Chapter 12.~. A celebrity's struggle

Scarlet’s POV~

After several sessions of photoshooting, I felt exhausted. My ears were defeaned by the constant camera clicks, and the buzz of conversation in the hall. The flashing lights shone on my face at every angle, a constant reminder of my life in the spotlight. Several fans trooped around me, eager to take selfies and autographs.

An excuse came in the form of my ringing phone, right on cue. As I reached for it, I stared at the screen with curious eyes

I was expecting it to be a call from a paparazzo or my publicist. But instead, it's my daughter's nanny, Maria

After picking the call, I brought the phone closer to my ear, eager to hear what she had to say.

The noise enveloping me made me strain my ears because I could barely hear what she was saying.

With a final decision, I stormed out of the hall, the laughter and music fading in the background.

"Hello?" I said, trying to hear over the background noise of the event.

"Hi, Scarlett. It's Maria. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," the nanny says.

My tone softens. "No. Not at all. Is everything okay with Emily?"

"Actually, yes. Emily's been acting a bit today. She said she missed you at daycare. And now, she's been stubborn about doing her activities. When will you be back? She's been asking me about this nonstop," Maria explains.

A deep sigh escaped my lips. My grip on the phone tightened as I asked, “Can I speak to her?”

“Alright.” Maria responded before giving the phone to my daughter.

Smiling, my tone softened as I spoke,” Hey, sweetie. Mommy's here. What's wrong, baby?"

Emily's tiny voice could be heard on the other end. "Mommy, I miss you. When are you coming home?"

My heart melted at her words. My poor baby is really struggling to adjust to life with a celebrity mom.

I feel so sad because I barely have time for her.

“Emily..” I mumbled in a soothing voice.

“I promise to make it up to you. Please do what nanny Rachel asks you to do, okay?”

“But when are you coming home?” She asked, and I could imagine her frowning.

“Okay. Let's make a plan for when I get home. We'll have special treats and playtime together. How about that?”

“Yay! Can't wait, mom!”

“That's my girl. I'll be back soon, okay?”

After ending the call, I exhaled deeply and brought the phone to my chest. Tears sprang to my eyes but I pushed them back, trying hard to calm my racing thoughts.

Things have changed. I've made a promise to always be there for my daughter, spend luxurious time with her and I won't let my celebrity status come in the way between us.

Slowly, I spun around to leave but I froze at a spot as my gaze settled on the one person I never thought I'd see.

Ethan Blackwood.. my Ex-husband.

My eyes searched his face as if trying to gauge his true intentions.

What is he doing here? Has he been stalking me?

Those thoughts raced across my mind even as I tried to remain steady.

His presence was like a suffocation, the past lingering between us like an open wound.

I slid my phone into my bag and turned to leave but his question made me stop.

“What's your relationship with Dylan?”

I slowly turned around to face him, wondering if I had heard him correctly.

He dipped his hands into his pocket, his expression serious.

Silence lingered. I didn't respond.

Crossing my arms, I clicked the roof of my mouth with my tongue, a scornful smile on my face.

“I don't understand. You think you can just waltz in here and demand answers from me?” I scoffed as I shook my head, finding him unbelievable.

Clearing his throat, he spoke calmly, “No reason, just making conversation.”

“I don't see why that's any of your business, Ethan,” I shot back, my voice icy.

He swallowed hard, his stormy gray eyes never leaving mine, a flash of curiosity in them..

Ambling towards me, he mumbled, “I’m only curious about your involvement with him. That's all.”

My brows furrowed as I snapped, “Why? Why are you so concerned? My professional relationships are none of your concern. Are you trying to find out if we're in a romantic relationship or something…?”

He scoffed, his lips twitching. “I noticed the way you talk about him and I'm intrigued. Why did I even ask? It's obvious you're in a relationship. After all, you don't stick to one man.”

“E-t-h-a-n!!!” I yelled, anger flaring in my chest.

“You ruined my relationship with Alaric, Scarlett. He - he was my childhood friend. Do you think I can ever forget what you did?!!”

I could feel my blood boiling in rage at his accusations.

He was so gullible to believe I was framed.

I was never involved in any relationship with his best friend.

Clenching my fist, I mumbled, “Do not bring up my past, Ethan. It's not relevant here.”

“It’s clear, Scarlett. I know. I know what you are. You're up to some games, aren't you? You told Dylan to cancel the appointment we planned on having today, didn't you?!”

“What!” I gasped, finding him annoying.

“I know you are doing this as a means of some revenge schemes. Your closeness with him made you have the upper hand here but I won't—”

“You know what.” I cut in. “Believe what you want. You're so unbelievable!!”

With that, I stormed to leave but I bumped into someone.

A young man in a gray suit with glasses

I froze once our gaze met, my eyes going wide.

Alaric???