Scarlett barely registered the sound of her own footsteps as she hurried down the hallway. She heard Storm call after her, his voice firm with questions, but she didn't stop or turn around. She couldn’t focus on anything except the storm brewing inside her. When she reached the end of the corridor, she spotted her father standing by the waiting area, his face set in a familiarmask of indifference, arms crossed as though he’d been expecting her.“Scarlett,” he greeted her with a nod, his tone entirely too calm.“What are you doing here?” she demanded, crossing her arms. Her voice echoed a mixture of anger and suspicion. “I can’t remember you ever bothering to visit Mom in the hospital before.”Her father’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of annoyance breaking through his otherwise calm expression. “Is that how you greet your father?” he asked, his voice cold. “I don’t owe you an explanation for being here.”“Actually, you do,” Scarlett shot back, her glare unrelenting. “Especially w
As Scarlett answered the call, she gripped the phone tightly, barely breathing as the nurse on the other end spoke, her voice tense with hesitation.“Ms. Scott,” the nurse began, “I… I wanted to inform you about something we discovered after your mother was admitted to the ER. Before her condition worsened, there was a man who entered her room. He… administered something into her IV. We caught it on camera and believe it’s important you see this footage. I’ve sent it over to you.”Scarlett’s heart froze. “A man?” she repeated, her voice faint. “What did he look like?”“We can’t be certain from the footage, but you may recognize him. I’m so sorry, Ms. Scott. I… I’ll send you the file immediately.”The call ended, leaving Scarlett reeling in silence. Her hands were shaking as she opened the message that had just arrived. Storm was watching her with a growing concern, moving closer.“Scarlett?” he asked quietly, noticing her pale face. “What’s going on?”She didn’t answer. Her eyes remai
Scarlett lay in her bed, her cheeks still flushed as she replayed the kiss in her mind, her fingers tracing where his hands had held her close. She didn’t know why she felt so flustered; it wasn’t as if this was their first kiss. Still, after everything they’d been through, something about it felt… different.“Get it together, Scarlett,” she whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “It’s just Storm, and it’s just a kiss.”But even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t just the kiss that had thrown her off. It was the way he’d looked at her—softly, intently, as if she were more than just his transactional partner. She hadn’t been looked at that way in so long, and she’d forgotten what it felt like.Trying to brush the thought away, she closed her eyes and attempted to sleep, but every time she drifted off, she found herself back in his arms, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the faint scent of his cologne still lingering in her mind.With a sigh, she checked the time on
Scarlett stared at her phone screen, the message from her father like a sharp blade pressing against her heart. *“We need to talk. Urgent.”* She gripped her phone tighter, her pulse quickening as a flurry of emotions washed over her. Fear, anger, and the aching remnants of betrayal churned in her stomach. She hadn’t fully processed the gravity of what he’d done—the pain he had caused her mother, and the distrust that now stained every memory she had of him.Why now? What could he possibly want to talk about after everything?Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the approaching footsteps until Storm’s voice broke the silence. “Scarlett?”She glanced up, startled. He stood by the doorway, his gaze soft but curious as he watched her. He’d changed out of his suit, and the hint of concern in his expression made her chest tighten. After their kiss and his unexpected confession last night, she didn’t know what to feel. There was a warmth that lingered, a part of her that wanted to let her g
The dawn broke through Scarlett’s bedroom window, painting the walls in soft hues of pink and gold. She stretched, groggy yet determined to start her day on a brighter note. After last night’s unresolved tension with her father, she wanted to try something different—to surprise Storm with breakfast and, perhaps, find a way back to a simple, peaceful morning.She made her way to the kitchen, tying an apron around her waist as she carefully prepared eggs, toast, and fresh coffee, the scent filling the penthouse. After setting the table, she waited with anticipation, glancing at the clock as she counted down the minutes until Storm typically emerged from his room.A few minutes later, he finally walked into the dining room, adjusting his tie, looking polished yet distant. Scarlett’s lips curled into a small smile, hopeful that he’d notice her efforts.“Good morning, Storm,” she greeted, gesturing to the breakfast table. “I thought we could eat together before you head off to work.”Storm
The morning sun streamed through the bedroom windows, casting a soft glow across Scarlett’s face. She blinked awake, adjusting to the light as she noticed the weight of Storm’s arm draped over her. Turning to face him, she felt a sense of quiet peace watching him sleep. His features softened in his sleep, making him look younger, gentler. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek.Just then, Storm stirred, blinking open his eyes and meeting hers with a small, sleepy smile. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.“Morning,” she replied, feeling her cheeks warm as he shifted closer, their legs tangled beneath the sheets.Storm glanced at his phone on the bedside table, a sudden frown crossing his face as he read a message. “It’s my grandfather. He wants to see us at the villa today.”Scarlett nodded, a slight flutter of nerves in her stomach. Meeting Storm’s family was one thing, but his grandfather had an air about him that always made her feel as though
Scarlett’s heart raced as she and Storm entered the hospital, making their way down the stark hallways with hurried steps. The bright, antiseptic lights felt cold and indifferent, amplifying the fear coiled tight in her chest. By the time they reached her mother’s room, Scarlett’s anxiety had escalated, but nothing could prepare her for the sight that met her eyes.Her mother lay on the hospital bed, writhing slightly in pain, her pale face damp with sweat. Scarlett rushed to her side, gently holding her mother’s hand. "Mom, I'm here," she whispered, struggling to keep her voice steady.Her mother opened her eyes, her gaze softening as she focused on Scarlett. "Scarlett, sweetheart…" she managed, her voice weak but grateful.The doctor entered the room, his expression grim. He addressed Scarlett and Storm with a soft nod. “Mrs. Scott's body is not responding well to her new treatment. The side effects are severe, and it seems her body is rejecting the medication altogether.”Scarlett’
The next morning, Scarlett stood by the window, gazing out at the misty morning as a wave of emotions washed over her. Her mother was preparing to leave for a hospital in Geneva, Switzerland, known for its advanced research in cardiac treatments. The decision felt heavier with each passing minute, a weight that seemed to press against her chest. She hadn’t stopped questioning herself since she agreed to the plan, wondering if she was doing the right thing. “Scarlett, sweetheart,” her mother’s voice called softly from the hallway, breaking her from her thoughts. “Could you come help me with a few things?”Scarlett blinked back the sudden tears that threatened to spill over, squaring her shoulders before heading down the hallway to her mother’s room. When she entered, her mother was seated on the bed, a small suitcase open beside her.“Mom,” Scarlett began, her voice catching in her throat. “Are you sure this is what you want? I know I pressured you to do it, but if there’s even a part
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