Chapter 11.~. A moment's notice

Ethan's POV

My thoughts were shattered by the question Hudson threw at me. “But sir, it would be difficult to get the details about Scarlett. According to the Harpers, she left them the moment she discovered she was adopted and there was no news of her whereabouts..”

Clenching my fist, I exhaled before responding, my voice low and authoritative, “I don't care, Hudson. Find every fucking details about her life for those past years. I want to know if she's only putting on some shows and trying to be associated with them for publicity or other reasons. Let's see it as a means of uncovering the authenticity of her connections to the Scotts.”

“Alright, Me Ethan. I'll do my best.”

“Better…” I mumbled before ending the call and sliding the phone aside.

Grabbing the steering wheel, I exhaled once more as my mind swirled with several thoughts.

“Pull yourself together, Ethan. Let's forget about Scarlett and focus on the appointment we have with Dylan.”

With that, I drove off across the street, my heart filled with anticipation.

Buildings flew by in a dizzying blur as I accelerated, my feet firm on the gas pedal.

Arriving at the grand theatre, I alighted and ran my fingers through my air with a relaxed gesture. A warm smile spread across my face when I noticed some of my fans smiling and waving at me from a distance.

I felt exhausted after a few selfies with them.

And just then, I heard it.

The sounds of screams pierced the silence, excitement lingering in the air, mingling with the hums of cameras and crazy fans.

Turning around, my eyes widened at the sight of a limousine heading towards the red carpet.

My gaze settled on the pretty legs on heels that emerged first from the car. And then, the beautiful red classy designer gown that accentuated those curves and smooth porcelain skin.

Looking up, a lump settled in my throat as Scarlett’s face came into view.

The door closes with a soft thud and I froze once more as Dylan walked over to her side like a gentleman, his eyes sparking with something – desire and intrigue.

“Oh no..” I mumbled, my grip on my phone tightening.

The reporters swarmed around them, snapping photos and trying to get them to answer their questions.

Scarlett's heels clicked on the pavement as she posed for the cameras, a dazzling smile lighting up her face

“Here comes the Scott's Heiress with our famous top model, the one and only Dylan Thompson. Could you tell us more about the project you both are working on?” A cheerful reporter asked as he brought his mic nearer to them.

Dylan cleared his throat, and a smile curled at his lips as Scarlett’s gaze drifted towards him.

It was as if they were debating silently on who was to answer the question.

They both reached for the mic simultaneously and I noticed Scarlett shudder as Dylan's hands gently brushed against hers.

“Urm..” Scarlett began as she spoke into the mic, her eyes glistening as the camera lights shone on her.

Wrapping her hand at the base of the mic, she continued, her voice calm. “I'm thrilled to work with a world- renowned actor like Dylan Thompson. It's a unique opportunity and I'm excited to see how it all comes together..”

Her perfect teeth were visible through her bright smile, her presence enchanting.

“-- As for modeling with his top agency, I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow my career and explore new creative avenues..”

A cheer and applause followed and I saw a some fans scurrying towards them, eager to take selfies and autographs

My eyes were glued to scarlet and I felt a mix of awe and nostalgia washing over me.

“So the news report was true; she will be his model and feature in his upcoming movie..” those words slipped out of my lips in a whisper

A bitter ache spread across my chest, fueled by jealousy.

As the reporters kept asking more questions, the bodyguards appeared, shoving them aside and creating a way for the duo to walk into the hall.

I watched as people trailed behind them, their faces etched with curiosity. Camera clicks and flashes, buzz of conversations and sounds of footsteps could be heard at every corner.

Just before I could step into the hall, a notification sprang up on my phone, glaring at me.

I paused. It was a text from Dylan.

My heart stalled in my chest as the words came into focus.

[I'm sorry, but let's reschedule the appointment for another day. Something important came up.]

My jaw clenched as I balled my fist, the words staring at me, a mocking reminder of Dylan's broken commitments.

“Fuck!” I cussed, glancing at him and Scarlett as they walked into the hall like the latest couple.

Frustration and disappointment gnawed at my chest.

Disregarding the message, I walked into the hall which was now flooded with people and I felt like an invisible spectator.

Everyone seemed to be so drawn to Scarlett as she posed in front of different cameras like a pro, her confidence and aura mesmerising.

“She is so beautiful… Aren't they perfect together?” I heard some female fans blushing as they stared at Scarlett and Dylan.

“You're right. They're so perfect. I wonder how they got to meet each other. I'm still surprised that Scarlett turns out to be the Scott's Heiress.”

“Same here… She's changed so much. Not only is she the Scott's Heiress but also Dylan's personal model.”

I heard their voices, and I couldn't help but feel jealous and uncomfortable.

I was so surprised when I realised they weren't the only ones rooting for Scarlett to be with Dylan.

So many fans shipped them together, enthusiastically rooting for a romantic relationship between the two .

A deep sigh escaped my lips and I rolled my eyes, trying hard to ignore their gossips.

I felt so uncomfortable when I saw some of them staring in my direction.

I know what must have come to their mind… I don't have to be told.

Gosh. I hate it. The stares and the murmurs.

I wanted to leave but I couldn't.

It's like I'm trapped in a spell as Scarlet's mesmerising poses and beauty grabbed my attention.

She posed for a photoshoot and changed into different outfits for magazine covers and billboards.

I couldn't take my eyes off her and gosh, I could feel myself getting hard.

“Fuck!” I cussed once more, clenching my fist

It's like she's consumed every fucking corners of my mind. I just couldn't think straight.

“Pull yourself together, Ethan. Pull yourself together. What the fuck is wrong with you?!!” I mumbled to myself as I gritted my teeth.

I noticed some stares in my direction.

Oh fuck. I hope I didn't say that out loud.

I felt restless and anxious as I shoved my fingers into my hair. I must be out of my mind and I know just that.

Once the shoot was over, I longed to see Dylan but he was swarmed by directors and industry professionals.

“Goddamn!” I cussed, curling my fingers and hitting them on the wall.

With the corners of my eye, I caught Scarlett hurrying to a secluded area to take a call..

I wanted to leave, to go, but I felt so…. tempted.

I found my legs carrying me in her direction, moving on their own accord..

Fuck.

I tried hard to control myself. Something is definitely wrong with me.

She was in a stunning backless crimson gown and her bare back was exposed to my face.

I leaned against the wall as I listened to her conversation.

And then, I heard it…

The voice of a child. My daughter……