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
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
Scarlett’s Point of View “This is for your mother's medical bills.” My dad shoved the money in my hands and snorted bitterly, “but hear me—don't you dare let anyone know what we have planned. Do you understand? If they find out, your mom will suffer far worse than death!” “Yes, dad…” He glared at me with disdain, his head shaking vehemently. “You're a fool to keep believing your mom will get better. If I were you, I would just give up—there's no hope because her disease is incurable. You're only setting yourself up for pain.” "Honey, you can try to influence your illegitimate daughter all you want, but she will never heed your words." My stepmom's voice dripped with condescension. "However, I won't hesitate to use her to our advantage in keeping my daughter from marrying into that arrogant family!" That’s right. My dad had arranged me into a marriage with a cold-hearted billionaire, hoping to gain some financial return. It was supposed to be Nadine – my half-sister – but she wasn
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 generou
Storm’s Point of View [Two hours ago] “Do you want a beer, babe? I see you here all the time, don’t you ever get lonely?” The blonde girl purred seductively and moved closer. Her chest pressing into me as she ran her fingertips tantalizingly over my chest. My lip curled in disgust as I reached for the glass atop the table. She observed my actions with curious anticipation, only to gasp when I calmly poured the liqueur over her head and face. “What gives you the right to lay your filthy hands on me?” I seethed with indignation, rising from my seat, and hastily brushing off the ‘dirt’ she had maliciously splattered onto my clothes. “I came here to relax with a drink, not to be pestered by some slut like you.” “What the hell?!” she yelled. But I refused to even glance at her, and instead fled the scene. I had no idea why I’d come back here in the first place. My grandpa’s villa was calling me home, but I couldn’t face it. Playing house with a wife was the last thing on my list of
Scarlett’s Point of View“Argh…!” I groaned when I felt my head as if it would split in two. “Water…” I murmured..My throat felt dry and scratchy, as if it had been drained of all moisture. Not only was my head throbbing with pain, but my entire body ached. It was as if I had been relentlessly battered by a crowd of thousands.‘What happened to me?’I opened my eyes slightly and let my eyesight come back to life. A magnificent picture sprang up in front of me: a beautiful ceiling with elaborate decorations. The tiny embellishments of miniature paintings, each a monument to the artist’s skill, complemented the walls’ soft white tint.The room was filled with a hushed stillness, broken only by the sudden sound of a gentle rustle that reached my ears from beside me.As I cautiously rotated my head, a sharp pang of discomfort shot through my skull, intensifying as my eyes fixated on the sight before me. And as soon as I realized who was beside me, my eyes widened in astonishment and my j
Scarlett's Point of ViewDespite the excruciating pain between my legs, I forced myself to move and leave his room. Guilt weighed heavy on my heart as I stood outside his door for what felt like half an hour. In the end, I went back to my room to wash off the remnants of his touch.After cleaning myself up, I eventually made my way to the kitchen and prepared breakfast in a daze. Staring at the sizzling egg in the pan, memories flooded my mind in a rush. 'Why did I do that? In two years we've been "together" I have never pushed myself to him neither did he.''So, you wanted to drug me just so we could sleep together?''Is that your pathetic attempt at getting me in bed?''Are you that horny or you just really want to get pregnant?'As soon as I remembered his mention of the aphrodisiac and his harsh words, my body constricted and I hurried to the refrigerator, dumping the waters down the sink. Next, I rushed to the bar station and began pouring out each bottle of wine and liquor into
Scarlett’s Point of ViewFrom that day onward, I couldn't comprehend the sudden change in Storm's behavior. It was a perplexing enigma to me. However, after two years of absence, he finally began to spend his nights under our roof once again.Perhaps it was his grandfather's influence, but I could finally view our union as a true marriage. From now on, I would be able to live life on my own terms without any interference. In fact, I had already planned to have a discussion with him about our future together, free from the watchful eye of his grandfather and other people around us, including the media.But first and foremost, I must express my sincerest apologies for my previous behavior. I busied myself with preparing dinner while anxiously awaiting his arrival. He usually came home by 9 pm, but it was now past 10 pm and he still had not returned.“Won’t he come home today?” I asked myself. 10:30 pm11:00 pm12:00 am12:31 amMy shoulders drooped as I came to the realization that he
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