Scarlett’s Point of View
“Mom, how are you feeling?”A warm, grateful smile spread across my mother’s face as she squeezed my hand. “I’m doing well because of you—I was able to take my medicine on time with no worries.” She paused, her loving eyes searching mine. “How about you? Are you overworking yourself? Please, don’t exhaust yourself too much. You need a break sometimes.”My stare was unwavering, but I could not cover up the shame that lit my gaze. How was I going to explain that the funds for her treatment were coming from someone she loathed and despised?“It’s all good, mom. I’m not trying to take on too much. My boss is actually really kind,” I lied.“That’s wonderful! Now, you can go home and get some rejuvenating rest. Don’t worry about me; the doctor and nurse are being very attentive.”“Are you sure?” I asked, not wanting to leave, but I had to.Two years had passed since I was wed to the firstborn of the Scoville family, and because of that, my father was always generous with sending money for my mother’s upkeep.Storm, meanwhile, although not treating me poorly, neither he was anything close to a good husband. In fact, he was hardly present in the house! He rarely came back home.As soon as I exited the hospital, I made my way to “OUR” villa.The lavish estate was a gift from Storm’s grandfather. His wishes were for it to be placed in both our names, and although I wasn’t thrilled with the idea, I had no choice but to agree. After all, I didn’t want to risk being left without anything if a divorce ever transpired.I unearthed the truth: Storm had been coerced into marriage, out of fear that his grandfather wouldn’t be able to attend his wedding if he passed away. His grandpa’s unyielding plea had forced him to settle on a bride far too soon. Consequently, my father seized that opportunity and presented Senior Hernan Scoville with a proposal.As the car pulled up to the villa, I spied another vehicle in the driveway. I knew who it belonged to without having to guess; my father was standing before the imposing entranceway, as if he’d been waiting for me all along.As soon as I got out of the car and went inside, he followed me.“Scarlett, I heard from Senior Scoville that Storm isn’t going home. What’s going on?”I stiffly marched into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cupboard. With trembling hands, I poured myself some water and turned to find my father watching me intently... and my glass. Furtive glances were exchanged between us before I took a small sip, and I could sense his tenseness strengthen with every drop that fell from the tip of my glass.As soon as the water went through my throat, I detected a distinct flavor that differed from what I expected.When my father caught sight of my expression, he broke eye contact. But I disregarded it and continued to listen to his incessant entreaties. “I heard he went overseas for a big meeting, but why didn’t he take you with him?"“....”“Oh, and a different acquaintance said they spotted him with someone--”When I couldn’t take it anymore, I bellowed, growing more and more exasperated. “Dad, please! What do you expect from an arranged marriage?! We may be bound by paper, but he will always have the freedom to do whatever he pleases!”“But you can’t stand just like that!” he roared back. “Senior Scoville wants you and Storm to have a child of your own. He promised me that once you conceive, he will invest more money in our company.”Our company? When did I become part of their greediness?I couldn’t help but smirk cynically and retort, “You visited me just to tell me that? I thought you came here to see how I am doing. If I’m eating well, if I’m sleeping well. Guess I was wrong again. You only come around when there’s something you need from me!”“Stop being dramatic and do what you were told! Conceive that bastard’s baby!” He was adamant.As I heard his words, I felt my hands instinctively clench.Nonetheless, I ignored him and exited the kitchen and went to the bar stool to sit.And as soon as I sat down, suddenly, a wave of heat rushed through my body, my face grew flushed, and my breath shortened. The room felt too small.‘Is the aircon off? It’s hot.’The fluttering of my stomach raced through me as a warmth spread to every inch of my body. Beads of sweat invaded my forehead and the hotness inside me surged to an inferno-like intensity.Frantic, I fumbled with the top button of my dress, desperate for a breath of relief. Alas, it was futile, as the searing ignite continued to engulf me like wildfire. Each passing second intensified the swelling discomfort in my body.‘What’s happening to me?’I closed my eyes and inhaled. As I opened my eyes again, my jaw dropped as I gawked at my father, for a victorious grin was plastered across his face.“W-what did you do to me...?” I asked, gasping for air.“Make sure you do your part, Scarlett,” he said, his voice gruff.“Your mother and you are alive because of me. Do whatever it takes to bring a child into this world. If you can manage that, then perhaps I’ll see fit to accept you as my daughter.”With that, he spun on his heel and marched out the door. He left my sight, but only anger left in my heart.‘I don’t want your acceptance! All I want is for you to stop controlling my life!’I leaned forward in the stool bar and tried to stand up straight. However, I became dizzy as if I was drunk.I was struggling to remain upright, when an explosive sound shook me out of my stupor. I slowly spun around and saw a man with a sullen expression marching in my direction.Swept away by his presence, I could not help but admire his dark, enigmatic beauty. His wintry gray eyes seemed to pierce through my soul while his nose gave off a sharp, masculine edge. And those lips—like a divine being—held a captivating allure that made me feel like I was caught in an everlasting trance. From the mysterious glimmer in his gaze to his perfect chiseled features, it was no surprise why he commanded attention wherever he went.Nevertheless, I was suddenly brought back to the present moment by an intense rage that filled his face and voice. “Scarlett! You already have it all! My last name, a life of luxury and even this villa is in your name! What more could you possibly want?!”I looked confusedly at him, trying to suppress the burning sensation in my body as I wondered, “W-what are you talking about?”“Don’t fool me! I know your schemes and what you are playing behind my back!” Rage boiled in his veins. “You may have my surname, but you’re still nothing, Scarlett Scott. Don’t forget that!”I clenched my fist with shame, but I remained silent. ‘This arrogant bastard! I don’t know what he is talking about!’“Don’t try to poison grandpa’s mind,” he seethed through clenched teeth. “Don’t get in my way if you know what’s good for you! You’d be wise to stay in this house and don’t let me see you! I’m telling you now, you won’t want the consequences!”