She didn’t dare fall behind.
After a while, hunger set in.
She didn’t dare say anything-
Until they passed a sweet potato stand.
The smell…
It was too much.
She finally ran up and tugged lightly at Mossa’s sleeve.
“Mom… I’m hungry. I want that…”
“Don’t touch me!”
Mossa shoved her hard.
Her small body was thrown back, her head slamming against the stone curb.
Everything blurred.
The last thing she remembered was her mother’s voice-
“Eat, eat, eat-that’s all you ever do! You’re just like your father… a pair of freeloaders. Why don’t you just drop dead?!”
After that-
Only noise.
Everything faded.
She vaguely remembered the rain.
Cold drops hitting her skin… her wounds.
At first, it hurt.
Then slowly-
She stopped feeling anything at all.
As if the rain was washing everything away.
The pain.
The cold.
Even her life.
So cold…
Scarlett blinked, snapping back to reality.
She tilted her head upward.
Raindrops fell softly against her face.
It was raining.
No wonder she’d suddenly felt cold.
Theron had just bought the sweet potato when he looked up-
And saw her standing alone in the rain.
Thin. Fragile.
Heart-wrenching.
Thinking about everything she had gone through, something twisted painfully in his chest.
He strode back quickly.
Without a word, he placed the warm sweet potato into her hands-
Then shrugged off his coat and held it above her head, shielding her from the rain.
Creating a small, quiet shelter just for her.
Scarlett held the warmth in her hands.
Then looked up-
At the coat above her.
At the man standing so close.
And slowly…
The warmth spread.
“Thanks.” Scarlett lowered her gaze slightly as she peeled the roasted sweet potato.
“You don’t have to thank me,” a deep, smooth voice sounded above her.
Her hands paused for just a second. A faint tremor flickered in her eyes – but it was gone almost instantly. She continued peeling as if nothing had happened.
The next day.
The Whitmore family had booked out an entire five-star hotel. The venue was packed, buzzing with celebration.
Dressed in a pristine white wedding gown, Sadie stepped into the spotlight. With Ronnie escorting her, she walked slowly down the aisle toward James.
As she walked, her eyes discreetly scanned the crowd.
No sign of Scarlett.
“She’s not here?” Ronnie frowned, irritation flashing across his face.
He had been sure Scarlett would show up today. He had even arranged for someone to grab her the moment she appeared.
Just yesterday, the Drake family had called again – threatening trouble if Scarlett wasn’t handed over soon.
“Maybe give it a little more time,” Sadie said softly. “She said she’d come.”
Ronnie’s expression darkened. “She’d better.”
Before he could say more, a wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.
At the same time, all eyes turned toward the entrance.
What’s going on?
Ronnie turned.
Sadie followed –
And froze.
Standing at the entrance was Scarlett.
And she was breathtaking.
A soft lavender gown flowed over her like silk, draping perfectly along her figure. The fabric clung just enough to highlight her curves, elegant yet effortless.
The slit along her thigh revealed glimpses of long, sculpted legs with every step – like something straight off a runway.
Her skin was flawless. Her features were striking.
Two loose curls framed her face, brushing against her cheeks, drawing attention to her luminous eyes – eyes that shimmered with a quiet, captivating intensity.
She was stunning.
Unforgettable.
Every single person in the room was staring.
Scarlett had completely stolen the show.
Sadie’s eyes burned as she watched Scarlett walk toward them in high heels.
This scene –
It reminded her of five years ago.
Back then, on Scarlett’s wedding day with James, she had shown up just like this – dressed to impress – and ruined everything.
And now –
It was happening again.
She understood immediately.
Scarlett was here for payback.
An eye for an eye.
Sadie clenched her fists, her eyes turning red with jealousy.
There was one thing she hated to admit –
Scarlett was more beautiful than her.
Five years ago, Scarlett barely wore makeup, yet she still outshone her effortlessly.
And now?
Dressed like this –
She completely eclipsed her.
It made Sadie want to claw that face apart.
Just as she bit down hard on her lip, she caught something from the corner of her eye.
James.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.