the subject. "So what are you in the mood to eat, sis?"

"Surprise me, big bro. I'm in your capable hands." a bright smile lightened up her features once more.

They ended up at a cozy riverside restaurant with an absolutely breathtaking view.

Michael led them to an outdoor table where a cool breeze offered some relief from the sweltering heat.

After placing their orders, they sat back and enjoyed the serene ambiance in comfortable silence for a few moments.

"Michael," Scarlet began tentatively, breaking the stillness between them. "I need you to promise me something." 

He hummed an acknowledgment, already suspecting what was coming next. As much as he was reluctant, he knew he could never outright deny his little sister's pleas.

"I want you to stay with Mom and me at the mansion." She said. "At least for a little while. And if Dad shows up...just steer clear of him, okay?"

Michael sighed heavily, looking out over the gently rippling waters as he considered her request.

The thought of being confined to that oppressive house made his skin crawl, but Scarlet's pleading gaze made it impossible to refuse outright.

"Please, Michael?" she persisted, gently covering his hand with her own on the tabletop. "Mom and I...we need you there with us."

Finally giving in under the weight of her imploring stare, Michael nodded reluctantly. "Alright, alright. You win."

"Promise me," Scarlet insisted firmly.

"You're such a pain in my ass," Michael grumbled half-heartedly before acquiescing with another sigh. "I promise, okay? I'll stay at the mansion."

Their food arrived not long after, and they ate in comfortable silence for a while before paying the bill and heading back out into the punishing heat.

As they returned to the hospital, Michael leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Scarlet's forehead before bidding her goodbye and retreating back into his own world.

---

~Hours later~

Scarlet found herself pacing restlessly back and forth on the sun-baked pavement outside the hospital once more.

Her gaze was locked on the horizon, awaiting Lincoln’s arrival this time.

The moment she spotted his luxurious custom-made Maybach, a wave of relief washed over her and her face lit up like a kid's on Christmas morning.

"You're late, mister!" Scarlet mock-scolded as she slipped into the plush leather passenger seat beside him.

Her tone was playfully accusing but tinged with an undercurrent of reproach. "I've been baking out here in this hellish sun until I'm pretty sure my skin is about to start cracking off in sheets."

Lincoln arched an eyebrow at her dramatic greeting. "Is that any way to welcome your future husband?" he teased right back.

Scarlet feigned an offended gasp and whipped her head away from him to stare pointedly out the window.

She could feel Lincoln's eyes on her and had to admit she kind of loved this flirtatious back-and-forth between them.

"Babe," Lincoln said softly after a beat, bringing her attention back to him. "Don't forget we've got our date night tonight. I know we've both been crazy busy lately, but I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with you."

Scarlet shot him a sly wink, patting his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. In fact, I plan on getting all dolled up just for you tonight," she replied confidently.

A broad, delighted grin spread across Lincoln's face as he laced their fingers together and brought her hand up to his lips to brush a featherlight kiss across her knuckles.

"Should I come pick you up, or will you just meet me there?" he asked casually as if they were discussing weekend plans rather than a romantic date night.

"No need," Scarlet replied with a shake of her head. "I'll drive myself over."

"Hm. Make sure you bring a few of your guards with you," Lincoln added firmly.

Their ride soon arrived at their destination.

Scarlet made to get out of the car, but Lincoln caught her by the arm and tugged her back against his chest.

His eyes were dark and intense, filled with desire that made her heart skip a beat.

"Lincoln," she gasped, suddenly breathless. "We can't...not with the bodyguards right there..."

"The tinted windows make us invisible, baby," he assured her in a low, gravelly rumble before leaning in to capture her lips in a hungry, passionate kiss.

Scarlet practically sprinted from the car when they finally broke apart, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

She knew the heavily tinted windows hid them from view, but there was nothing stopping the ever-watchful security cameras from capturing their intimate moment.

---

Later that evening, Scarlet grinned like a lovestruck idiot as she checked herself over in the full-length mirror.

Her blonde locks tumbled in soft, artfully tousled waves down her back, and her makeup was subtle yet striking - expertly applied to highlight her delicate features.

Her full lips were painted a deep, sultry wine shade that perfectly complemented the stunning diamond necklace glittering at her throat.

The slinky red dress she wore clung to every lush curve of her body like a second skin, making her feel powerful and undeniably sexy while still leaving much to the imagination.

Tonight was going to be perfect.

The thunderous echo of her high-heeled shoes striking the marble floor announced her grand entrance as she strode confidently down the hall, her hips swaying enticingly with each step.

Cradled in her hands was a petite black clutch that lent an air of sophistication to her overall look.

Downstairs in the basement, she could hear her brother Michael's playful whistles echoing up the stairwell - his way of cheekily acknowledging her glamorous appearance.

"Well, well, if it isn't Miss Wovers herself," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief and more than a hint of admiration for his beautiful sister. "Mr. Lincoln is one lucky son of a gun tonight."

A soft blush bloomed across Scarlet's cheeks at his comment.

She dipped her head shyly, allowing a thick curtain of silky hair to fall forward and frame her face as she peeked up at him through her lashes.

Their mother swept in next in a dramatic fashion befitting a true queen.

"Oh, my darling daughter!" she cooed adoringly as if still taken aback by Scarlet's blossoming beauty. "You've grown into such an exquisite, radiant vision!"

Scarlet rolled her eyes theatrically, feigning mild annoyance even as an affectionate smile tugged at the corners of her full lips. "Oh, please, Mom," she retorted, unable to hide her amusement. "It's not like you've never seen me dress up before."

Their mother dabbed delicately at the solitary tear that had escaped to trail down her cheek, letting out an exaggerated, wistful sigh. "I know, darling," she said softly. "But each time, you seem to become even more breathtakingly lovely than the last."

A warm wave of affection washed over Scarlet at her mother's words.

She stepped forward to wrap her arms around the older woman in a tender embrace, planting a loving kiss on her cheek. "As much as I'd love to stay and bask in your praise all night, I really can't keep Lincoln waiting any longer," she murmured gently into her mother's ear.

"What about me?" Michael piped up in feigned hurt. "Don't I get a kiss goodbye too?"

A soft chuckle escaped Scarlet's lips as she turned towards her brother. "How could I ever forget about you?"

She leaned in to press a quick peck to his cheek before spinning gracefully on her heel and sashaying out to the car he had gifted her for her last birthday.