Silence. Ryder is fidgeting with his spoon, trying to organize his thoughts. Scarlett is sitting across him, slowly chewing her food as she scrolls through her phone, not even looking at him. They’re having breakfast together like usual but the silence is killing him.For the past few days, she has been distant, almost cold to him. She refuses to meet his gaze and avoids him. There’s no mistaking the anger she’s feeling and Ryder can’t blame her. He keeps on pulling her and then pushing her away, confusing her even more.Scarlett, on her part, is simply waiting. She’s not looking at him but silently hoping that he’ll approach her and tell her why he doesn’t want her to hate him. What’s he hiding and why?Ryder clears his throat.“We’ve got a meeting regarding the mines today,” he says. “I think we’ll be able to get the deal signed.”“Hm.”That’s her response. She’s still looking at her phone.“We might have to fly down south to take a look at the mines,” he goes on. “It’ll be good fo
Elle is flipping through the pages of her old picture book, gazing at the photos she kept in it. She touches one picture which was clicked back when she was only fifteen. Her smile in the picture is radiant and glowing because she’s with the person she loves the most. Yes. His arm is wrapped around her in the picture. Ryder.She smiles at his handsome features. He used to be more boyish, thinner but equally handsome. Elle used to tease him to become a singer or a teen idol but he refused. He didn’t want to leave his family and he also had a little sister to take care of. The mention of his sister used to make Elle jealous because she loathed sharing him with anyone.Her mind goes back to the first day they met…*Twelve years ago*“Ugh!” Elle winces in pain. Her cheek is bleeding and her arm is hurt. She hurt her leg so Hector is carrying her in his arms and is immensely worried. His face is filled with concern for her and he’s holding her close. He bursts through the door of his man
Hector is nervous as he walks along the corridor, toward his father’s study. Vincent has summoned him as soon as he reached home and he has an inkling what it might be about. He stands outside the room, composes himself, and knocks on the door.“Enter,” Vincent’s voice comes from within.Hector slowly enters the room. Vincent is sitting on a chair, quietly sipping whiskey. Hector is about to sit on the chair opposite to him when his father raises his hand.“Don’t,” he sharply says. Hector pauses and straightens himself. Vincent puts the glass aside on a table and stands up to walk to his son.Without warning, Vincent slaps Hector across the cheek. Hector is unfazed as the slap echoes in his ears, his cheek hot due to the hit. He turns to his father, not betraying his emotions.“You f*cking fool!” Vincent snarls. “You can’t do anything right, can you? Letting that b*tch ex-wife of yours take away our project! How could you be so careless?”“Our proposal was perfect-” Hector begins but
“Where are we going?” Scarlett asks, trying to hide her excitement. Ryder grins at her. She can see a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, almost child-like as if he’s having fun with the mystery.“You’ll see,” he winks. Scarlett keeps a straight face but inwardly, she’s very curious. He’s keeping their date spot a secret. In all these years, she has never been out on a proper date. Hector only had to take her to dinner parties as his wife but that was it. There were no polite conversations, no intimacy, nor any kind of feelings attached to those gatherings. Scarlett never realized that she was missing out on a very important aspect in her life. Now that Ryder asked her out on a date, she can’t help but feel giddy. No matter where he takes her, she wants to enjoy the moment. Her time in jail made her appreciate the things she missed out and is now determined to do everything she couldn’t.With Ryder, a voice in her head suddenly adds. She’s flabbergasted at her own thoughts for putting i
The sounds of the ocean echoes all around the beach while the moon shines like a pearl above. A cool night breeze gently sweeps by, amplifying the whole ambience. The couple are unaware of everything else around them, their minds and hearts entangled in the sweet momentScarlett moans when Ryder’s tongue meshes with hers, causing jolts of electricity crackle through her. He relishes her sweet taste. She feels light and fragile under his touch, making him want to hold her in his arms forever. He leans closer, kissing her gently. His pecks are intoxicatingly pleasurable, his warmth a strange comfort. She kisses him back, her mixed up emotions being expressed through the soft kisses and low moans. He slowly lets go of her and nuzzles his nose against hers. Under the moonlight, he can see her face which has gone beetroot red. She looks cute, her cheeks a little puffed up by shyness and her blue eyes are looking directly at him with many unspoken words.“This is when my wife looks the mos