“Storm, I don’t know what—”Without allowing me to complete my sentence, he swiftly turned around and began marching away.‘This stinky, arrogant bastard! How can he be so disrespectful?!’As he was ready to step out of the door, I blurted out impulsively, “Stop, Mister Scoville!”He stood motionless as I stepped closer to him. But before I could reach him, a searing sensation shot through my veins and stomach, making me feel lightheaded and weak. Burning thoughts filled my mind, consuming every thought until the only thing left was the dizzying heat.And before I knew it, my knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the floor, inadvertently revealing my bare legs.Scarlett sat at her desk, fingers tapping rhythmically as she reviewed the financial projections for Athena Innovations’ upcoming product launch. The meeting with Quantum Solutions had gone well; she’d handled herself with poise and authority, keeping her emotions in check as she faced Storm. But despite her carefully guarded composure, the encounter had stirred something inside her—a familiar ache, reminding her of the history she’d long tried to bury.A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Daniel stepped in, a knowing smile on his face. “You look like you’re about to conquer a whole new world.”Scarlett smirked, crossing her arms. “Isn’t that the plan?”Daniel took a seat across from her, leaning back with a slight grin. “Well, if anyone can do it, it’s you.” He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “But I can’t help thinking that seeing Storm again… it had to be more complicated than you’re letting on.”Scarlett frowned, folding her arms as she leaned back in her chair. “You k
The California coastline shimmered beneath the early morning sun as Scarlett and her daughter, Alexa, stepped off the private jet. Scarlett took a deep breath, letting the familiarity of home settle into her bones. Seven years had passed since she’d last set foot in the United States, and much had changed. Beside her, Alexa looked around with wide eyes, clutching her mother’s hand as she took in the bustling world around her.“Mommy, is this where you used to live?” Alexa asked, her curious gaze flicking between the unfamiliar sights.Scarlett smiled down at her daughter, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. “Yes, sweetheart. This is where I grew up, where everything began.”They were here for business—and a fresh start. Scarlett had built her own tech empire with Daniel’s help, and together they’d grown her company, Athena Innovations, into a major player in the industry. She’d carved her own path, proving her worth to herself, the world, and—though she would never admit it—even to
Storm stood in the doorway, a mixture of shock and hesitation in his eyes. Scarlett's heart raced, the remnants of her strength drained as her emotions collided—anger, fear, and an ache she had no desire to revisit. Holding her baby in her arms, she took a steadying breath before finally speaking.“Why are you here, Storm?” she asked, her voice barely masking the tension she felt. She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on her daughter’s soft breathing, her tiny fingers curled around Scarlett's thumb.Storm took a step into the room, his expression unreadable. “Your father told me… he told me about your heart condition,” he began, his voice tinged with concern. “And… I didn’t know you had—" His eyes fell on the sleeping newborn in Scarlett’s arms, a look of both surprise and wonder flashing across his face. "I didn't know you had a baby."Scarlett glanced up, her face a controlled mask. “And what does that have to do with you, Storm?” She could feel herself bracing, the answer she had
Months had passed in a whirlwind of preparation and nerves. Scarlett’s belly grew rounder, heavier, and she spent her days in quiet anticipation, knitting tiny dresses and planning a life she could share with her child, a life she would control. Daniel remained her constant companion, helping her every step of the way, from doctor’s appointments to preparing the nursery in her mother’s quiet home in Switzerland. Despite the anxiety of her heart condition, Scarlett managed to keep her spirits high, determined to be ready for her child’s arrival.The early morning of her due date was calm, sunlight just beginning to peek through the winter sky, casting soft, pale light into her bedroom. But before Scarlett could enjoy the peaceful start to the day, a sudden, sharp pain ripped through her abdomen, jolting her awake. She gasped, clutching her belly as the intensity hit her again—this was no ordinary ache. It was time.Scarlett took a shaky breath and reached for her phone, dialing Daniel’
Scarlett was stirring a warm cup of herbal tea by the window when she heard a knock at the door. Her mother glanced up from across the room, both of them caught off guard by the unexpected visitor. She wasn’t expecting anyone today, especially not in this quiet corner of Switzerland. But as she opened the door, her heart dropped.Standing there, his expression a mixture of forced charm and irritation, was her father.“Well, look at you,” he greeted, eyes immediately falling on her swollen belly with an all-too-familiar hint of sarcasm. “Didn’t think I’d have to fly halfway around the world to see my own daughter.”Scarlett’s mother appeared behind her, gasping in shock. “What are you doing here?” her mom asked, worry crossing her face as she noticed his gaze on Scarlett’s obvious pregnancy.Without waiting for an invitation, Scarlett’s father brushed past them, stepping into the modest living room as if he owned it. He looked around with a critical eye before turning back to her. “Sur
The soft hum of the ultrasound machine filled the room as Scarlett lay back on the examination table, her heart racing with anticipation. Daniel sat beside her, holding her hand and offering a reassuring smile. She couldn’t help but feel grateful for his presence. He had been her unwavering support, her confidant, and her friend throughout these months of her pregnancy.The doctor entered the room, her expression warm as she adjusted the machine and applied the cool gel to Scarlett’s stomach. “Well, Scarlett, today’s a big day,” she said, smiling as she moved the ultrasound probe gently across Scarlett’s belly. “Are we ready to find out the gender?”Scarlett’s eyes sparkled as she looked over at Daniel. “Yes, I’m ready.” Daniel squeezed her hand in excitement, glancing back at the screen. “Let’s see if we’re getting a little football player or a princess.” The doctor chuckled, adjusting the screen so they could both see it clearly. After a few seconds, she pointed to a small, clear