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Chapter 26: A Heartbeat Away
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ:
2024-10-24 11:39:24
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Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 27: The Shadows of Power
The sun had barely risen when Storm Scoville made his way into his private office, a sleek, minimalist space at the top of the Scoville Group's towering headquarters. The early morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the room. But the brightness of the day did nothing to dispel the darkness hanging over Stormâs thoughts.He had received a text late last nightâcryptic but direct. âWe move the assets next week. Make sure there are no loose ends.â The message had come from Russell Drake, a man whose involvement in Scoville Group was as much in the shadows as the dealings themselves.Storm sat at his desk, his fingers drumming lightly against the smooth glass surface as he waited for Russell to arrive. He wasnât one to panic, but there was something about the message that left him uneasy. This wasnât the first time theyâd moved assetsâfar from it. But this time, it felt different. The stakes were higher. There were too many variables, too m
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 28: A Heart Betrayed
Scarlet woke to the sound of faint beeping and the overwhelming scent of antiseptic. Her vision was blurry at first, but as she blinked, the figures in front of her came into focus. Medics. They were crouched around her, one checking her vitals while another hovered by her side with a concerned look on his face. Her chest still ached, a deep, pressing pain that made her wince.She tried to move, but a hand gently pressed against her shoulder, urging her to stay still.âDonât try to get up just yet, Mrs. Scoville,â the medic closest to her said, his voice calm but professional. âYou need to rest. Weâve stabilized you for now.âHer mind raced, panic flaring through her as she pieced together what had happened. The pain in her chest, the overwhelming sense of helplessness, the phone call to Storm... She must have blacked out. How had they gotten in? She didnât remember unlocking the door.âHow did youââ Scarlet croaked, her voice weak. âThe door wasnât locked,â one of the medics explain
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 29: The Weight of Silence
Scarlet remained in the bathroom for what felt like hours, her hand still pressed against her chest. The dull ache had subsided, but the memory of the pain lingered like a bad dream she couldnât shake. Her reflection stared back at her, hollow eyes, pale skinâshe looked like a ghost. A woman trying to survive a life that was slowly eating her alive.Eventually, she pushed herself away from the sink and walked back to the living room, sinking into the soft cushions of the couch. The penthouse was unnervingly quiet, and her mind kept drifting back to the events of the night. How close she had come to losing control. The medics had left just in time. If Storm had walked in and seen themâĶ she shuddered at the thought.âHe wouldnât care anyway,â she told herself bitterly. Even if he did, it would be more out of concern for appearances than for her well-being. Storm Scoville cared about one thing and one thing onlyâhimself.Scarlet leaned back, closing her eyes, trying to slow her racing th
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 30: A Quiet Revelation
Scarlet hadnât intended to go to the villa. It wasnât like her to seek out Storm when he so often avoided her. But something about the events of the previous nightâthe mini heart attack, the cold indifference in his voice over the phoneâleft her feeling uneasy. Maybe, in some small corner of her heart, she still hoped for a moment of connection. A flicker of something real between them.The villa was always quiet. Nestled far enough from the city, it felt worlds away from the penthouse Storm was given her, and the noise of their lives. As she stepped out of the car and approached the door, she wasnât sure what she expected to find. Certainly not Storm. Heâd probably been at the office all night or withâĶ someone else. Her stomach turned at the thought.Pushing the door open, she was greeted by the familiar scent of the villaârich wood, the faint hint of lavender. But what stopped her in her tracks wasnât the coziness of the place. It was the sight of an old man sitting in the sala, fli
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 31: Cracks in the Armor
The tension from their conversation still clung to Scarlet like a heavy coat as she drove away from the villa. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, her mind replaying the moment sheâd blurted out the truth about her delayed period. What had she been thinking? She wasnât sure whether to laugh or scream at herself. She didnât want to have Stormâs child. That much was certain. But something about the momentâabout Senior Scovilleâs intense pressure and Stormâs cold dismissal of everything in their livesâhad made her snap. The words had come out before she could stop them. The city lights blurred past her, casting long, flickering shadows in the car. Scarlet felt a dull ache building in her chest again, the same one that had led to her mini heart attack just days ago. She hadnât told anyone, and she certainly wasnât about to tell Storm. The thought of confiding in him was laughable. Sheâd rather suffer in silence than see the indifference on his face.But tonightâĶ
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 32: The Test