Scarlett comes out of the toilet to find that Ryder is waiting for her near a pole, having already freshened up. He casually slips his hand into hers and kisses their interlocked fingers. “There’s a small restaurant at the corner,” he says. “They only sell seafood. Will you be alright with it?”“Yeah, let’s go.”They head for an outdoor restaurant which is located a few meters away from the amphitheater. It’s a cozy place with warm lighting and music for the diners. Ryder chooses a spot away from the crowd. A server hands them the food menu.“I’ll take the seafood salad,” Scarlett states. “Lobster Thermidor for me,” Ryder says. “And white wine.”The server notes down the orders and leaves. Ryder is still holding her hand, lightly brushing her fingers with his thumb.“I’m curious about something,” she begins. “You never had a girlfriend?”Ryder doesn’t reply but broods over her question. “I had one,” he finally replies. Scarlett shifts in her seat. He had a girlfriend? Who?“What ha
*Flashback* Scarlett is nervously standing in front of the Hawkins mansion. School has just ended and Hector Hawkins invited her to his mansion so that they can work on their project together. She’s slightly blushing as she rings the doorbell. An elderly maid opens the door. “Yes, how may I help you my dear?” She asks kindly. “I’m Scarlett D’arcy,” Scarlett replies. “I am-” “Oh yes!” The old maid exclaims. “Master Hector spoke of you. Come on in!” Scarlett smiles at the woman and enters the mansion. “I’m Miranda,” the maid introduces herself. “The senior maid here. I’m so glad you’re here, my dear. Master Hector rarely has any friends come over. He’s outside now. Would you like to wait in the living room?” “Sure!” Scarlett sits in the living room, feeling happy. She has had a crush on Hector for the past two years. They’ve been classmates since they were ten and Scarlett can’t help liking him. He’s got a cool aura and is good at almost everything. From studies to sports, Hect
“You alright, kitten?” Ryder asks. Scarlett breaks out of her reverie.They’re on their way to the Southern mines and are currently in Ryder’s private jet. Scarlett is staring out of the window, thinking about the picture she received. She’s debating whether to ask Ryder or not but her faith is severely shaken. After her experience with Elle, there’s no way she can trust anyone even remotely connected to her stepsister. But Ryder helped you in jail, she reasons with herself. He trained you and even provided you with a home.It can be a trap too, another voice inside her says. He might lie about the photo and tell you that he has nothing to do with Elle. What if he trained you to gain your trust and then harm you?The photo can be a fake. It can be real. What will she do?Her mind is swirling with many questions but no answers. “I’m fine,” she manages to say.Ryder frowns at her. Scarlett has been absent minded since morning and he’s worried now. She straightens herself and takes out
*Three years later*Ryder is in the study, intently reading the books sprawling in front of him. He’s completely absorbed in them, memorizing every bit of detail.“Feed the baby every two to three hours,” he murmurs. “Change diapers after four to six hours. Where’s the part on how to help with digestion?”Ever since Scarlett announced her pregnancy, Ryder has been extremely cautious of her every need. Whether it’s at day or night, he’s ready to get her anything, do anything she wants. She has the strangest cravings especially at night so Ryder stocked the fridge with everything she might want. From pineapples dipped in tabasco sauce to even bananas on pizzas, there isn’t anything he left out.“Ryder!” Scarlett’s voice comes from their bedroom. Instantly, he drops the books and runs to help her.“What is it?” He asks. “Is it ice cream? Or do you want strawberries with mustard again?”Scarlett blinks at him in surprise before bursting into laughter. “I just wanted to ask which color do
A soft breeze is flowing by, making the colorful flowers sway like delicate ballerinas. The vast garden has been set up with several mahogany benches. Every bit of the garden has been neatly trimmed and roses of all colors have been planted along the entrances to add a natural sophistication.The entrance is made of an arch with green leaves and twigs elegantly entangled together. A scent of fresh flowers and soil is enchanting the guests who have arrived. The groomsmen are busy showing the guests to their seats. They didn’t invite a lot of people but a large chunk of the guests are Ryder and Scarlett’s old friend who are indebted to the couple for their inherent kindness.In the midst of the picturesque garden is a breathtaking altar crafted with scarlet and vermillion flowers of all kinds. Set against the vibrant sunset, the arch is softly glittering in the multicolor hues as it stands on sturdy pillars. The flowers are soft, yet fiery, blooming vibrantly like flames. The gentle bre
*One month later*Everyone is tense. Scarlett is standing still while Kat keeps on rubbing her back to reassure her that it will be fine. Troy is there as well along with Jim and Jeremy who are equally worried. Sitting on a wheelchair is Miranda, who’s weak but hopeful. They’re all standing outside a room, separated by a glass window. On the other side are Ronan and a pair of nurses with Ryder. Ryder is sitting still on a bed, his eyes still covered with bandages. His heart is racing and he’s taking several deep breaths. Ronan slowly undoes the bandages to reveal Ryder’s closed eyes.“When I count to three, slowly open your eyes,” he instructs. “Very slowly, alright? Don’t get too excited.”“Got it.”“1…2…3…”Ryder slowly starts to open his eyes. Scarlett holds her breath, her heart still. Every second feels long and torturous as she watches Ryder opening his eyes until finally, they’re fully open. For a moment, no one speaks. Ryder is simply staring into space, not saying anything.
