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
The tension from their conversation still clung to Scarlet like a heavy coat as she drove away from the villa. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, her mind replaying the moment she’d blurted out the truth about her delayed period. What had she been thinking? She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scream at herself. She didn’t want to have Storm’s child. That much was certain. But something about the moment—about Senior Scoville’s intense pressure and Storm’s cold dismissal of everything in their lives—had made her snap. The words had come out before she could stop them. The city lights blurred past her, casting long, flickering shadows in the car. Scarlet felt a dull ache building in her chest again, the same one that had led to her mini heart attack just days ago. She hadn’t told anyone, and she certainly wasn’t about to tell Storm. The thought of confiding in him was laughable. She’d rather suffer in silence than see the indifference on his face.But tonight…
The fluorescent lights of the drug store flickered overhead as Scarlet stood in the aisle, staring at the array of pregnancy tests in front of her. Rows of pink and white boxes lined the shelves, each one promising quick, accurate results. Her hand hovered over one, her fingers trembling slightly before she grabbed it. She hadn’t even noticed she was holding her breath until she finally exhaled, the weight of the moment sinking in.How had she ended up here? A few days ago, she was barely able to stand the idea of being in the same room as Storm, and now she was standing in a drug store, facing the possibility of a pregnancy that could change everything. The irony wasn’t lost on her.The cashier didn’t look at her twice as she rung up the test, the beep of the scanner cutting through the silence. Scarlet felt a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her—fear, anticipation, and something she couldn’t quite name. She thanked the cashier quietly, shoving the test into her purse before s
Scarlet sat in the quiet corner of the café, stirring her coffee absentmindedly as she waited. Her father had summoned her for a meeting, something that hadn’t happened in a while, and she couldn’t help but feel a familiar sense of dread bubbling in her chest. She hadn’t seen him since the wedding day when he’d barely acknowledged her, his focus entirely on the deal that had sealed her fate with Storm. She hadn’t been his daughter in that moment—just a bargaining chip.She wasn’t sure what he wanted this time, but she had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t be pleasant.The bell above the door jingled, and she looked up to see her father, Richard Scott, stepping into the café. His tall frame and steely demeanor immediately commanded attention. He spotted her instantly and strode over, his eyes sharp as they locked onto hers. The coldness in his expression hadn’t changed a bit.“Scarlet,” he greeted, taking a seat across from her without waiting for an invitation.“Dad,” she replied, her voi
The bar was dimly lit, the kind of place where the music was too loud and the lighting was just dark enough to hide your sins. It was perfect. The exact escape Scarlet needed after her run-in with her father. She pushed through the door, the low hum of conversation and the thumping bass wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. Tonight, she didn’t want to think, didn’t want to feel. She just wanted to drink until everything went numb.She walked up to the counter, nodding at the bartender. “Vodka. Straight.”He raised an eyebrow, probably surprised by the intensity in her tone, but didn’t say a word. Moments later, he slid the glass across the counter, and she downed it without hesitation, the burn in her throat matching the bitterness in her chest. Her mind was racing, thoughts swirling about the meeting with her father—how he had demanded she "do her duty" and bear a child for Storm. It was sickening. Her marriage had been nothing but a prison, and now she was expected to be s
Scarlet’s heart raced as Storm marched toward her, eyes burning with anger. She could feel the tension between them before he even reached her, his presence like a storm cloud that had just rolled in, ready to break at any moment.Before she could even speak or react, he grabbed her by the arm, his grip firm but not painful. “We’re leaving. Now,” he said, his voice low and seething.She yanked her arm back, glaring at him. “What the hell are you doing here?” “Saving you from yourself,” he snapped, pulling her away from the crowd, uncaring of the people now watching their little spectacle. “Do you even know how many people are taking pictures of you right now? Do you care at all about what this could do to me, to the company?”Scarlet let out a bitter laugh as she followed him out, her heels clicking angrily against the floor. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your precious image was the only thing that mattered. Forgive me for not caring anymore.”Storm’s jaw clenched as they stepped
The next morning, Scarlett woke up with her head pounding like someone had driven nails through her temples. She groaned, shielding her eyes from the sunlight that streamed through the gaps in the curtains. The taste of wine still lingered on her lips, and her mouth felt as dry as sandpaper.She sat up slowly, her body protesting every movement. Her head spun as she swung her legs off the bed, and she had to sit there for a moment, her hand clutching her forehead. ‘What the hell happened last night?’Memories of the night came in fragments—the argument, the sarcastic banter with Storm, the wine. She vaguely recalled Storm pouring her another glass, his dark eyes watching her as they exchanged bitter words. She had no idea when the night had ended or how she had even managed to get into bed.With a deep breath, Scarlett pulled herself to her feet and padded out of her bedroom, expecting to find the usual silence of an empty penthouse. As she walked into the living room, however, she no
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