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.
I sincerely appreciate your unwavering support! :)
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
Scarlet was a crumpled heap on the floor, racked with uncontrollable sobs that shook her entire frame. Her face was buried in her hands, but it did nothing to muffle the heart-wrenching sounds of her anguish.Dane hadn't approached her out of the blue - no, he had an agenda. And Scarlet was painfully aware of that. But who could she turn to for help? Lincoln would surely lose his mind if he found out.He would turn her world upside down in his rage. At the end, she'd be exposed, lose her job and her reputation irreparably tarnished.Then there was Michael to consider. His brand of "assistance" would no doubt involve firearms and outright bloodshed, consequences she couldn't begin to fathom.Scarlet shuddered at the thought, cradling her arms around her midsection. No, she couldn't risk either of them finding out, not when her attacker was clearly a dangerous and unhinged man who didn't scare easily.A fresh wave of sobs tore from her throat as the realization crashed over her.She was
Lincoln was in no better condition than Scarlet, his own body thrummed with an intoxicating blend of desire and concern as she practically devoured him with her desperate kisses.He grinned when she eventually pulled away, panting hard against his kiss-swollen lips."Not that I'm complaining, but...damn, baby," Lincoln rasped, resting his forehead against hers as they both struggled to catch their breath. "Where did that come from all of a sudden? I mean, not that I've ever known you to be shy, but..."Scarlet swallowed thickly. She averted her gaze, fighting to regain her composure.She knew she needed to come up with some plausible excuse for her erratic behavior, something that wouldn't raise too many red flags with Lincoln.The last thing she wanted was for him to start prying into the truth behind her current state."I...the attending doctor I was working under today, he...he reprimanded me pretty harshly in front of the entire staff," Scarlet mumbled at last, hating how weak and
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?"