The fluorescent lights of the drug store flickered overhead as Scarlet stood in the aisle, staring at the array of pregnancy tests in front of her. Rows of pink and white boxes lined the shelves, each one promising quick, accurate results. Her hand hovered over one, her fingers trembling slightly before she grabbed it. She hadnât even noticed she was holding her breath until she finally exhaled, the weight of the moment sinking in.How had she ended up here? A few days ago, she was barely able to stand the idea of being in the same room as Storm, and now she was standing in a drug store, facing the possibility of a pregnancy that could change everything. The irony wasnât lost on her.The cashier didnât look at her twice as she rung up the test, the beep of the scanner cutting through the silence. Scarlet felt a strange mix of emotions swirling inside herâfear, anticipation, and something she couldnât quite name. She thanked the cashier quietly, shoving the test into her purse before s
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-24Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 33: The Familyâs Expectations
Scarlet sat in the quiet corner of the cafÃĐ, stirring her coffee absentmindedly as she waited. Her father had summoned her for a meeting, something that hadnât happened in a while, and she couldnât help but feel a familiar sense of dread bubbling in her chest. She hadnât seen him since the wedding day when heâd barely acknowledged her, his focus entirely on the deal that had sealed her fate with Storm. She hadnât been his daughter in that momentâjust a bargaining chip.She wasnât sure what he wanted this time, but she had a sinking feeling it wouldnât be pleasant.The bell above the door jingled, and she looked up to see her father, Richard Scott, stepping into the cafÃĐ. His tall frame and steely demeanor immediately commanded attention. He spotted her instantly and strode over, his eyes sharp as they locked onto hers. The coldness in his expression hadnât changed a bit.âScarlet,â he greeted, taking a seat across from her without waiting for an invitation.âDad,â she replied, her voi
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-26Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 34: Dancing with Danger
The bar was dimly lit, the kind of place where the music was too loud and the lighting was just dark enough to hide your sins. It was perfect. The exact escape Scarlet needed after her run-in with her father. She pushed through the door, the low hum of conversation and the thumping bass wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. Tonight, she didnât want to think, didnât want to feel. She just wanted to drink until everything went numb.She walked up to the counter, nodding at the bartender. âVodka. Straight.âHe raised an eyebrow, probably surprised by the intensity in her tone, but didnât say a word. Moments later, he slid the glass across the counter, and she downed it without hesitation, the burn in her throat matching the bitterness in her chest. Her mind was racing, thoughts swirling about the meeting with her fatherâhow he had demanded she "do her duty" and bear a child for Storm. It was sickening. Her marriage had been nothing but a prison, and now she was expected to be s
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2024-10-26
āļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 69: Lines Drawn and Boundaries Crossed
Scarlett sat at her desk, fingers tapping rhythmically as she reviewed the financial projections for Athena Innovationsâ upcoming product launch. The meeting with Quantum Solutions had gone well; sheâd 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 herâa familiar ache, reminding her of the history sheâd long tried to bury.A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Daniel stepped in, a knowing smile on his face. âYou look like youâre about to conquer a whole new world.âScarlett smirked, crossing her arms. âIsnât that the plan?âDaniel took a seat across from her, leaning back with a slight grin. âWell, if anyone can do it, itâs you.â He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. âBut I canât help thinking that seeing Storm againâĶ it had to be more complicated than youâre letting on.âScarlett frowned, folding her arms as she leaned back in her chair. âYou k
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 68: A Return and an Unexpected Rivalry
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 sheâd last set foot in the United States, and much had changed. Beside her, Alexa looked around with wide eyes, clutching her motherâs hand as she took in the bustling world around her.âMommy, is this where you used to live?â Alexa asked, her curious gaze flicking between the unfamiliar sights.Scarlett smiled down at her daughter, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. âYes, sweetheart. This is where I grew up, where everything began.âThey were here for businessâand a fresh start. Scarlett had built her own tech empire with Danielâs help, and together theyâd grown her company, Athena Innovations, into a major player in the industry. Sheâd carved her own path, proving her worth to herself, the world, andâthough she would never admit itâeven to
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 67: The Truth Untold
