Chapter 4.~ A long lost connection

FIVE YEARS LATER

Scarlett’s POV

I walked on the pavement with my four-year-old daughter, Emily, clinging to my hand. We'd just gotten back from a grueling job interview and I was extremely exhausted. It's been four years since my stay in New York and I've been trying several means to make ends meet and provide a better life for Emily. The city buzzed with activities and the bright light seemed to mock me as I made my way to a small kiosk, wanting to buy a few toys for Emily.

“Mommy?” Emily called, her voice sweet and gentle.

My smile broadened as my gaze drifted towards her.

Her features are a mirror image of mine – curly brunette hair, bright blue eyes, and porcelain skin. I often get sad whenever I recall that she had a twin and a father who doesn't give a damn about her.

“Mommy. Can I pick something out for myself?” She asked cutely, her beautiful teeth showing through her warm smile.

Stroking her hair, I whispered, “Of course. You can always pick anything you want. Don't worry, I'll get it for you.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes going wide, shining like they were twinkling stars in it.

I nodded in response before planting a kiss on her forehead.

Emily was so excited when I bought her a doll and art accessory.

“Thank you mommy,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around me.

“Did you get the job?” She asked when she met my gaze.

Sliding a strand of my hair behind my ears, I exhaled faintly, managing a weak smile.

“We'll see, baby. Either way, we'll figure it out together.”

“I know you'll get it, mom. You are amazing!”

“Thank you, sweetie.” I nearly cried as I pulled her into a tight hug once more. We broke our hug when we noticed a limousine arrived with a gentle hum of its engine, its tires crunching on the driveway’s gravel.

The tinted windows reflected the city lights, making it impossible to see inside. I instinctively pulled Emily closer, my heart racing.

As the car came to a stop, the front door swung open, and a middle aged woman in a cream-colored coat with subtle sheen heels alighted, her presence commanding attention.

My gaze drifted to the bodyguards standing behind her, each of them cladded in dapper suits and shades, their movement practiced.

As the woman took off her shade, I squinted as I tried to make out her features.

This is none other than McKenzie Scott, a brand ambassador and a famous icon.

What could she want with someone like me?

“Can - can I help you?” I asked warily as I lowered my head, shielding Emily away from her.

She didn't reply. Her gaze lingered on mine as if she could see through me.

I felt my stomach queasy as I pulled Emily towards me..

Her lips curled upwards as she asked, “You've had a tough time, haven't you?”

I hesitated before responding, “I’ve been managing. Thanks. But wait, how - how did you know?”

She pulled her hands towards me for a handshake, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

“I’m Mrs McKenzie Scott. I've been keeping an eye on you lately and it’s because I've been yearning to speak to you,”

I raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond.

Why would she keep an eye on me? What for?

“I can tell you're confused and curious,” She whispered, her voice low and soothing.

“I’ve been looking for you. You bear a striking resemblance to my late daughter, Maizie, and I was wondering…”

“Wondering what?” I asked, my face etched with confusion.

She took a deep breath, and I watched as she retrieved a photo from her bag and showed it to me.

I squinted, my brows creasing, as my focus settled on the old photo of a lady who bore a striking resemblance to me.

“How- how is this possible?” I whispered, my hands tracing the surface, my jaw dropping along.

“I would love to know if you're my granddaughter.”

“Can I propose a DNA test to confirm our relationship?”

“But - but what if it turns out negative?” I asked, still stunned.

Her smile returned as she held my shoulders, “If it turns out negative, I'll offer a substantial sum of five hundred thousand dollars as a gesture of goodwill for stressing you out. But if it's positive...I want to welcome you into my family and leave you my property."

My pulse quickened as her words sank in.

I was taken aback by her proposal.

“But what makes you think I'm your granddaughter?”

“I know it may seem like I'm making some assumptions, but you look so much like my late daughter and I can't deny it. I also wanted to know if you're my family's last living relative. Plus…” She hesitated, reaching for my cheeks.

“I can feel it.”

I felt nervous, anxious and a little curious.

Of course, accepting the offer wasn't a bad deal. I’m also curious to know who my real family is since it has been revealed that I was adopted. The Harpers confessed to having taken me from an orphanage and there wasn't any information about my biological parents.

It won't be bad if I give this a shot.

“Fine.” I paused. “I agree with the offer. I'll have the test.”

She nodded, her smile deepening. “Alright, I'll arrange everything. Let's get this done.”

“Mommy, where are we going?” Emily asked as she tugged on my blouse, her tiny hands wrapped tightly around the fabric.

Smiling, I ruffled her hair and replied, “We’re going to the hospital for a quick visit, and then we'll be done. Don't worry, okay?”

