Chapter 5~. Scarlett's comeback

Ethan's POV

My sleek black sedan pulled up at the red carpet entrance. A smirk pulled at the corners of my lips as I stared at the activities going on through the tinted windshield.

Alighting from the car, I smoothened my suit and swept my gaze around. Jasmine’s heels clacked on the polished tiles as she approached me, clinging onto me like a leech.

Flashing cameras illuminated the evening as several guests stepped out, posing for photos and giving interviews.

Jasmine smiled broadly as several paparazzi surrounded us with camera lights flashing on our faces.

She entwined her arms around mine, her eyes locked on mine.

I swallowed hard as I tore our gaze.

Even though she’s been with me all these years, I have to admit that I’ve never felt this way towards her.

I sighed deeply as some reporters approached me.

“It’s thrilling to witness your arrival at the grand gala, Mr Ethan.”

One reporter proceeded to ask, “Many believe you’re a perfect fit with the highly sought after model, Jasmine Montes. Mr Ethan, can you tell us when you and your fiancé are planning to tie the knot?”

Jasmine tightened her grip on my arm, her face blossoming into a warm smile.

When the reporters’ questions continued to annoy me, I politely excused myself with a frown on my face.

The intricate designs, sparkling lights, and regal atmosphere welcomed us upon entering the grand hall.

Jasmine pouted her lips while I ignored her, clearly aware of her disappointment towards me for dismissing the reporter’s question concerning our marriage.

The noise of the gala fades into the background–conversations, laughters, the soft clink of glasses - it all becomes distant.

“It’s been four years now, Ethan. Why haven’t you married me yet?” She asked, a slight frustration laced in her voice.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I kept a forced smile as I faced the cameras.

“Ethan…” Jasmine mumbled through gritted teeth.

When I sighted some other celebrities approaching me, I leaned towards her and whispered in her ears, “Let’s not discuss this at the moment, jasmine. Please.”

She held her head high and exhaled deeply, her jaw clenched.

Once the two famous TV stars approached me, I extended a hand for a shake politely.

We took glasses of wine from a passing tray and raised it in a toast to seal the moment.

“To new collaborations and exciting projects!” Hector, one of the actors, exclaimed, clinking glasses.

“Absolutely. I’m thrilled to meet you two,” I said, nodding along.

As we discussed a few things, my mind kept wandering back and forth. I’ve been anticipating seeing one of the top celebrities today, Dylan Thompson.

When I heard Hector talk about him, my attention drifted towards him.

“Wait..you guys are also anxious to meet Dylan?” I asked, raising a brow.

“Of course. Besides, have you heard about his new production company and his latest album?”

Nodding, I replied, “Yeah. I’ve heard great things. It will be such an honor to meet him. I hope I get the opportunity today.”

Screams and applause rippled the air, grabbing our entire attention.

I watched as the famous A-list actor, Dylan Thompson, made his way to the stage.

Fans cheered, screamed, and whistled loudly, excitement and enthusiasm lingering in the air.

The spotlight shone brightly on Dylan’s features, illuminating his chiseled jawline, gray eyes and the lines on his face.

A hush fell as he began his speech.

When he was done, I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath, bracing myself to see him.

But something stopped me.

The sight of someone I never expected.

Suddenly, my legs felt heavy, my jaw working, but not a single word came out of my mouth.

Standing beside Dylan was none other than Scarlett Harper, my very own ex-wife.

What the fuck is she doing here? And what's her relationship with Dylan?

“Ethan!” I heard Jasmine calling as she approached me.

She clung onto me, her manicured nails digging into my arm.

“I heard rumors.” She whispered.

“What rumors?” I asked absentmindedly.

“I heard that they found Scott’s missing granddaughter. McKenzie has always been my idol. I can’t wait to see who her granddaughter is and also befriend her. It will help my status in so many ways. What do you think?"

Jasmine kept babbling, her face filled with excitement.

I didn’t respond. My gaze was still on the stunning, unmistakable woman having a conversation with Dylan.

The hall tilted and I could feel the blood drain from my face.

I watched as Scarlett adjusted the strap of her emerald gown.

When she spotted a server weaving through the crowd, she plucked a glass of champagne from his tray and brought it to her cherry ruby lips.

She's changed a lot.

I clenched my fist, my nails digging in my palm.

After years of disappearance. She is back. Draped in a luxurious emerald gown, looking so radiant like a diamond in the spotlight, glowing with an inner light that drew everyone’s attention.

I hate it. I fucking hate the fact that she’s acting all fine and pretending to be alright.

She’s such a cheater and a gold digger. I should have known she’d never change, even after her betrayal.

“Isn’t that Scarlett?” Jasmine gasped, her eyes going wide in shock as her gaze settled on her.

“Ethan– could - could she really be the one?”

“I don’t know, jasmine. Whatever you’re thinking is what I’m thinking as well.” I replied, returning my empty wine glass on a passing tray.

My eyes never left Scarlett for once. I watched as she smiled at Dylan before making her way to the stage.

The MC grabbed the mic and said, “Everyone….

“----I’d like to introduce the stunning Scarlett, the newest face of the Scott’s family legacy and the rising star of Hollywood, carrying on the Scott name with elegance and talent!” the MC announced, his words slicing through the air, dropping like a bombshell.

Applause rippled the hall and my jaw dropped as his words hung heavily in the air.

“What!” Jasmine gasped, her heart slamming in her chest.

“What did he just say? She’s - she’s the missing granddaughter of the famous McKenzie? How is that possible?” Jasmine asked all at once, her face etched with disbelief.

I could feel my heart pounding hard in my chest like they were about to explode..

Terror gripped me, with lots of unanswered questions swirling in my mind.

Scarlet is the missing granddaughter of the Scott’s family???? Unbelievable!

Just when I thought my shock would subside, I spotted an adorable four-year-old girl darting around in a flared dress, giggling with excitement.

As she approached me, she slid and was about to fall when I caught her in time.

What I saw next left me speechless–her face, her features were a mirror image of Scarlett’s

Could she be Scarlett’s daughter? Or perhaps my son’s twin sister?