Chapter 2

I didn't answer.

My phone buzzed with a new friend request.

The profile picture was unmistakable.

It was a photo of Leo and Scarlett kissing. I accepted the request. Immediately, a voice message came through.

"Adrian, I told you Scarlett wouldn't let you get away with it. Breaking your butler's hand is just a little warning."

"Scarlett said she wants you to apologize to me in person."

"I'll be waiting."

"Everyone says Scarlett loves you more than life itself, but I'm curious to see just how much," Leo sent a few more photos. "Which bed do you think is best?"

"Scarlett said the most dangerous place is always the safest. So, as soon as I'm out of the hospital tomorrow, I'm moving into your place, the one you share with Scarlett."

"That room no one is ever allowed into? I'm coming for it."

Listening to Leo's voice, I looked up at the giant wedding photo displayed in the hall. It felt like a cruel joke. The dagger I was idly twirling in my hand found its mark, piercing the smiling Scarlett's eyes in the photo.

"Utterly disgusting."

I stepped out of the great hall to see Scarlett overseeing the delivery of a bed from a truck, instructing her men to carry it inside. We collided, and for once, Scarlett’s expression stiffened. I leaned against the doorway, listening to Leo’s joyful voice.

"Scarlett, why aren't you coming in?"

Then, he turned, his eyes meeting mine.

"Oh, if it isn't Adrian," Leo slung his arm around Scarlett's, a defiant smirk on his face. "Are you here to welcome me?"

"Have you decided to apologize yet?"

I watched Leo's brazenness, and the subtle indulgence in Scarlett's eyes. A dense, prickly pain bloomed in my chest. Before I could respond, Scarlett spoke for him.

"The doctor said Leo needs rest," her voice, when she spoke his name, was incredibly soft. "You have a nutritionist anyway, it's just one more mouth to feed. Adrian, don't miss this opportunity I'm giving you."

I couldn't quite fathom it.

Scarlett.

What made her so certain?

That I would meekly accept her terms, that I would repeatedly compromise my principles and boundaries for her. I listened to Scarlett's self-assured tone and laughed. My laughter was joined by James, who was having the damaged wedding photo carried away, asking me:

"Young Master, where should this go?"

I saw Scarlett’s face tighten. I pointed to a nearby trash bin.

"Have it shredded. And then dispose of it."

James nodded, sending someone to fetch the scissors.

But Scarlett called out to James, then walked up to me. "What kind of childish tantrum are you throwing now, Adrian?"

"Adrian," Scarlett's voice turned cold. "I told you, this whole situation is your fault to begin with. Me helping Leo recover is a way for you to gain some good karma. Don't be ungrateful!"

"That's right, Adrian."

Leo followed, stepping closer.

"Scarlett told me everything. You were responsible for Scarlett’s and your child's death. The spiritual advisor said if you want to have a child, you need to make amends. You're not appreciating Scarlett's kindness, and you keep creating more trouble. You're practically driving Scarlett away."

Leo's words were like a needle piercing my heart, tearing open a wound that had just begun to scab over, making it fester anew. I looked at Leo's triumphant face, then at Scarlett, who was about to try and silence him. I grabbed Leo by his hair, laughing.

"Who gave you the nerve to speak to me like that?"

Before Leo could beg for mercy, I dragged him, slamming his head hard against the solid wooden door. A muffled *thud* echoed, followed by Leo's scream. Scarlett grabbed my hand, stopping me from hitting him again.

"Enough."

Scarlett looked at me.

"Leo is young, and he speaks without thinking! But he's not entirely wrong. How much more trouble are you going to cause, Adrian?"