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
Scarlet stepped out of the hospital, the cool evening breeze offering a brief reprieve from the emotional weight that had settled on her chest. The visit with her mother had been heavy, filled with painful truths and unspoken fears. Noemi and Daniel walked beside her silently, understanding that she needed some space after everything that had unfolded in the hospital room.“Are you sure you don’t want us to stay with you tonight?” Noemi asked gently, her voice tinged with concern.Scarlet forced a small smile, waving her hand dismissively. “I’ll be fine. I just need to get some rest. You two have already done enough for me today.”Daniel frowned but didn’t argue, his gaze lingering on her as though he could see the exhaustion etched deep into her bones. “Call if you need anything. Anything at all.”“I will,” she promised, although they all knew she probably wouldn’t. She had become too accustomed to handling things on her own, too stubborn to ask for help even when she needed it most.
The sun had barely risen when Storm Scoville made his way into his private office, a sleek, minimalist space at the top of the Scoville Group's towering headquarters. The early morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the room. But the brightness of the day did nothing to dispel the darkness hanging over Storm’s thoughts.He had received a text late last night—cryptic but direct. “We move the assets next week. Make sure there are no loose ends.” The message had come from Russell Drake, a man whose involvement in Scoville Group was as much in the shadows as the dealings themselves.Storm sat at his desk, his fingers drumming lightly against the smooth glass surface as he waited for Russell to arrive. He wasn’t one to panic, but there was something about the message that left him uneasy. This wasn’t the first time they’d moved assets—far from it. But this time, it felt different. The stakes were higher. There were too many variables, too m
Scarlet woke to the sound of faint beeping and the overwhelming scent of antiseptic. Her vision was blurry at first, but as she blinked, the figures in front of her came into focus. Medics. They were crouched around her, one checking her vitals while another hovered by her side with a concerned look on his face. Her chest still ached, a deep, pressing pain that made her wince.She tried to move, but a hand gently pressed against her shoulder, urging her to stay still.“Don’t try to get up just yet, Mrs. Scoville,” the medic closest to her said, his voice calm but professional. “You need to rest. We’ve stabilized you for now.”Her mind raced, panic flaring through her as she pieced together what had happened. The pain in her chest, the overwhelming sense of helplessness, the phone call to Storm... She must have blacked out. How had they gotten in? She didn’t remember unlocking the door.“How did you—” Scarlet croaked, her voice weak. “The door wasn’t locked,” one of the medics explain
Scarlet remained in the bathroom for what felt like hours, her hand still pressed against her chest. The dull ache had subsided, but the memory of the pain lingered like a bad dream she couldn’t shake. Her reflection stared back at her, hollow eyes, pale skin—she looked like a ghost. A woman trying to survive a life that was slowly eating her alive.Eventually, she pushed herself away from the sink and walked back to the living room, sinking into the soft cushions of the couch. The penthouse was unnervingly quiet, and her mind kept drifting back to the events of the night. How close she had come to losing control. The medics had left just in time. If Storm had walked in and seen them… she shuddered at the thought.‘He wouldn’t care anyway,’ she told herself bitterly. Even if he did, it would be more out of concern for appearances than for her well-being. Storm Scoville cared about one thing and one thing only—himself.Scarlet leaned back, closing her eyes, trying to slow her racing th
Scarlet hadn’t intended to go to the villa. It wasn’t like her to seek out Storm when he so often avoided her. But something about the events of the previous night—the mini heart attack, the cold indifference in his voice over the phone—left her feeling uneasy. Maybe, in some small corner of her heart, she still hoped for a moment of connection. A flicker of something real between them.The villa was always quiet. Nestled far enough from the city, it felt worlds away from the penthouse Storm was given her, and the noise of their lives. As she stepped out of the car and approached the door, she wasn’t sure what she expected to find. Certainly not Storm. He’d probably been at the office all night or with… someone else. Her stomach turned at the thought.Pushing the door open, she was greeted by the familiar scent of the villa—rich wood, the faint hint of lavender. But what stopped her in her tracks wasn’t the coziness of the place. It was the sight of an old man sitting in the sala, fli
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