Scarlet found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to Storm's question. She glanced at Noemi and Daniel, torn between pretending not to know them or revealing that she was already married.In the end, she couldn't betray her friends. She loved them like siblings."I...I know them," she finally admitted.Storm's eyebrow raised as he looked at Daniel with a cold gaze. He then released his grip on Scarlet's waist and spoke, "You didn't tell me about them."Noemi and Daniel were shocked by what they were hearing. Daniel desperately wanted to believe that he had misheard, but the word "wife" kept echoing in his mind. Noemi, on the other hand, wore a look of disbelief on her face. Her eyes darted between Storm and Scarlet, as if demanding an explanation."Scarlet?" Noemi called out again, as if she still couldn't believe that her best friend was with the man who was admired by many. "Why...are you here?"Scarlet bit her lower lip, her fingers trembling. "I...Uhm—"Before sh
Scarlet forcefully pushed Storm away from her, disregarding the fact that they were in plain view of everyone. She shot him a piercing glare as she fired back, "Daniel is my best friend! You have no right to speak ill of him!" This action only served to irritate Storm, but he managed to maintain his composure. He knew that any misstep on his part could lead to rumors spreading like wildfire. "Listen, woman," he gritted his teeth, "there's a clear distinction between a platonic friendship and a romantic relationship. A married woman shouldn't be seeking solace in someone else!" "You're out of your mind!" Scarlet responded angrily, though she kept her voice low. "No matter what I say, it won't penetrate your stubbornness because you don't know how to listen!" "What did you just say?!" "What? Are you angry? Well, next time, watch your words! Not everyone will let it slide!" With those words, Scarlet left Storm standing alone and began her search for Noemi and Daniel within the villa
Scarlet could feel the blood draining from her veins, leaving her feeling weak and lightheaded. She opened her mouth, ready to defend herself, but her anxiety melted away when she noticed another elderly couple calling out to the two old people she had been conversing with.The elderly couple excused themselves, leaving her frozen in place, afraid to make a move. It was then that Storm's voice broke through the silence."I thought you were hungry? Why are you still standing there? Don't act like some idiot in there and move!" Storm remarked, already making his way towards an empty table.Scarlet's ears burned with embarrassment at his words, and she quickly followed him with determined strides. "What did you just say?! Give me my plate and leave me alone!"She attempted to snatch the plate from Storm's grasp, but he lifted it out of her reach. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her mischievously. "Get it if you can.""Mister Scoville, if you have no one to play with, then find someone e
Scarlet wiped away the tears streaming down her face, trying to maintain composure as she continued to eat. Noemi couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her disheveled best friend."You should focus on one thing at a time. If you feel like crying, go ahead and let it out. If you're hungry, prioritize eating," Noemi advised, reaching into her bag for a tissue to wipe away Scarlet's tears. "We're not angry with you. We're just surprised that we didn't know you were already married. We always thought we'd be there for such a significant moment, or at least that you'd inform us. It's just a shock to us.""I-I'm sorry," Scarlet sobbed, causing a few curious glances from other people nearby."Alright, alright. That's enough now. Stop crying," Noemi urged, her tone filled with concern. "But why did you lie to us in the first place?"Scarlet bit her lip, her gaze fixed on her plate as she absentmindedly played with her food using her fork. Finally, she mustered the courage to answer, "It's
Scarlet blinked in surprise at Jetro's words, her gaze flitting back to Storm, who had nestled even closer against her, his grip around her waist tightening as though claiming his territory. She felt his breath warm against her neck, sending a mix of shivers and discomfort down her spine. Was he really that drunk? “Ready to kill Mister Ford?” Scarlet repeated softly, unsure whether to feel flattered or unnerved by Jetro’s casual tone.Jetro’s smirk softened into something more serious, his dark eyes appraising her with a mix of amusement and warning. “Let’s just say Storm isn’t the kind of man who takes his wife’s loyalty lightly. Even if the marriage is… well, let’s call it transactional.”Scarlet's stomach twisted at the word. Transactional. It was a harsh reminder of the reality of her situation. Her marriage to Storm wasn’t built on love or mutual respect, but a cold agreement drawn up for the benefit of their families. Yet the possessiveness Storm displayed, even in his drunken s
By the time they reached the Scoville mansion, the tension that had settled between them in the car had only grown thicker. Scarlet parked the car in the driveway, her fingers trembling slightly as she turned off the engine.She glanced at Storm, who was now completely asleep, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. A part of her wanted to leave him there, to walk into the house alone and pretend that none of this was real. But another part of her—the part that still cared, despite everything—knew she couldn’t.With a quiet sigh, she stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger side. She opened the door and gently shook Storm awake.“Storm,” she called softly. “We’re home.”Storm blinked groggily, his eyes focusing on her with a lazy smile. “Home,” he repeated, the word slurred on his tongue.Scarlet offered him her hand, helping him out of the car. As they made their way toward the house, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just about them getting home
