Chapter 10
Warm, golden light spilled over Scarlett She stood at the center of the stage, te the scene had been staged by fate itself.
Her eyes locked on Byron’s, shimmering with affection and just the right amount of theatrical sincerity.
Her voice softened.
You’ve always been the hope in my life.. Always there–even when I didn’t notice.”
Byron’s mind was a blank. Before he could process what she was saying, Scarle had stepped off the stage, mic still in hand, and reached for his hand.
“I’ve seen the world,” she continued, “but nothing’s more charming than the way you look at me. I’ve heard a thousand words, I still love the words you said.”
“I want to be your woman.Will you be part of my forever?”
She smiled sweetly.
You’re finally divorced now, and after all these years of chasing me… I’m ready to stop running.”
“So–what do you think? That was the surprise I planned for your birthday: us. Together.”
Byron just… froze.
Scarlett tilted her head.
“Byron?”
She thought he was overwhelmed. That he was so touched he couldn’t even speak.
In the sea of applause and flashing lights, Byron forced a smile, steadied his voice.
“Scarlett… thank you. This means a lot.”
He didn’t say yes.But he didn’t say no either.And that was enough for everyone watching.
They all took it as confirmation–Byron and Scarlett, finally official. After all, hadn’t he waited years for her? Now he was divorced, and here it was: the big reveal.
“I knew you’d love it.“she smiled and looped her arm through his, effortlessly weaving through the crowd, greeting guests like she owned the room.
“To Byron, the patient one–finally got the girl!”
“To Scarlett! Damn, you pulled it off!”
“True love always amazing.”
A few voices murmured beneath the clinking of glasses.
“That’s one way to dress up cheating…”
“No wonder Adele didn’t show.”
But their words drowned in the flood of celebration.
By the time the party ended, Scarlett had clearly had one too many. She clung to Byron’s arm, tipsy and giddy.
“You better treat me extra nice from now on, or I might just run off and leave you, seriously.”
She tipsy and giggling, clinging to him like she never wanted to let go.
With Scarlett curled up in his arms, looking so sweet, Byron couldn’t think straight. All the questions in his head faded into the background. For now, he just drove her home.
Chapter 10
It was nearly 2 am, by the time Byron got back to the house he once shared with Adele.
It was dark. Empty. And only then did it hit him she was gone. She’d really left still, he wasn’t worried.
Adele had always loved him more than he could explain She’d wait. Just like she always did Just like he waited for Scarlett.
He thought back to that morning–she’d handed him a birthday gift before disappearing. She was probably upset.
Wanted him to pay more attention on her. That was all.
He dialed her number,didn’t care what time it was, or whether he’d be waking her up. But no answer
He called again. Still nothing.He was a little irritated,opened his phone and fired off a quick message,
Failed.
“Message not delivered. You’ve been blocked by this user.”
Byron’s brows furrowed. Was this her way of throwing a tantrum? Was she expecting him to chase her down, show up at her door with flowers?
C
