Chapter 6. ~. When worlds collide

Scarlet’s POV

My stomach rolled in anticipation, a queasy feeling fueled by the crowd. Even though I’d been a celebrity’s wife in previous years, I was still overwhelmed by such large crowds and the mass of faces.

My mind was a jumble of thoughts and emotions, each one tangled in the next.

What would people say about me? How would they feel when they discover that I'm McKenzie’s missing granddaughter and a part of the iconic Scott family?

A touch on my hands shattered my thoughts. I looked up to see McKenzie flashing me a soothing smile.

“You're not used to crowds, are you?” She asked, giving my hair a gentle stroke.

I managed a nod, stealing a glance at the paparazzi from the corners of my eyes.

Through the tinted window, I saw them snapping photos, their cameras flashing like fireflies in the darkness.

“Don't worry. You'll get used to it. I just want everyone to know who you are.” Her words left me feeling both reassured and uneasy.

My heart felt heavy with uncertainty as I wondered what people would think about me.

Five years have passed since I left the Blackwood family. Despite Ethan’s celebrity status, people knew little about me beyond the scandal surrounding the adultery accusations.

As soon as we alighted, several lights blinded us. The guards cleared the path, moving the paparazzi out of the way.

They swarmed around us like bees, eager to hear a word from McKenzie.

“We're delighted to see you at today's gala. How does it feel to be attending?” One reporter with a receding hairline asked, his voice firm.

I looked at McKenzie, whose dimples appeared on both sides of her cheeks as she grinned at the cameras.

Removing her glasses, she replied, “This gala is one of my favorite events of the year. Also, I'm eager to connect, have a bit of fun and most importantly —”

She paused, and my heart race intensified as she glanced in my direction.

I froze for a moment as all the cameras seemed to be staring directly into my soul.

“--- I'm here to introduce someone special.” Her last word stirred up more questions with the reporters wanting to know about our relationship.

Murmurs ensued, conversation buzzing with curiosity scrawled on their faces.

“Isn’t this Mrs Scarlett Blackwood?” A female reporter asked in a high-pitched voice, her gaze lingering on my face as if searching for something.

The rest joined in unison, their questions arising

Tension lingered in the air and I felt my breath hung in my throat, unsure what to respond.

McKenzie held my hand and said, “Let's go, dear.”

As we made our way into the hall, the reporter’s trailer behind us, their questions poured into a jumbled mess of sounds.

Vibrant lights bathed the entrance, and I felt nervous under heavy stares.

But I reminded myself of one thing. I'm no longer Scarlett Blackwood. I'm now Scarlett Scott.

McKenzie, being a very famous icon, attracted several celebrities who gathered around her to exchange pleasantries.

I forced a smile as I stared at the faces of top icons, and the queasy feeling was back..

The atmosphere shifted drastically, the air heavy with a heightened sensual energy that permeated every corner of the hall.

And that was when I saw him. Dylan Thompson. The famous A-list actor.

He approached me with an inviting smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

“Hello,” He said with a warm smile.

I smiled back and watched as he reached for two glasses of wine on a passing tray.

“Thanks,” I mumbled as he handed one to me, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I think we've seen somewhere before,” Dylan mumbled, arching his brows, his gaze intensifying on my features.

My eyes narrowed slightly as I searched my memory.

“Oh,” I muttered when it hit me. I recalled how a group of people had trooped around a figure at the airport this morning.

My heart flipped when I realised how our gaze locked during his interview with some reporters at the airport back then.

He was obviously the first actor to see me hang around with McKenzie.

Brushing the wineglass delicately by the stem, I replied. “Now I remember. I caught a glimpse of you at the airport.”

I leaned closer and continued, “You know, I've always been a fan of your work. That scene in ‘The unseen’ and some of your other projects.”

“Oh—-” He paused, feeling delighted.

“Thanks. It's such an honor to meet you,” He added before taking a sip of his wine

I glimpsed at everyone in the hall with the corners of my eyes

My daughter was safely in the hands of her nanny while McKenzie was having a conversation with some notable guests.

As I continued my conversation with Dylan, I noticed some figures walking into the hall.

My heart dropped to my stomach as the past replayed in my mind like a haunting film reel.

Ethan and jasmine…

My Ex-husband and his conniving best friend.

Their presence was like suffocating weight on my spine, leaving me trapped in a time loop.

“Care to have a dance?” Dylan's question hangs in the air, grabbing my attention.

I froze for a moment. Unable to respond.

I knew Ethan would show up, but I was not ready to see him.

Why do I suddenly feel so uneasy? I should be furious, mad at how he treated me in the past.

“Care for a dance?” Dylan asked once more after clearing his throat.

When Ethan's eyes met mine, I tore my gaze from him and turned to Dylan.

With a gentle grin, I replied, “Sure. Why not?”

Every eye was on us as we moved on to the dance floor. My pulse spiked as Ethan's gaze intensified, sizing me up at every corner.

A smirk appeared on the corners of my lips.

“Such a long time, indeed.” I mumbled as I placed my hand gently on Dylan's broad shoulder.

We swayed to the rhythm of the music, our bodies moving in perfect harmony.

My smile deepened as Dylan's gaze held me in their grasp.

After our dance, McKenzie seized the opportunity to introduce me to everyone in the hall.

There was a mix of reactions on everyone's faces, but I cared less.

The noise of the gala fades in the background as the activities continue. I felt quite uneasy and wanted to use the restroom when two ladies crossed my paths, their icy glares lingering over me.

Jade and Jasmine.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, feeling less bothered by their presence.

“Guess who's back? The gold-digger!” Jade taunted with a smirk on her face.

Ignoring them, I skirted past them and the next thing I saw left me speechless.

Ethan was with my four-year-old daughter, holding her hand and smiling at her with a warmth that took my breath away.

I was about to move when a hand gripped me from behind.

I spun in the direction to see who it was.

“You haven't changed much, have you?” Jasmine snarled, her eyes flashing with jealousy.

“Get your hands off me!” I warned, shooting her a glare.

Jade smirked, rolling her eyes. “Do you think we aren't aware of the foolish games you're up to? You managed to seduce Dylan so you could sneak your way to the top.”

“Not just that, you paid McKenzie to lie about your identity as her missing granddaughter! You're so pathetic, aren't you?”