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, painting the room with a soft golden glow. Scarlet stretched in bed, the events of the previous night still swirling in her mind. The conversation she had with Storm—the vulnerability he had shown, the way his words had cracked open something inside her—had left her feeling more confused than ever. But when she stepped out of her room, the air was thick with tension, like everything that had transpired between them had evaporated with the night.Storm stood by the kitchen island, fully dressed in his usual expensive suit, pouring coffee like the person she had spoken to last night never existed. His face was set, his expression unreadable, and the cold arrogance she had grown used to had returned in full force. He didn’t look up as she walked into the room."Good morning," Scarlet said, hoping to gauge whether he remembered anything from last night."Morning," Storm replied, his voice flat, distant, as if she were nothing more than a pas
The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air as Scarlet walked down the dimly lit hospital corridor, her footsteps soft against the polished floor. She glanced at the bouquet of flowers in her hand, their bright colors a sharp contrast to the gray walls surrounding her. It was ironic—flowers were supposed to symbolize life, health, beauty—everything her mother, Mrs. Scott, had lost over the years.Her mother’s condition had worsened. The hole in her heart had grown more dangerous, leaving her frail, her body unable to cope with the stress of everyday life. And now, Scarlet’s visits to the hospital had become more frequent, more necessary, but always weighed down with guilt.Noemi and Daniel walked silently beside her. They’d come with her every time, as they always did, offering silent support. Noemi carried a small bag with treats, even though they all knew Mrs. Scott could barely eat much anymore. And Daniel, ever the protector, had an unreadable expression on his face, the musc
Scarlett sat at her desk, fingers tapping rhythmically as she reviewed the financial projections for Athena Innovations’ upcoming product launch. The meeting with Quantum Solutions had gone well; she’d handled herself with poise and authority, keeping her emotions in check as she faced Storm. But despite her carefully guarded composure, the encounter had stirred something inside her—a familiar ache, reminding her of the history she’d long tried to bury.A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Daniel stepped in, a knowing smile on his face. “You look like you’re about to conquer a whole new world.”Scarlett smirked, crossing her arms. “Isn’t that the plan?”Daniel took a seat across from her, leaning back with a slight grin. “Well, if anyone can do it, it’s you.” He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “But I can’t help thinking that seeing Storm again… it had to be more complicated than you’re letting on.”Scarlett frowned, folding her arms as she leaned back in her chair. “You k
The California coastline shimmered beneath the early morning sun as Scarlett and her daughter, Alexa, stepped off the private jet. Scarlett took a deep breath, letting the familiarity of home settle into her bones. Seven years had passed since she’d last set foot in the United States, and much had changed. Beside her, Alexa looked around with wide eyes, clutching her mother’s hand as she took in the bustling world around her.“Mommy, is this where you used to live?” Alexa asked, her curious gaze flicking between the unfamiliar sights.Scarlett smiled down at her daughter, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. “Yes, sweetheart. This is where I grew up, where everything began.”They were here for business—and a fresh start. Scarlett had built her own tech empire with Daniel’s help, and together they’d grown her company, Athena Innovations, into a major player in the industry. She’d carved her own path, proving her worth to herself, the world, and—though she would never admit it—even to
Storm stood in the doorway, a mixture of shock and hesitation in his eyes. Scarlett's heart raced, the remnants of her strength drained as her emotions collided—anger, fear, and an ache she had no desire to revisit. Holding her baby in her arms, she took a steadying breath before finally speaking.“Why are you here, Storm?” she asked, her voice barely masking the tension she felt. She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on her daughter’s soft breathing, her tiny fingers curled around Scarlett's thumb.Storm took a step into the room, his expression unreadable. “Your father told me… he told me about your heart condition,” he began, his voice tinged with concern. “And… I didn’t know you had—" His eyes fell on the sleeping newborn in Scarlett’s arms, a look of both surprise and wonder flashing across his face. "I didn't know you had a baby."Scarlett glanced up, her face a controlled mask. “And what does that have to do with you, Storm?” She could feel herself bracing, the answer she had
