Chapter 14

Ashers POV

Scarlet's voice was filled with anger and hurt as she paced back and forth, her words sharo "Asher, how could you be so foolish and insensitive? Really, really, how could you?"

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on, I was already getting tired of how nagging. "Scarlet, can we please just move past this? We've been arguing for over an hour and it's getting very annoying already." My frustration was growing, and I couldn't help but think about the impending media storm that was going to make my life a living hell. I already had a lot to deal with and putting up with Scarlet nagging.

Scarlet's eyes flashed with anger. "You think this is just about us? You think this is just a trivial matter, don't you ? This is going to be all over the news, Asher. My life is going to be splashed all over the headlines, and you're just standing there, looking like a lost puppy."

I sighed, can this all end. "Scarlet, I know this is a mess. But can we please just try to find a way out of it together?"

But Scarlet was having none of it. "You've ruined my life, Asher. You and your insensitive attitude. My relationship with Devon is over because of you. What do you want from me?"

I took a step forward, trying to placate her. "Scarlet, baby, you know I really lo.."

But she cut me off, her voice rising. "Don't 'Scarlet, baby' me, enough with your gibberish talks."

Just then, my phone rang, I was grateful that it had stopped her a bit from talking. I hesitated for a moment before answering it, knowing that whatever was on the other end of the line was not going to be good.

It was my father, he had been calling nonstop, I knew I was in deep trouble. I picked the call because I knew I would have faced him anyway.

“ Asher Blackhood, if you are sure you still want to be a Blackhood!!!, get the hell here!!!” He screamed as he caught the call. I knew it was going to be real trouble and I sure wasn't prepared for the storm.

“ What the hell have I done?” I looked at Scarlet. She was still rambling around , I had muted her voice, I looked at her and wondered whether she was worth it, whether she was worth all this sacrifice, can love really conquer all.

I walked towards her, each step made my feet heavy, I needed to confirm if this love was worth fighting for. I raised a finger, hesitantly, as if unsure of what I was doing. I pressed it against her lips, trying to silence her. Scarlet's eyes widened in shock, her words caught in her throat. She tried to push me away, her hands on my chest, but I stood firm.

Our eyes locked for a bit and for a moment, I just stared at her, for I was searching for something, anything, that would tell me I had made the right choice. I could see a glimmer of fear. She was scared, scared of what was happening, scared of what would happen next and I wanted to shield her from that.

“ Do you love me?” I asked with all seriousness, she tried to push my hands away from her, but I pushed her against the wall, my body closed to her I could feel the hotness of her breath, then I asked her with all sincerity

“Do you love me?” I asked,

She turned her face away from me

“ What does that matter, your love cannot put food on our table, neither give me the life I want, we are from two different world, we cannot be together and I have accepted that, you are married and I am a strip dancer, my life is already messed up as it seems and I don't want any more complication…” she said

“ No, Scarlet, you haven't answered my question, do you love me?” I asked, my voice filled with vulnerability.

"What the hell am I supposed to do with love?" Scarlet screamed, her voice choked with tears. "Love never helped me survive all the hardships I faced growing up, and it won't help me now. I don't… have the luxury of time to indulge in love, Asher. I have siblings to provide for, a family to support. I can't afford to be weak."

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, I could feel the hurt in her voice . "You don't understand, Asher. You come from a world of privilege, where love is a luxury you can afford. But for me, love is a liability I can't afford to take on."

I tried to speak, to tell her that I would fight for us, but she cut me off, her voice rising in a frantic scream. "Leave, Asher! Get out! I can't do this!" She said as she hit me, her fists pounding against my chest, as tears choked her voice.

I stared at her, shocked by her outburst, I had never seen her like this before and It broke me, shattered my heart into a million pieces. If she wanted me to leave then I would leave, i let go of her and turned to leave, but couldn't resist one last look. My voice was barely audible, husky as I struggled to control the tears. "If this is what you want, then fine...I'll let you go." I bit my lips, fighting to hold back the tears, but they threatened to fall anyway. "Know this, Scarlet...I love you. I'll never stop loving you."

I took a deep breath as I bit my lips to stop the sob that was already building up in my chest. "I was willing to fight for this love, no matter the cost. I've gone against my family, made a fool of myself to the world...and I was willing to go through more for you, Scarlet." The tears finally broke free, streaming down my face as I surrendered to the pain. "But it seems none of it matters."

“Goodbye Scarlet, I would never complicate your life again” I said as i took a last glance looked at her, I saw her soft pink lips, I went towards her and kissed her for the last time, my hand wrapped her body, she tried to resist, but I could see how she couldn't resist her touch, my lips pressed deeper to hers, I could taste the champagne she had drank.