Chapter 3

Scarlett stormed out, probably to find Leo.

Not long after, she sent me a SnapChat message.

"Julian Blackwood, once you've reflected enough, come apologize to me."

I stared blankly at the shattered ceramic, my mind drifting back to the past.

After high school graduation, Scarlett had cautiously shuffled closer to me.

Just so she could be nearer in the photo.

There was only a shoulder's width between us.

But I could feel the fiery, intense crush of a teenage girl back then.

The summer wind carried a lingering heat from the day.

Close to her, my chest felt warm.

Even now, I remember.

The sparkle and exhilaration in Scarlett's eyes when I accepted her confession.

She said she'd be the most perfect girlfriend in the world.

That she'd treat me well forever.

Wrapped in a young girl's sincere, passionate love, I naturally believed her.

I didn't doubt her sincerity, but sincerity is fleeting.

In college, I started working and building my own business.

Most of my time was dedicated to academics and my ventures.

Despite this, I still prepared plenty of surprises for every date.

The emotional support and validation she needed were always there.

But Scarlett was still dissatisfied.

She wanted me to spend more time traveling and exploring with her.

Yet years of relentless academic grind had been too tough; I couldn't afford a single misstep.

We started fighting frequently.

Until the business I built collapsed due to cutthroat competition.

That day, Scarlett accompanied me to close down the shop.

All the way there, she seemed unusually excited.

"I told you not to bother. Just settle down and be the Hayes family's son-in-law after graduation."

A compliant, thoughtless machine—that was the future she envisioned for me.

Like a kept man, existing solely for her pleasure and command.

"I have nothing to reflect on."

Scarlett seemed to have been waiting for my reply.

Almost the instant my message went out, she replied.

"Julian Blackwood, I'm waiting for the day you come begging me."