Chapter 2: Conceive his child

Scarlett’s Point of View

“Mom, how are you feeling?”

A warm, grateful smile spread across my mother’s face as she squeezed my hand. “I’m doing well because of you—I was able to take my medicine on time with no worries.” She paused, her loving eyes searching mine. “How about you? Are you overworking yourself? Please, don’t exhaust yourself too much. You need a break sometimes.”

My stare was unwavering, but I could not cover up the shame that lit my gaze. How was I going to explain that the funds for her treatment were coming from someone she loathed and despised?

“It’s all good, mom. I’m not trying to take on too much. My boss is actually really kind,” I lied.

“That’s wonderful! Now, you can go home and get some rejuvenating rest. Don’t worry about me; the doctor and nurse are being very attentive.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, not wanting to leave, but I had to.

Two years had passed since I was wed to the firstborn of the Scoville family, and because of that, my father was always generous with sending money for my mother’s upkeep.

Storm, meanwhile, although not treating me poorly, neither he was anything close to a good husband. In fact, he was hardly present in the house! He rarely came back home.

As soon as I exited the hospital, I made my way to “OUR” villa.

The lavish estate was a gift from Storm’s grandfather. His wishes were for it to be placed in both our names, and although I wasn’t thrilled with the idea, I had no choice but to agree. After all, I didn’t want to risk being left without anything if a divorce ever transpired.

I unearthed the truth: Storm had been coerced into marriage, out of fear that his grandfather wouldn’t be able to attend his wedding if he passed away. His grandpa’s unyielding plea had forced him to settle on a bride far too soon. Consequently, my father seized that opportunity and presented Senior Hernan Scoville with a proposal.

As the car pulled up to the villa, I spied another vehicle in the driveway. I knew who it belonged to without having to guess; my father was standing before the imposing entranceway, as if he’d been waiting for me all along.

As soon as I got out of the car and went inside, he followed me.

“Scarlett, I heard from Senior Scoville that Storm isn’t going home. What’s going on?”

I stiffly marched into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cupboard. With trembling hands, I poured myself some water and turned to find my father watching me intently... and my glass. Furtive glances were exchanged between us before I took a small sip, and I could sense his tenseness strengthen with every drop that fell from the tip of my glass.

As soon as the water went through my throat, I detected a distinct flavor that differed from what I expected.

When my father caught sight of my expression, he broke eye contact. But I disregarded it and continued to listen to his incessant entreaties. “I heard he went overseas for a big meeting, but why didn’t he take you with him?"

“....”

“Oh, and a different acquaintance said they spotted him with someone--”

When I couldn’t take it anymore, I bellowed, growing more and more exasperated. “Dad, please! What do you expect from an arranged marriage?! We may be bound by paper, but he will always have the freedom to do whatever he pleases!”

“But you can’t stand just like that!” he roared back. “Senior Scoville wants you and Storm to have a child of your own. He promised me that once you conceive, he will invest more money in our company.”

Our company? When did I become part of their greediness?

I couldn’t help but smirk cynically and retort, “You visited me just to tell me that? I thought you came here to see how I am doing. If I’m eating well, if I’m sleeping well. Guess I was wrong again. You only come around when there’s something you need from me!”

“Stop being dramatic and do what you were told! Conceive that bastard’s baby!” He was adamant.

As I heard his words, I felt my hands instinctively clench.

Nonetheless, I ignored him and exited the kitchen and went to the bar stool to sit.

And as soon as I sat down, suddenly, a wave of heat rushed through my body, my face grew flushed, and my breath shortened. The room felt too small.

‘Is the aircon off? It’s hot.’

The fluttering of my stomach raced through me as a warmth spread to every inch of my body. Beads of sweat invaded my forehead and the hotness inside me surged to an inferno-like intensity.

Frantic, I fumbled with the top button of my dress, desperate for a breath of relief. Alas, it was futile, as the searing ignite continued to engulf me like wildfire. Each passing second intensified the swelling discomfort in my body.

‘What’s happening to me?’

I closed my eyes and inhaled. As I opened my eyes again, my jaw dropped as I gawked at my father, for a victorious grin was plastered across his face.

“W-what did you do to me...?” I asked, gasping for air.

“Make sure you do your part, Scarlett,” he said, his voice gruff.

“Your mother and you are alive because of me. Do whatever it takes to bring a child into this world. If you can manage that, then perhaps I’ll see fit to accept you as my daughter.”

With that, he spun on his heel and marched out the door. He left my sight, but only anger left in my heart.

‘I don’t want your acceptance! All I want is for you to stop controlling my life!’

I leaned forward in the stool bar and tried to stand up straight. However, I became dizzy as if I was drunk.

I was struggling to remain upright, when an explosive sound shook me out of my stupor. I slowly spun around and saw a man with a sullen expression marching in my direction.

Swept away by his presence, I could not help but admire his dark, enigmatic beauty. His wintry gray eyes seemed to pierce through my soul while his nose gave off a sharp, masculine edge. And those lips—like a divine being—held a captivating allure that made me feel like I was caught in an everlasting trance. From the mysterious glimmer in his gaze to his perfect chiseled features, it was no surprise why he commanded attention wherever he went.

Nevertheless, I was suddenly brought back to the present moment by an intense rage that filled his face and voice. “Scarlett! You already have it all! My last name, a life of luxury and even this villa is in your name! What more could you possibly want?!”

I looked confusedly at him, trying to suppress the burning sensation in my body as I wondered, “W-what are you talking about?”

“Don’t fool me! I know your schemes and what you are playing behind my back!” Rage boiled in his veins. “You may have my surname, but you’re still nothing, Scarlett Scott. Don’t forget that!”

I clenched my fist with shame, but I remained silent. ‘This arrogant bastard! I don’t know what he is talking about!’

“Don’t try to poison grandpa’s mind,” he seethed through clenched teeth. “Don’t get in my way if you know what’s good for you! You’d be wise to stay in this house and don’t let me see you! I’m telling you now, you won’t want the consequences!”

“Storm, I don’t know what—”

Without allowing me to complete my sentence, he swiftly turned around and began marching away.

‘This stinky, arrogant bastard! How can he be so disrespectful?!’

As he was ready to step out of the door, I blurted out impulsively, “Stop, Mister Scoville!”

He stood motionless as I stepped closer to him. But before I could reach him, a searing sensation shot through my veins and stomach, making me feel lightheaded and weak. Burning thoughts filled my mind, consuming every thought until the only thing left was the dizzying heat.

And before I knew it, my knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the floor, inadvertently revealing my bare legs.