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Chapter Two

Scarlett

In the days and weeks that follow the service, a dark cloud hangs over us all. Apparently, right after we left, James collapsed. The doctors are calling it a stroke, but no one knows for sure. Piers isn’t saying anything, but I think he feels some guilt over the timing of the takeover, Wendy’s death, and just…everything combined.

Teddy and I tried to reassure him that he had nothing to do with James falling ill. But he’s not having it. He takes on the weight of the world and no amount of arguing will change that. He’s meeting with Wendy’s attorney today for the reading of the will he was summoned to attend. From what I understand, it will be him, his attorney, James’ attorney, and Wendy’s only living brother, John, who just arrived in town from Egypt, or somewhere like that, where he’s been on a dig the past few years. He’s some world-renowned archeologist or something.

I was curious whether she might show up, but why would she? She didn’t even come to the service. There must be something holding her back, or someone. I’m sure she’s moved on by now. The last time I heard from her was a few months after she took off, leaving Piers heartbroken. I was here to pick up the pieces when she ran away like the pampered princess she was.

But her breaking his heart saved me. I was in an abusive relationship, having learned I had other assets besides my mind—more desired assets. When my so-called boyfriend wanted me to share those assets with his friends, for money, I refused. He beat me up pretty bad. I hid it from the guys for a while. But they figured it out. The night Willow left, Teddy and Piers rescued me from a beating that could have killed me.

I would have gone back the next day, but Piers wound up in jail after a fight with James and we all ended up getting our own place. I realized then he needed me as much as I need him. Finally.

She called one night for Piers, and he was pissed out of his mind. I did what any good friend would do: I told her he moved on and she should do the same. And I guess she has. I hope she has.

It’s a fear I’ve lived with for many years now. One day, Willow would just walk back into our lives like nothing ever happened. I was the one by his side while we busted our asses in university, living on scraps. Wendy helped when she could, but Piers didn’t want her caught up in the middle between he and James. We had rough times, we fought, but we always had each other.

I went my own way for a while when Piers began to excel at business. I began to fill out and gain the attention of some prominent men, and it was clear he was still hung up on Willow. I fell back in with the wrong crowd and learned to perfect my manipulation skills. Turns out, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

After university, Teddy stayed back to pursue his doctorate in Anthropology, and Piers grew his business. When I couldn’t keep up with my lessons and the social demands of my situation, I dropped out. There were a lot of dark days. Then Piers dragged me from the gutters yet again and showed me there was another way. I was more—had more to offer.

After all this time, we finally have a good thing going, a successful business, and I’m hoping he can see how good we are together. Now that Wendy is gone and there’s no reason for Willow to come back, maybe he’ll finally let go of her ghost and we can admit what we feel for each other.

I sit at my desk tapping my pen, trying to expel some nervous energy as I attempt to focus on making some notes in my diary, but I’m unable to concentrate. Hopefully nothing upsetting happens at the meeting. I need Piers more focused than he’s ever been. We have a huge merger coming up and the timing couldn’t be more awful.

Wanting to keep all active deals in place, we are putting together a package to take to an annual retreat hosted by the company next weekend. I have put countless hours pulling the numbers and preparing to woo old man Anderson, we’re not backing down from his opportunity.

I look forward to the chance to be outside of the city with him, a chance for us to talk away from the office—to close this deal and spend some time relaxing together. Maybe even escape for a quick holiday once it’s all done.

Paris would be nice this time of year, I think to myself as I power up my laptop and check out some hotels as another way to occupy my mind.

Click. Too old.

Click. Too new.

Click.Now, this one is nice! Modern amenities, but old-world charm. It’ll be the perfect place.

Champagne, moonlight walks, rose petals…white sheets.

My mobile rings, startling me from my romantic daydream. Seeing it’s Piers, I quickly swipe to answer.

“Hey! How’d it go?” I ask, breathless, closing my laptop as my cheeks heat in embarrassment.

“I found her!” he yells into the phone. It’s rather muffled, like he’s walking.

“Who? What are you…?” No. No, no, no! I grip my desk for support, thankful to be sitting down.

“Willow. I found her,” he sighs.

“She was there? Today?” I ask in confusion, hoping the panic in my voice isn’t too evident.

“No. She’s living in upstate New York, in the States,” he explains, and I’m momentarily relieved. She’s not here. My fingertips massage the tension in my neck as I force myself to say something. Anything.

Nothing. Silence.

“Scarlett? Are you there? Did you hear me? I found her!” He raises his voice over a loud noise. Car horns maybe?

“Yes, I’m here,” I mumble as he begins to ramble.