Chapter 4
The private room pulsed with clinking crystal, expensive perfume, and champagne-laced laughter.
Scarlett sat in the corner, watching Sebastian surrounded by a crowd-yet his gaze followed only one person – Lily.
When Lily reached for a drink, Sebastian beat her to it, twisting the cap open with ease. When wine splashed onto the
hem of her dress, he handed her a napkin without a word. When she coughed faintly, he discreetly adjusted the
thermostat.
Little things. Gentle things. Things Scarlett had never once received.
She tilted her head back and downed another glass. Her heart felt like it was being carved open with a dull blade-slow,
brutal, deliberate.
For the past year, her relationship with Sebastian had been purely physical. Even during their most fevered nights, she’d
never once seen him lose control.
“Sebastian’s turn!” someone called, setting off a round of teasing laughter. “Time for your punishment, Mr. Reed!”
A tablet was passed to him. “We’re keeping it simple for you-just a game of ‘Two Choices.’ Say who turns you on more.”
The first round appeared: a famous A-list actress… and Lily.
Sebastian gave it one glance. “Lily.”
The crowd exploded with cheers. Lily blushed, lowering her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips was unmistakable.
Scarlett’s nails dug into her palm.
One pairing after another flashed on the screen. Each time, Sebastian picked Lily without hesitation.
Scarlett couldn’t take any more. She stood and turned toward the restroom.
But after just two steps, the crowd roared louder. She turned back-only to see her own face now displayed beside Lily’s
on the screen.
“Ohhh, this one’s spicy!” Someone said. “Scarlett’s the undisputed queen of the scene-makes half the actresses look like
extras. If Sebastian still picks Lily… well, that tells you everything, doesn’t it?”
All eyes turned to Sebastian.
For the first time-he hesitated.
Scarlett froze. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest.
Three seconds passed. Then his voice-low, cool.
“Lily”
Her world shattered.
The room erupted in laughter and applause, but Scarlett didn’t hear any of it. She stumbled into the restroom like a
woman running from a burning house. She twisted the faucet. Ice-cold water splashed over her face. But it couldn’t put
out the flames inside.
After a long while, she looked up at the mirror. The girl staring back was breathtaking. And utterly, completely defeated.
When she left the restroom, the hallway lights were dim.
She turned the corner-and walked straight into trouble. Three or four drunk men blocked her path.
“Hey gorgeous, what’s your number?” The first one reeked of whiskey, his hand already reaching for her face.
“Back off!” Scarlett snapped, stepping away-only to hit the cold marble wall behind her.
“Playing hard to get?” another sneered, grabbing her wrist. “Dressed like that, and acting innocent?”
As she struggled, her eyes flicked past them-and locked onto Sebastian, standing at the lounge door. Their eyes met.
His brow furrowed. He stepped forward-
And then, from behind him, Lily cried out. “Ah!”
Sebastian turned instantly. “What’s wrong?”
“My ankle… I think I twisted it,” Lily whimpered, eyes glistening with tears. “I’m fine. Go help Scarlett…”
Sebastian crouched beside her, checking her ankle with gentle hands. “She’ll handle herself,” he muttered.
The words hit Scarlett like a slap.
By then, one of the drunks had wrapped a hand around her waist, hot breath in her face. “Come on, baby. Let’s have some
fun-”
Scarlett grabbed a wine bottle from a side table and smashed it against the wall.
“Touch me again, and you die.”
The glass sliced into her hand. Blood dripped down her fingers.
The men backed off, startled. She didn’t wait-she pushed through them and stormed away.
After the party ended, Scarlett stood alone outside, refusing to get in Sebastian’s car. She waited for a cab instead.
Lily appeared with an umbrella, high heels splashing through a puddle. “No ride?” She asked sweetly. “Want me to take
‘you home?”
Scarlett’s eyes dropped to the luxury sports car key dangling from Lily’s hand.
Of course. Courtesy of Charles Shaw.
Scarlett smiled slowly, lips red and sharp. “Thanks, but no. I’d rather not ride in a mistress’s daughter’s car. Feels dirty.”
Lily’s face darkened. The sweet facade cracked. She grabbed Scarlett’s wrist. “Say that again.”
“What, you think hearing it twice will make it less true? Let go.”
They were still arguing when a set of high beams lit up the street.
A car. Fast. Out of control.
Scarlett turned-just in time to see it barreling toward them.
Chapter 4
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