Ryder is rushed to the hospital, his eyes still bleeding. Scarlett, Troy, and Jim are pale faced as Ronan takes a look at Ryder’s state.“His eyes won’t even last a month!” Ronan tells them. “He has been under too much stress. We must operate on him, but there’s no donor-”“There is!” Scarlett declares. Everyone stares at her in shock when she points at Elle’s corpse which is lying on another bed.“Her blood type was B negative and she died just today,” Scarlett goes on. “I’m sure she can donate.”Ronan, Troy, and Jim are astonished. Did Scarlett plan all this by herself?“We’ll need permission from her family-” Ronan begins but Scarlett is already prepared. She takes out a permission form for organ donation.“I’ve already signed it,” she states. “As her only family member, I give you the full authority to donate all her workable organs. Now, give her eyes to my husband. Now!”…He tries to move his eyelids but the agonizing pain is weakening him. There are muffled sounds around him,
Elle cries in agony as Vincent’s men beat her up. Scarlett is kept in a corner, bloody but untouched. Vincent knows that as long as Ryder has the evidence against him, he can’t hurt Scarlett, but Elle is a different issue.“Please!” Elle begs. “I-I swear I’m pregnant-”A guard kicks her so hard that her rib cracks. Vincent holds up his hand and the guards stop beating her. They’re in a soundproof room which doesn’t let any sound escape nor come in. This is a special room designed for his hostages and Vincent loves to torment them here.“That last baby,” he sneers at her. “Was it also a sham?”“I…” Elle has no words. Vincent takes out another document which has pictures of Elle and the bald man together in bed. She squirms at the sight of them.“It was his, wasn’t it?” Vincent shouts at her.Elle only whimpers in pain. “I loved Hector!” She lies. “I-”“You had that man kidnap me so that you could have Ryder to yourself,” Scarlett speaks up. Vincent turns to her.“What did you just say?
The vans stop at the bottom of the hill and everyone starts to climb on foot. They’re all wearing green and brown jackets to camouflage themselves. The men have split into two groups: one is being led by Ryder and Troy while Jim is infiltrating the hill from the other side. They slowly crawl to the top until they spot a heavily fortified gate which has electrified barbed wires on top. A pair of armed guards are standing at the front while there might be more at other entry points. Ryder motions Troy and his men to wait while he goes around the building.He quietly crawls in the bushes, keeping an eye on the gates from afar. The stream seems to be leading to another entry point where there are a few guards who are carrying food and supplies inside. Ryder waits and observes them to memorize their movements. There are around four guards out of which two are carrying the boxes while the other two are keeping an eye on the surroundings. There are CCTV cameras around the building too.Ryde
Scarlett slowly opens her eyes. Everything is blurry and her head is heavy. The left part of her neck is throbbing hard. She winces as she lifts her neck up to take in her surroundings.The place she’s in is windowless with only one door at a corner. The walls are of a pasty yellow color, the paint peeling off in many places. She can hear the faint sound of water running somewhere and she can sniff the scent of wet petrichor in the air.A hill, she deduces. She must be somewhere near a hill which has a waterbody. Scarlett looks down and is relieved. They took off her jacket but she still has her shirt on. The button Kat gave her is still stitched on it.The door opens and a thin figure walks in to gloat at her.“You!” Scarlett barks at Elle. Elle merely smirks.“Hello, sis,” she grins. “Long time, huh?”Scarlett only glares at her in fury. The sight of Elle’s happy face makes her want to throw up. Seeing this woman gloating is making her skin crawl.“You’re really now out in the open,
Elle pulls out a large garbage trolley and with great difficulty, shoves Scarlett into it. She’s already wearing the garbs of a cleaning lady and covers Scarlett’s unconscious form with several bags. She puts on a mask and slowly pushes the trolley out.A guard is indeed standing there. He spots the cleaner coming out of the toilet and is about to approach her but he’s blocked by a group of men who are coming out of the men’s toilet, chatting loudly. Taking her chance, Elle pushes the trolley, walking far away. The guard doesn’t follow her, distracted once again when his phone rings.Elle pushes the trolley outside the restaurant and keeps on pushing it until she reaches an alley. Sliding the trolley into the alley, she quickly pushes it till she reaches a black van. Several men come out of it and they take out Scarlett’s body and shove her into the back of the van.“Let’s take her to Vincent’s hideout,” Elle instructs. “Ryder and his men will swarm the place soon.”“Yes ma’am!”She g
*A Few hours ago*The car is slowly backing out of the mansion. Scarlett’s eyes are fixed on it, her feelings mixed between dread and a strange happiness. She’s dreading that she may never see her home again while she’s also happy because she can return Ryder his life back.How many years has he been suffering like this? It pains her heart to see him hide his pain. He smiles to mask the torment he’s suffering inside, his love for his family greater than any desire for vengeance. It’s ironic, she ruefully thinks. There was a time when she was fixated on vengeance. All she wanted was to destroy the Hawkins family and wipe them off the earth. Her longing for revenge would have blinded her if Ryder hadn’t entered her life. The freedom she seeked was in front of her all along.Yes, she feels free when she’s with him. He makes her heart beat like crazy and eases her mind. Every moment with him is filled with happiness and despite the dangers which loomed around them, for the first time in