Months had passed in a whirlwind of preparation and nerves. Scarlett’s belly grew rounder, heavier, and she spent her days in quiet anticipation, knitting tiny dresses and planning a life she could share with her child, a life she would control. Daniel remained her constant companion, helping her every step of the way, from doctor’s appointments to preparing the nursery in her mother’s quiet home in Switzerland. Despite the anxiety of her heart condition, Scarlett managed to keep her spirits high, determined to be ready for her child’s arrival.The early morning of her due date was calm, sunlight just beginning to peek through the winter sky, casting soft, pale light into her bedroom. But before Scarlett could enjoy the peaceful start to the day, a sudden, sharp pain ripped through her abdomen, jolting her awake. She gasped, clutching her belly as the intensity hit her again—this was no ordinary ache. It was time.Scarlett took a shaky breath and reached for her phone, dialing Daniel’
Scarlett was stirring a warm cup of herbal tea by the window when she heard a knock at the door. Her mother glanced up from across the room, both of them caught off guard by the unexpected visitor. She wasn’t expecting anyone today, especially not in this quiet corner of Switzerland. But as she opened the door, her heart dropped.Standing there, his expression a mixture of forced charm and irritation, was her father.“Well, look at you,” he greeted, eyes immediately falling on her swollen belly with an all-too-familiar hint of sarcasm. “Didn’t think I’d have to fly halfway around the world to see my own daughter.”Scarlett’s mother appeared behind her, gasping in shock. “What are you doing here?” her mom asked, worry crossing her face as she noticed his gaze on Scarlett’s obvious pregnancy.Without waiting for an invitation, Scarlett’s father brushed past them, stepping into the modest living room as if he owned it. He looked around with a critical eye before turning back to her. “Sur
The soft hum of the ultrasound machine filled the room as Scarlett lay back on the examination table, her heart racing with anticipation. Daniel sat beside her, holding her hand and offering a reassuring smile. She couldn’t help but feel grateful for his presence. He had been her unwavering support, her confidant, and her friend throughout these months of her pregnancy.The doctor entered the room, her expression warm as she adjusted the machine and applied the cool gel to Scarlett’s stomach. “Well, Scarlett, today’s a big day,” she said, smiling as she moved the ultrasound probe gently across Scarlett’s belly. “Are we ready to find out the gender?”Scarlett’s eyes sparkled as she looked over at Daniel. “Yes, I’m ready.” Daniel squeezed her hand in excitement, glancing back at the screen. “Let’s see if we’re getting a little football player or a princess.” The doctor chuckled, adjusting the screen so they could both see it clearly. After a few seconds, she pointed to a small, clear
Storm walked into Erica’s hospital room, his face stony and his gaze focused, prepared to settle whatever lingering confusion or attachment she may still hold. Erica lay in bed, her wrist now bandaged, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him enter. She tried to smile, looking up at him as if he was her last hope, but Storm’s expression was unreadable, almost detached.“Thank you for coming, Storm,” she said softly, her voice weak but warm. “I just… wanted to say thank you. For everything.”Storm nodded curtly, crossing his arms. He glanced around the room, avoiding her gaze as he prepared himself. “Erica, what happened between us… it’s over. Whatever you thought we had, it’s done.”Her face fell, her hands clenching the edge of the bed sheet. “But… I thought—”“We both know that was a mistake,” he said, his tone cold yet final. “I’m not the one you should be relying on. I’m married, Erica. This shouldn’t have even gotten this far.” He sighed, brushing a hand over his face. “I mess
Storm staggered into his penthouse, fumbling to find his balance as he leaned heavily against the door. The smell of whiskey and something sour filled the air—a mix of empty bottles, cheap cologne, and the unmistakable scent of his own regret. For days, he’d been spiraling, waking up in places he couldn’t remember and leaving only to drown himself in another bottle. After another night blurred by whiskey and careless encounters, he felt emptier than ever, the gnawing pit in his stomach only deepening as the days without Scarlett passed.He slumped onto the leather couch, grabbing the nearest bottle on the coffee table and letting out a sigh. How had things gotten so out of control? Storm tried to replay it all in his mind, hoping to find a moment where he could rewind, undo everything. But all he saw was Scarlett’s hurt expression, her disappointed eyes. Her face haunted him, even now. He downed another swig, hoping the burn would chase her memory away, if only for a moment.Just as h
The throbbing pain tore through Scarlett’s abdomen, growing sharper with every passing second. Panic surged in her chest, and she found herself unable to catch her breath. Gritting her teeth, she shouted as loud as she could, “Mom!” but no one answered. Her mother was somewhere in the house, she thought, but she might be too far to hear. Tears blurred Scarlett’s vision as the pain intensified, and a cold wave of fear washed over her.Desperate, Scarlett fumbled for her phone on the nightstand, hands trembling as she dialed Daniel’s number. He was the only one she could reach, the only one close enough to help. The phone rang twice before he picked up, his voice filled with concern.“Scarlett? Are you okay?”“Daniel…” she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. “Please, I need help. I—I'm in so much pain.”He didn’t hesitate. “Hold on, I’m on my way. Keep calm. I’ll be there in five minutes.”Scarlett clutched the phone, pressing it to her chest as she struggled to breathe through the pain