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“I met him by chance, he rescued me… more than once. So, regardless of what brought him here, I’m bloody glad he was here and if you were my friend you would be too!” I defend Cohen even though I’m angry with him. “Falling for him, was never a plan. He was here, and we- I…” Everything I want to say feels too personal, too raw.

“He was here for me when I was falling apart. Teddy is busy with work, you and Willow are moving on with your lives. It felt like you abandoned not only me, but the company, so don’t you dare sit there and question my loyalty to the company. This precious company is precisely what put me in Anderson’s path in the first place.” He winces as my arrow hits its mark and I walk to look out the window at the black sky, swirling with grey clouds.

It was all a lie…I finally found someone, someone who I finally believed I could have something forever with and now it all blows up in my face, classic Scarlett style.

“It's possible he was using her to get to me, to us and BlackHouse. Not to mention his family’s shipping company, Black Water.” He’s mumbling to the others, trying to get them to see things his way. I wish I could block it out, because what he is saying cuts me to the quick.

“I hear what you're saying loud and clear, Piers. The only way that he could want me is because he's using me to get to you. I've moved on. And the person I found was not someone I really knew at all it seems. But I don’t need you to sit there and make your accusations.” I’m shaking with rage.

“He must have been using me, right? That’s the only way anybody could want poor, damage and broken Scarlett, right? Right Piers?” I yell so loudly, my breath fogs up the glass before turning my angry stare on him.

“Just because you didn’t want me, no one else could? That must be it!” Unbelievable!

“Now, wait a minute. That’s not what I said!” He walks to stand in front of me.

“You know what, I don't need this. What I need is for you to go.” Our gazes remain locked in a stare down, a battle of wills. “All of you.”

“I’m sorry Scar—” He starts.

“No. Just please, go.” I hold on to the anger, because what comes next will be sadness. And I need to be alone before I lose it completely.

“Piers, I think we should go.” Willow tells him.

“I just—” His hand tugs at his hair.

“Teddy Bear, please. Make him go.” I sob and he nods his head at Piers.

“I think it's time to go, mate.” He drops his head and walks out the door, followed by Willow.

“You going to be alright, love? I could stay?” Teddy offers.

“No, it’s okay.” I force one corner of my mouth to lift in a smile. “I’m sure somewhere there is a paper than needs grading.”

“Cheeky.” He hugs me and pulls back to look me in the eye. “He’s just worried, you know how he is.” I nod. “Thanks, Teddy.” I tell him as he shuts the door. Because I do. But it doesn’t make his accusations hurt any less.

The lock clicks into place, leaving everyone I care about on the other side and I’m back to being locked away alone. Walking back to the sofa, I collapse in my ripped dress. A quick swipe under my eyes, and I find black on my fingertips. I’m sure my cheeks are covered with mascara, and for the first time… I don't even care. I curl into a ball and will sleep to come as thunder rumbles in the distance.