The quiet of the small beachside house was broken by the soft sound of footsteps approaching the door. Scarlett looked up from her notebook, where she had been attempting to write down her thoughts. She hadn’t told anyone yet about her location except for Daniel, who’d promised to keep her secret until she was ready to face the world—or Storm—again. But even here, in this secluded corner of Cape Cod, she felt the world pressing in.A soft knock came at the door, and Scarlett set her notebook aside, crossing the room with a sense of foreboding. She opened it to find Daniel standing on the doorstep, his usual calm demeanor tempered with something more intense.“Daniel?” Her voice was soft, tentative. Seeing him here only reminded her of everything she was trying to escape, but the relief of having a friend close outweighed her hesitance.Daniel nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. “Thought I’d check in and make sure you’re okay.” He stepped inside, glancing around the modestly fu
As Scarlett sat on her bed, phone clutched in her hand, her heart pounded with a quiet rage that she could barely contain. She read Storm’s message over and over: “We need to talk.” Those four words dredged up all the memories she’d been trying to escape—the stolen kiss in the parking lot, his cold dismissal, his refusal to acknowledge the life growing within her. Anger bubbled up, hot and heavy, spilling over into her reply.“There’s nothing to talk about, Storm. You made your choices, and I’ve made mine. I’m leaving, and you won’t hear from me again. I’ll be staying with my mom in Switzerland for a while.”After hitting send, Scarlett felt a strange combination of relief and sorrow, as though she were cutting a cord she’d held onto for too long. Storm had broken her heart in ways she couldn’t even put into words, and the thought of him being anywhere near her and her unborn child filled her with dread.Packing was a quiet, somber affair. She moved through her penthouse in silence, t
The silence in Storm’s villa was thick with tension, hanging like a storm cloud ready to break. Storm stood in front of his grandfather, head bowed as his grandfather’s voice echoed in the large, elegantly furnished sitting room.“Do you even understand what you’ve done?” his grandfather’s voice was sharp, laden with disappointment. “Scarlett left, Storm. Do you even care?”Storm ran a hand through his hair, jaw clenched. He hadn’t expected Scarlett to actually leave. She had always been stubborn, but he thought she’d stick it out. He crossed his arms, trying to keep his voice calm. “She’ll be back, Grandfather. This is… this is just a phase.”“A phase?” his grandfather snapped, slamming his hand onto the table. “That woman has done everything for this family, for you, and you repay her by humiliating her in public! Kissing another woman in a parking lot? What were you thinking, Storm?”Storm’s lips twisted, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. “I wasn’t exactly thrilled w
Storm didn’t know what he’d expected when he agreed to meet Erica, but it certainly wasn’t this. As he pushed open the door to her apartment, he was immediately struck by the sharp metallic scent of blood. His eyes scanned the dimly lit room, finding her curled up on the floor near the window, her wrist dripping with blood, her face pale and tear-streaked.“Erica!” Storm’s voice was a mix of shock and horror as he rushed to her side, quickly kneeling beside her. “What did you do?” Her eyes fluttered open, glazed and weary, barely focusing on him. “I… I just couldn’t take it anymore,” she whispered, her voice a rasp of desperation. “I didn’t know where else to turn, Storm. Everyone—everyone thinks I’m some…slut, calling me every name under the sun.”Storm swallowed, feeling his guilt tighten around his throat. This had spiraled so far beyond what he’d anticipated. Without another word, he lifted her into his arms, her head lolling weakly against his shoulder as he carried her to his c
Scarlett took a deep breath, inhaling the cool Swiss mountain air as she strolled through the front yard, trying to quiet her mind. Switzerland had become a refuge, a place where she could focus on healing and be close to her mom, far from Storm and the pain he’d caused. But her tranquility shattered the moment she saw a familiar figure standing at the gate, looking slightly out of place against the lush Swiss backdrop.“Daniel?” Her voice was laced with surprise, quickly followed by a tinge of frustration. “What are you doing here?”Daniel’s face lit up with a hopeful smile as he opened the gate and approached her. “I thought you’d be happy to see me,” he said, his expression softening as he studied her. “After everything you’ve been through, I thought you’d need a friend nearby.”Scarlett took a steadying breath, doing her best to keep her voice calm. “Daniel, I… I came here to get away from everything and everyone. I needed space to clear my head and focus on my mom.”His face fell
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
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
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
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