Chapter 5

Scarlett's POV

After the gala, in the parking lot.

Vivian, wearing high heels, blocked my path.

She stood there with arms crossed, wearing the arrogance of a victor.

"Scarlett, do you see your place now?"

"The person in Adrian's heart is me. Three years ago, and now too. A housekeeper like you shouldn't have delusions. Just withdraw yourself and keep some dignity."

I looked at her.

"As you wish."

I said softly.

Vivian thought I'd surrendered and curved her lips with satisfaction.

But just as she turned to leave, she suddenly let out a sharp scream, pointing at me with fury on her face.

"My necklace! You stole my necklace!"

Her shrill cry instantly attracted Adrian, who had just walked over.

Vivian threw herself into Adrian's arms, crying.

"Adrian, that's the only memento my mother left me! It was fine just now, but after talking to Scarlett for a few moments, it disappeared!"

Adrian's gaze instantly turned icy.

He rushed over and grabbed my wrist-the one with the unhealed fracture.

"Why would you do this?!"

He demanded harshly, his eyes filled with complete disgust and disappointment.

Pain drained the color from my face. Searing pain shot through my wrist as the bones shifted. I said, word by word.

"I didn't steal it."

"Didn't steal?"

Vivian peeked out from his embrace, crying.

"Adrian, search her bag. It must be in there!"

Without hesitation, Adrian roughly seized my purse with his other hand and dumped everything onto the ground.

Lipstick, keys, tissues, and a plane ticket to Zurich for next week scattered across the pavement.

Finally, with a crisp clink, a platinum necklace fell from the bag.

Caught red-handed.

The last trace of warmth vanished from Adrian's eyes.

He didn't even look at the plane ticket, mistaking it for trash, and crushed it beneath his foot.

"Scarlett, you've disappointed me so much."

He released his grip and pulled the trembling, sobbing Vivian tightly into his arms, comforting her gently.

His gaze toward me turned cruel.

"Find your own way back."

With that, he carried Vivian to the car and drove away.

Abandoning me alone in this torrential downpour at a suburban estate.

Cold rain pounded against my body.

I stood motionless, letting the rain soak me through.

I slowly crouched down and picked up the ticket from the muddy water, covered in footprints.

Alone in the desolate rainy night, I walked with difficulty for a long time before finally catching a ride.

When I returned to the villa, I was soaked through and running a high fever.

I collapsed onto the bed and fell into a feverish sleep.

The next day, I was awakened by the commotion in the living room downstairs.

Leaning against the wall, I struggled downstairs.

Several movers were carrying suitcases into the living room.

Those suitcases belonged to Vivian.

Adrian stood in the center of the living room. Seeing me, his face showed no trace of guilt-only cold warning.

"Vivian will be moving in from now on."

"Scarlett, I'm warning you-behave yourself. Don't try any more tricks."

I nodded.

I looked at this man I'd devoted three years to, watched another woman about to move into this home, and replied softly.

"I won't."