PROLOGUESCARLETTAfter a long, dark winter, spring arrived. When I opened my windows that morning and saw the cloudless blue sky, I knew the warmer season I craved had arrived. Instead of wearing a sweater and jeans, I opted for a springtime dress. It was a little premature for that, but I didn’t care.I left my apartment and drove down the quiet streets to my father’s home, a large estate that took up an entire corner of the block. It was one of the few properties that had spacious outdoor terraces, shielded by high gates with fine greenery. I pulled up to the gate, and the guards let me pass without a single glance.It was the place where I’d grown up, the historic Duomo in sight, the markets just blocks away, the streets heavy with the past that was still a part of our present. I walked by the large fountain in the center of the courtyard, the shadows long across the ground because the sun was already setting when it had only risen to its full height hours ago.I entered the house

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My father sat on the couch in front of the fire, legs crossed as he worked on his phone.I sat on the other couch, feeling the heat of the fire on my face as I looked out the window and saw the illuminated terrace. I saw a flash of headlights, so I knew our guests had arrived.A moment later, one of the men entered the room and came to my father’s side. He didn’t speak, not until my father acknowledged him with a stare.My father locked his phone before he met the man’s gaze. “Yes?”“Your dinner guest has arrived.”“Excellent.” He got to his feet and smoothed out his jacket even though there wasn’t a single wrinkle. He adjusted his sleeves as well, straightening the collared shirt tucked underneath. “Ready, sweetheart?”I nodded before I got to my feet, slightly nervous at the prospect of such an intimate evening.“I’ll do all the talking. Your only job is to listen.”“Alright.”He regarded me before he came close. “Or you can excuse yourself for the evening if you prefer.”“I’m fine.

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“My family classifies me as the black sheep, but they refuse to admit how corrupt everyone and everything is. It’s my job to show them.”My father gave a nod before he delved into the nitty-gritty of their business relationship, all the specifics of production and shipping. Dinner was served, starting with a salad, moving on to a soup, and then the main course, which was a steak with greens and potatoes. They got into the thick of it, going back and forth as they constructed the terms and conditions of this operation.My eyes were down most of the time, but I listened to every word. Whenever I lifted my gaze to look at the man across the table, I felt the heat flush through me again. Whenever that happened, his gaze shifted to me…like he knew.My eyes darted away as quickly as possible, trying to hide my stare.The wine was exchanged for scotch, and then the cigars emerged. I excused myself from both vices and stuck to my wine and the cheese board that was brought out for dessert, whi

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SCARLETTPRESENT DAYI sat on the terrace, the summer sun warm on my skin. I did paperwork on my laptop, the large fountain creating a beautiful backdrop of cascading water. It was a quiet day, a Tuesday, the sound of cars on the street muffled by the high walls and the fountain.Someone dropped into the chair across from me, so I peeked over the top of my laptop, expecting to see my father or one of the men.But it was Axel.As with any time I was in his presence, there was painful heat between us. He always looked at me like I was his, even though he probably had a different woman in his bed every night. I could tell he had something to say, so I shut the laptop. “I’m almost done with the numbers. I’ll submit everything to my father, and then he’ll process the payment.”It was as if he didn’t hear a word I said. “I like that dress.”It was black and strapless, a gold necklace around my throat. I also wore a hat to keep the sun out of my face. “Did you hear what I said?”“That boyfri

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I knocked on the open door to his study.He sat behind the desk, in jeans and a t-shirt, scribbling something quickly on a paper. “Yes?”“I finished the spreadsheets.”When he realized it was me, he abandoned his task immediately and looked at me. “Thanks, sweetheart. I haven’t had a chance to check my email.”I approached the desk. “Axel is waiting for his check.”“Well, I’m busy today. He’ll have to come back tomorrow.”I stood there, the laptop tucked under my arm.It was clear he wanted to get back to work, but he didn’t want to be rude and ignore me. “Is there something else?”I wanted to fire off my grievances right there, but I could tell he had more pressing matters on his mind. “Can we have dinner tonight?”His eyes always lit up at the prospect of spending time with me, something I never took for granted because I knew others weren’t so lucky. He was the greatest father in the world, always putting me first, even when I was a grown adult living on my own. “I’d love to. I’ll

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Semua Bab It Kills Me: A Forbidden Dark Romance: Bab 1 - Bab 5

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