Book I - 51

SCARLET

Last night, I slept very well. Thanks to Katherine and the sweet live acoustic music. For the time being, I forgot how lonely I was—until the moment I opened my eyes in the morning. Luke’s face flashed back into my mind. I expected my day to be the same for the past nine days.

Katherine and Nate told me why Luke and I should not be together. I did not disagree because they were right about everything.

First, he was my stepbrother, and that was the biggest deal. Second, we may have had a relationship, but it was only temporary. With Luke, there will be no happy endings. Third, he had issues, and they were as serious as mine. He had a secret woman; he was keeping this whole secret life. Lastly, they had a child together. They were a family. Who was I to get in the way?

Every fact was right in front of me. I had the evidence. He didn’t deny it or even explain himself. Staying away was the right thing to do. But why couldn’t I stop loving him?

I kept forcing my mind not to think a