Two months had passed since her mother left for Switzerland, and Scarlett could still feel the pang of separation each time she looked at her phone, hoping to see a new message or photo. Life had moved at a relentless pace, as she had stepped fully into her role as Stormâs wife, attending the endless string of meetings, dinners, and late-night functions that the Scoville family expected of her. The exhaustion settled into her bones, but even when she wanted to take a break, Storm would remind her of their goals, of the image they needed to project.On this particular morning, Scarlett was already up before the alarm rang. She quickly covered her mouth, rushing to the bathroom as another wave of nausea hit her. The morning sickness was becoming a regular occurrence, but she was determined to ignore it, chalking it up to exhaustion and the stress of her new responsibilities.As she splashed her face with water, she couldnât ignore the nagging feeling in the back of her mind. She had an
Scarlett woke up to yet another wave of nausea, her stomach rolling in protest the second she opened her eyes. The realization struck her that she couldnât keep ignoring these symptoms any longer. She needed answers. Without waiting for a second thought, she grabbed her phone and texted Noemi.Scarlett: âCan you come with me to the hospital today? IâĶ I think I need to get checked out. This morning sickness is getting out of hand.âA few moments later, Noemiâs response arrived, filled with the unwavering support Scarlett had come to count on.Noemi: âOf course! Iâll meet you at your place in thirty minutes.âScarlett sat back against the pillows, trying to steady her racing heart. She was nervous, but having Noemi by her side was a comfort she desperately needed.---By the time they arrived at the hospital, Scarlett was visibly anxious, twisting her fingers as they waited to be called in. Noemi reached over and placed a comforting hand on hers.âItâs going to be okay, Scarlett. Whatev
Storm paced around his office as his team wrapped up a crucial meeting with a major client. The project had been in the works for weeks, and the successful contract signing today felt like a triumph. His satisfaction was short-lived, though, as Erica appeared at his office door, a satisfied smile plastered on her face.âStorm, we did it!â Erica exclaimed, her voice practically ringing with triumph. âItâs a huge win. We should celebrate, donât you think?âHe gave her a polite nod, preoccupied with thoughts of heading home to Scarlett. But Erica persisted, her eyes glinting with excitement.âCome on, Storm,â she coaxed, âjust one drink to celebrate. You canât say no to that.âStorm hesitated, glancing at the clock. Scarlett was probably waiting for him at home, and the last thing he wanted was to give her any reason to worry. But Erica had been instrumental in landing the client, and declining her invitation could come off as ungrateful.âFine, one drink,â he finally agreed, reaching fo
The tension in the dining room was thick as Scarlettâs question hung in the air. Storm felt the weight of her words, and although he wanted to brush it off, the hurt in her eyes was unmistakable. He swallowed, keeping his expression neutral, unwilling to let her see even a hint of regret.âWhy do you care?â he said finally, a cold edge creeping into his voice. âIf I kissed someone else, whatâs it to you? You know this marriage was never about love.âScarlettâs face paled, and a flicker of disbelief flashed across her features, quickly replaced by anger. âIs that all you think of me? After everything, you still see this as just a business transaction?âStorm shrugged, trying to ignore the pang of guilt forming in his chest. âIâm just being honest, Scarlett. We both know the terms. Besides, itâs not like youâve never been out with other men.âScarlettâs eyes widened, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. âYou mean Daniel? Heâs my friend, Stormâone of the few people I have t
Scarlett moved quietly in the dim light of the bedroom, careful not to make a sound as she slid clothes from her wardrobe into a small suitcase. Her hands trembled with each item she folded, every familiar piece of fabric a reminder of the life she was leaving behind. Her mind kept replaying the bitter words Storm had thrown at her, his cold demeanor, the look in his eyes that made her feel like she was nothing more than an obligation.She tried to keep herself steady, but a tear slipped down her cheek, followed by another, until the dam broke. Quiet sobs wracked her body as she sat on the edge of the bed, clutching one of her favorite dresses, the one she had worn on their first trip together. Everything in this penthouse reminded her of the hopes she had foolishly clung to, the dreams she had carefully woven around Storm, only to have them unravel before her eyes.As she wiped her eyes and resumed packing, a sharp pain gripped her chest. She clutched at her heart, wincing, the famil
Storm paced the penthouse, his gaze fixed on his phone screen, the lit-up contacts page showing Scarlettâs name. Her number had been tried more times than he cared to count, but still, each call only met with the same resultâstraight to voicemail. He had no message, no explanation, not even a clue as to where she could have gone. She was simplyâĶ gone.He glanced up, his eyes darting around the penthouse, the now-emptied corners and bare surfaces a haunting reminder of her absence. He could still picture her standing here just yesterday, her hair slightly damp from the shower, her eyes holding that quiet storm that had drawn him to her from the beginning. But that storm had erupted last night, and sheâd walked out without looking back.Grabbing his phone again, he tried Anaâs number. She had been Scarlettâs confidante, her constant presence in the house. If anyone knew where Scarlett had gone, it would be her.After only two rings, Ana picked up. âMr. Scoville, good morning,â she said,
The quiet of the small beachside house was broken by the soft sound of footsteps approaching the door. Scarlett looked up from her notebook, where she had been attempting to write down her thoughts. She hadnât told anyone yet about her location except for Daniel, whoâd promised to keep her secret until she was ready to face the worldâor Stormâagain. But even here, in this secluded corner of Cape Cod, she felt the world pressing in.A soft knock came at the door, and Scarlett set her notebook aside, crossing the room with a sense of foreboding. She opened it to find Daniel standing on the doorstep, his usual calm demeanor tempered with something more intense.âDaniel?â Her voice was soft, tentative. Seeing him here only reminded her of everything she was trying to escape, but the relief of having a friend close outweighed her hesitance.Daniel nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. âThought Iâd check in and make sure youâre okay.â He stepped inside, glancing around the modestly fu
As Scarlett sat on her bed, phone clutched in her hand, her heart pounded with a quiet rage that she could barely contain. She read Stormâs message over and over: âWe need to talk.â Those four words dredged up all the memories sheâd been trying to escapeâthe stolen kiss in the parking lot, his cold dismissal, his refusal to acknowledge the life growing within her. Anger bubbled up, hot and heavy, spilling over into her reply.âThereâs nothing to talk about, Storm. You made your choices, and Iâve made mine. Iâm leaving, and you wonât hear from me again. Iâll be staying with my mom in Switzerland for a while.âAfter hitting send, Scarlett felt a strange combination of relief and sorrow, as though she were cutting a cord sheâd held onto for too long. Storm had broken her heart in ways she couldnât even put into words, and the thought of him being anywhere near her and her unborn child filled her with dread.Packing was a quiet, somber affair. She moved through her penthouse in silence, t
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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