LOGINSCARLETTThe afternoon sun was still warm on my skin when I pulled up to the mansion. The drive back from the hospital had given me time to think, but my mind kept circling back to Ethan’s mother’s harsh words and the way the doctor had looked at me with such quiet understanding. I felt drained but also strangely lighter, like I had finally spoken some truths out loud.As I got out of the car, I saw Ryder standing near the side entrance, a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke curled slowly upward in the bright daylight. He looked deep in thought, shoulders slightly tense, eyes staring into the distance. The sight made something twist in my chest.“Smoking is bad for the baby,” I said softly as I walked toward him.Ryder looked up quickly, surprised. He immediately dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his shoe, grinding it into the stone path until it was completely out.“Sorry,” he said, his voice low and a little rough. He stepped closer, eyes scanning my face. “How’s our baby?
SCARLETTI stepped into the hospital alone that morning, my hand resting lightly on my growing belly. I had insisted Ryder not come with me. He had been so busy lately, and I needed a little space to breathe and think. The familiar smell of antiseptic and the soft hum of busy corridors brought back so many memories — some painful, some hopeful. Today felt different. I wasn’t here as Ethan’s scared wife anymore. I was here as myself, carrying a baby I already loved more than anything.The doctor smiled warmly when I entered the examination room. She was the same gentle doctor who had followed my journey for years. “Scarlett, it’s good to see you. You look much healthier than before.”I returned the smile, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Thank you. I feel… different these days.”She performed the usual checks, her movements gentle and professional. After the ultrasound, she turned to me with a kind expression. “Everything is fine. Your baby is healthy, growing well, and so are you.”R
RYDERNight had fallen by the time Leo’s call came through. The city lights stretched out below as I drove back to the mansion. The grand estate felt quieter these days, especially with Scarlett staying here under my protection. I answered the phone on speaker, my grip tightening on the wheel.“Boss,” Leo said, voice serious. “The woman was seen again at Ethan’s office this afternoon. They spent almost two hours together behind closed doors. It’s not clear what they’re planning, but they looked… close. Too close for business.”I exhaled slowly, jaw clenched. “Keep watching. Focus on finding out exactly what they’re doing. Every detail. Don’t miss anything.”“Understood.”I ended the call and continued driving, my mind heavy. Scarlett’s sister. Alive. Meeting with Ethan in secret. The pieces were forming a picture I didn’t like, but I still couldn’t tell her everything. Not yet. She had carried enough pain already.When I finally pulled up to the mansion, the lights in the dining room
SCARLETT I couldn't stop wondering why Ryder was suddenly asking about my family, especially about my siblings.Maybe I was just exaggerating, but I felt like Ryder was hiding something from me, perhaps because I was pregnant and he didn't want to stress me out with something so trivial.I lay in bed, waiting for sleep to come and lull me to sleep, rubbing my belly. I always hoped my baby would be healthy and not feel what I was feeling.I also hoped that when my baby was born, all my problems would be resolved, and that my baby's health and safety were more important than anything else.--I woke up early, the house quiet. Ryder wasn’t home yet — probably out handling something important. I left a short note on the kitchen counter saying I was going out for fresh air and would be back soon. I didn’t want to worry him, but I needed some time alone to clear my head. A trip to my favorite bookstore sounded perfect.The city felt different in the morning light. I walked slowly, enjoying
RYDERI stood quietly in the doorway of the medical room, watching Scarlett sit beside her mother’s bed. She held her mother’s hand gently, her thumb stroking the pale skin like she could wake her up through touch alone. The soft beeping of machines filled the quiet space. Seeing her like this always pulled something tight in my chest. She looked so small, so full of love and pain at the same time.“I thought my mother was just sick all along,” Scarlett said softly, not looking up. “Being in a coma for five years felt strange, but no one ever told me it was suspicious. I feel so stupid for not knowing this from the start.”I walked over and placed my hand gently on her shoulder. She leaned into my touch a little, but her eyes stayed on her mother.“You don’t need to blame yourself,” I said quietly. “You were too worried about her condition. You couldn’t think straight. It’s the same thing you did with Ethan for five years. Your love blinded everything.”Scarlett let out a shaky breat
SCARLETTMorning light filled the dining area, soft and golden, as I sat across from Ryder at the breakfast table. It had been almost a month since I moved into his safe house, and life here felt strangely peaceful. I could visit my mother every day without fear.No more late-night calls from Ethan. No more wondering if today would be the day he tried to hurt me again. But peace like this still felt fragile, like it could break at any moment.Ryder placed a plate of fresh pancakes and fruit in front of me, then sat down with his own coffee. He looked relaxed in a simple gray shirt, but I could see the quiet strength in his eyes.“How did you sleep?” he asked, his voice warm.“Better than before,” I answered honestly, picking up my fork. “Being close to Mom helps. Thank you again for moving her here.”He smiled a little. “You don’t have to thank me every day, Scarlett. I want you both safe.” He took a sip of coffee, then looked at me gently. “When is your next checkup?”“The day after
SCARLETTThe elevator doors slid open on the top floor, and the first thing that hit me was the silence.It was too big. Too clean. Too empty.Ethan walked ahead of me, carrying my small suitcase like it weighed nothing, while the maid he’d hired trailed behind with the rest of my things. The pent
RYDERThe apartment was too quiet tonight.City lights bled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting long silver stripes across the dark hardwood floor. The only sound was the low hum of the air conditioner and the faint tick of the clock on the wall. I sat on the leather sofa, legs stretche
RYDERThe ice in my glass had melted into a thin, useless puddle.I swirled the whiskey anyway—slow circles, watching the amber liquid catch the low bar lights. I hadn't taken a single sip. Didn't want it. Didn't need it. What I needed was answers, and the woman who'd left me with nothing but cash
SCARLETT "Ohhh fuckk-Ryder... I want to come," "Not yet, Scarlett. You have to learn to beg harder." Ryder's voice was low, rough, and full of dark promise as his fingers curled deep inside me, pressing against that perfect spot that made my whole body light up. He held me pinned against the s







