This is awkward, Scarlett thinks. She peeks at Ryder who seems to be nonchalant. Her cheeks redden whenever she thinks of what happened. More than two weeks have passed since ‘that’ incident and yet, the awkwardness remains. That night, Scarlett impulsively kissed Ryder. It wasn’t just a peck but an intense, passionate kiss. His lips moved in sync with hers and she moaned when his tongue brushed her. He tasted her softness, the light scent of her shampoo drove him crazy. Scarlett pulled him closer, frenzied by his charm. He snaked his arm around her thin waist while his other hand played with her hair. The whole atmosphere was heating up and Scarlett felt an unfamiliar heat in her stomach. She wanted him closer, in a more intimate way. There was an urgent need in her that night and the kiss was proof of it. Slowly, Ryder broke the kiss. Scarlett’s cheeks were flushed red and she was a little dazed. At that moment, she waited for him to take an initiative but to her surprise, he sh

Betty the maid scurries toward her mistress’ bedroom and fervently knocks on it. Scarlett opens the door, confused. “What’s wrong, Betty?” She frowns. “Why do you look so-” “Madam, Mr. Hawkins is here!” She squeaks. Hector? Scarlett’s nostrils flare at the mention of his name. She takes a deep breath and composes herself. “Tell Hector that I’m busy-” she begins but Betty shakes her head. “Not Mr. Hector Hawkins! Troy Hawkins.” Scarlett’s eyes widen in shock. Troy? Her heart jumps in joy. Troy finally came to meet her! Other than Amelia, he was the only one who treated Scarlett with kindness and they were very close. He was just a scrawny fifteen year old when Scarlett was arrested but he must have grown now. “Madam, you look a little pale,” Betty frowns but Scarlett is too excited. She rushes out of her room and heads downstairs to the living room only to find Troy standing there. To her surprise, he even brought Amelia with him. She’s still catatonic and is staring at the

Scarlett is waiting in the living room, anxious. Her mind is fraught with what Elle is up to and no matter how much she thinks, there’s no other way but to enter that building and find out what her stepsister is up to.It’s past 12 AM and Ryder is still not home. The household staff have gone to their quarters, leaving Scarlett alone in that part of the mansion. She’s dressed in a simple black night robe but sleep evades her. She sighs and sits back on the couch, thinking when she hears someone clicking on the passcode.Ryder enters the mansion and is surprised to see Scarlett still awake. He’s about to ask why she’s not asleep yet when suddenly, something in his pocket vibrates.Scarlett speaks up. “Listen, I need to-”But Ryder holds up his hand and shakes his head. He gestures to her to be quiet and takes out a small device from his pocket. Scarlett is puzzled when he holds up the device which is blinking a red light. Ryder scans the mansion. The device is blinking rapidly as he ne

They slowly let go of each other. Hector is glaring at them as if he wants to kill them. His envy is apparent and to him, they’re nothing short of shameless sinners. Jeremy and Jim are standing behind him, silent. The latter looks uncomfortable at the confrontation and avoids looking at them.“You used to wag around me like a little puppy!” Hector scoffs. “And now you’re wrapped around the arms of this sick man! Jumping from one man to another…you really have no shame, Scarlett. You never did.”Ryder’s nostrils flare and he’s about to punch Hector on the face but Scarlett gently puts her palm on his arm to stop him. “At least I’m in the arms of my husband,” she sweetly says. “Unlike my dear sister who was in the arms of a married man. Oh wait…that married man was you. Ironic that you’re lecturing me about being shameless when it was you who slept with my sister.”Jeremy observes Hector’s reaction. Hector’s face has gone red with anger and he rushes toward Scarlett to grab her arm. Sc

She takes a deep breath and steps out of the car. The old, dilapidated house is standing in front of her. It’s not a large place but many years ago, it was the only place Scarlett called a home. The lawns have withered and there isn’t a single plant in sight anymore. The paint is fading and several parts of the house are falling apart. No one has taken care of it since Isabella died and this pains Scarlett.Her mind replays the memories of the happy past. Isabella’s parents left her this small house when they died. As a mother out of wedlock, Isabella and Scarlett lived in disgrace because people used to point at them and mock. Scarlett’s early years are marred by accusations, whispers of how her real father was a casanova and dumped her mother for another woman. Isabella didn’t hide anything from Scarlett but did the best she could to provide for her. They were once happy, a simple family which had its ups and downs. It wasn’t until James’ entry in Isabella’s life that turned their