******

The air smelled sterile, filled with the sharp scent of antiseptic.

We sat patiently in the quiet hospital room.

My throat was dry, raw, as if I had swallowed sand paper. I felt hot within me despite the air conditioning.

Anxiety gnawed at my chest as we awaited the result.

After a while, the doctor stepped out with a result in his hand, his lips curled into a warm smile.

I swallowed the heavy lump that settled on my throat, feeling a knot in my stomach

Mrs McKenzie took the results from him, her gaze fixed on the content.

Her eyes welled up with tears as her gaze drifted towards me. "The results are in," she said, her voice trembling. "And they confirm what I've suspected all along."

What? Could that mean..

She took a deep breath, composing herself.

Wiping the tears at the corners of her eyes, she admitted, "You, my dear, are indeed my granddaughter. You're Maizie's daughter.”

Her words dropped like a bombshell while my mind reeled as I struggled to process what she had said.

Tears streamed down her face as she smiled, her eyes shining with joy and relief. "You're my family.”

“What?!” I whispered, my heart slamming against my ribs with a rush of emotions overwhelming me — joy, disbelief, confusion and anxiety.

****

Scott's luxurious mansion came into view as the car glided up the winding driveway. I felt a knot settling in my stomach as my daughter kept asking endless questions..

I could tell that she was curious. I was as well.

“Welcome, Miss Scarlett,” the butler mumbled as soon as he sighted me.

The chauffeur opens the door while I alighted gently, my gaze flying around with a hint of admiration in it.

“Mrs McKenzie has been expecting you. Thank you for coming,” He said, his face beaming with warm welcoming smiles.

Inside, the mansion is as grand and warm with its sparkling staircase and crackling fireplace.

Everything about it screamed luxury.

The butler guided me to the sitting room where a pot of tea and delicate china cups awaited.

As I entered, I saw Mrs McKenzie sitting elegantly on the posh sofa, her eyes fixed on me.

She rose to her feet and rushed towards me and my daughter, enveloping us in a warm embrace.

As we took a stroll around the mansion, Mrs McKenzie began telling me about the past.

“Your mother, Maizie, was my daughter.” She began, her voice full of nostalgia.

“Maizie was vibrant, full of life, but rebellious.” She paused, a melancholic smile tugged at her lips.

“What do you mean?” I asked, concerned.

“Our family has a legacy in Hollywood. My parents were renowned actors and I followed in their footsteps. Maizie was free-spirited, always chasing her dreams, and she fell in love with someone we didn't think was right for her..”

Silence enveloped us, and I felt a thick knot of emotions swelled in my chest, fascinated to hear more about my mom's life and family history.

McKenzie sighed and continued, “When Maizie got pregnant at 18, we were worried about her career, about the paparazzi. But she eloped with her lover anyway. We lost touch and then, the news of their accident came. It was quite devastating.”

She stroked my cheek, her eyes filled with tears, “Maizie passed away but I had no clue she gave birth to you and that was because she kept the news of her delivery hidden. Her loss devastated us and it was until the DNA test result came that I discovered that I have a granddaughter and…”

She paused, her gaze drifting to Emily, who was playing with her doll.

Her lips curled upwards as she whispered, “A great granddaughter…”

When her gaze met mine again, she lifted my chin with her fingers and spoke, “I want you to know that I would have supported you and taken you in if I had known about you,

“You missed out on so much because Maizie decided to keep your existence a secret before her death. I'm ready to start a new life with you. I'm ready to make up for everything you missed.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as we embraced each other once more.

Wiping her tears, she got on her feet and spoke, “I'm handing all of my properties in your name, Scarlett.”

“Also, I've been thinking a lot about my family's legacy in Hollywood. I think you'd be perfect to take over and carry out your family's tradition in the entertainment industry.”

“Re - really?” I asked, astonished.

She smiled warmly as she held my cheeks, “Yes, darling. In addition, there is a charity gala next week and I'll love that you attend with me. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to meet influential people in the industry and…”

She paused, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“I will also have the perfect opportunity to publicly acknowledge you as my granddaughter.”

I felt a sense of nervousness and uncertainty. How would everyone react to my sudden appearance in the public eye? Not just as anyone but the granddaughter of a remarkable celebrity.

A knot formed in my stomach when my thoughts drifted to Ethan.

He was also a model and a celebrity and he attends every event and galas

There are high chances that our paths would cross again.

“What do you say, Scarlett?” Mrs McKenzie asked softly.

Fiddling with my fingers, I replied, “I'm not ready for all this, but I'm willing to try, for you, and for my mom's memory.”