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 collidedâanger, fear, and an ache she had no desire to revisit. Holding her baby in her arms, she took a steadying breath before finally speaking.âWhy are you here, Storm?â she asked, her voice barely masking the tension she felt. She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on her daughterâs soft breathing, her tiny fingers curled around Scarlett's thumb.Storm took a step into the room, his expression unreadable. âYour father told meâĶ he told me about your heart condition,â he began, his voice tinged with concern. âAndâĶ I didnât know you hadâ" His eyes fell on the sleeping newborn in Scarlettâs 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. âAnd what does that have to do with you, Storm?â She could feel herself bracing, the answer she had
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 66: The Long-Awaited Arrival
Months had passed in a whirlwind of preparation and nerves. Scarlettâs 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 doctorâs appointments to preparing the nursery in her motherâs quiet home in Switzerland. Despite the anxiety of her heart condition, Scarlett managed to keep her spirits high, determined to be ready for her childâs 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 againâthis was no ordinary ache. It was time.Scarlett took a shaky breath and reached for her phone, dialing Danielâ
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 65: Secrets Unveiled
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 wasnât 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.âWell, look at you,â he greeted, eyes immediately falling on her swollen belly with an all-too-familiar hint of sarcasm. âDidnât think Iâd have to fly halfway around the world to see my own daughter.âScarlettâs mother appeared behind her, gasping in shock. âWhat are you doing here?â her mom asked, worry crossing her face as she noticed his gaze on Scarlettâs obvious pregnancy.Without waiting for an invitation, Scarlettâs 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. âSur
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 64: New Beginnings, Old Wounds
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 couldnât 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 Scarlettâs stomach. âWell, Scarlett, todayâs a big day,â she said, smiling as she moved the ultrasound probe gently across Scarlettâs belly. âAre we ready to find out the gender?âScarlettâs eyes sparkled as she looked over at Daniel. âYes, Iâm ready.â Daniel squeezed her hand in excitement, glancing back at the screen. âLetâs see if weâre getting a little football player or a princess.â The doctor chuckled, adjusting the screen so they could both see it clearly. After a few seconds, she pointed to a small, clear
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 63: Letting Go of Shadows
Storm walked into Ericaâs hospital room, his face stony and his gaze focused, prepared to settle whatever lingering confusion or attachment she may still hold. Erica lay in bed, her wrist now bandaged, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him enter. She tried to smile, looking up at him as if he was her last hope, but Stormâs expression was unreadable, almost detached.âThank you for coming, Storm,â she said softly, her voice weak but warm. âI justâĶ wanted to say thank you. For everything.âStorm nodded curtly, crossing his arms. He glanced around the room, avoiding her gaze as he prepared himself. âErica, what happened between usâĶ itâs over. Whatever you thought we had, itâs done.âHer face fell, her hands clenching the edge of the bed sheet. âButâĶ I thoughtâââWe both know that was a mistake,â he said, his tone cold yet final. âIâm not the one you should be relying on. Iâm married, Erica. This shouldnât have even gotten this far.â He sighed, brushing a hand over his face. âI mess
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 62: The Bottom of the Bottle
Storm staggered into his penthouse, fumbling to find his balance as he leaned heavily against the door. The smell of whiskey and something sour filled the airâa mix of empty bottles, cheap cologne, and the unmistakable scent of his own regret. For days, heâd been spiraling, waking up in places he couldnât remember and leaving only to drown himself in another bottle. After another night blurred by whiskey and careless encounters, he felt emptier than ever, the gnawing pit in his stomach only deepening as the days without Scarlett passed.He slumped onto the leather couch, grabbing the nearest bottle on the coffee table and letting out a sigh. How had things gotten so out of control? Storm tried to replay it all in his mind, hoping to find a moment where he could rewind, undo everything. But all he saw was Scarlettâs hurt expression, her disappointed eyes. Her face haunted him, even now. He downed another swig, hoping the burn would chase her memory away, if only for a moment.Just as h
Taming My Arrogant Husband   Chapter 61: An Unbreakable Bond
The throbbing pain tore through Scarlettâs abdomen, growing sharper with every passing second. Panic surged in her chest, and she found herself unable to catch her breath. Gritting her teeth, she shouted as loud as she could, âMom!â but no one answered. Her mother was somewhere in the house, she thought, but she might be too far to hear. Tears blurred Scarlettâs vision as the pain intensified, and a cold wave of fear washed over her.Desperate, Scarlett fumbled for her phone on the nightstand, hands trembling as she dialed Danielâs number. He was the only one she could reach, the only one close enough to help. The phone rang twice before he picked up, his voice filled with concern.âScarlett? Are you okay?ââDanielâĶâ she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. âPlease, I need help. IâI'm in so much pain.âHe didnât hesitate. âHold on, Iâm on my way. Keep calm. Iâll be there in five minutes.âScarlett clutched the phone, pressing it to her chest as she struggled to breathe through the pain
