SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. The Weight of Doubt

Celeste drove through the quiet streets, her mind spinning. Dante's words clung to her like a curse.

"Not what I know about Santino, but what Rafael is hiding from you."

Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

Rafael had saved her life. Held her when she was breaking. Loved her in ways she never thought possible.

But what if it was all a lie?

The thought clawed at her chest.

Had she given her heart to a man who was just as dangerous as the ones she was running from?

She had to know.

And there was only one way to find out.

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2. A Dangerous Proposition

Rafael stood at the edge of the balcony, a glass of whiskey in hand. The city lights reflected in his dark eyes, but his expression was unreadable.

Celeste stepped onto the terrace, the night air cool against her flushed skin.

He turned slowly, his gaze locking onto hers. "You've been with him."

Her breath hitched. "Dante?"

Rafael's jaw tightened. "Don't say his name."

"Why?" she challenged. "Because he knows things you won't tell me?"

Silence.

Rafael set his glass down, stepping toward her. "Don't let him poison your mind, Celeste."

She refused to back down. "Then tell me the truth."

His eyes darkened. "Some truths are better left buried."

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3. The Lie Between Us

Celeste's pulse pounded. "If you love me, you'll tell me."

A muscle ticked in Rafael's jaw. "And if I don't?"

The air between them crackled with tension.

"Then I'll find out myself."

Rafael exhaled sharply. "Damn it, Celeste."

His hand caught her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "You have no idea what you're stepping into."

She searched his face, looking for the man who had sworn to protect her.

"Then help me understand."

A long silence stretched between them.

Then, finally—

"Come with me."

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4. Secrets in the Dark

Rafael led her through the mansion, past rooms she had never entered before.

He stopped in front of a locked door. "What's inside?" she whispered.

He hesitated. Then, with a sigh, he pulled out a key and turned the lock.

The door creaked open.

Celeste stepped inside—

And the world tilted beneath her feet.

Photos. Documents. Blood-stained letters.

A timeline of events that traced back years.

And at the center of it all—

Rafael.

"What is this?" she breathed.

His voice was quiet. "The truth you wanted."

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5. The Betrayal That Broke Her

Celeste's hands trembled as she reached for a photograph.

It was a picture of her father.

With Rafael.

"No…" Her knees buckled. "This can't be real."

Rafael caught her before she fell. "I wanted to tell you. I swear—"

She shoved him away, her eyes burning with betrayal. "You knew him? You worked for him?"

Rafael's face was unreadable. "I did."

The room spun. "Then everything… us… it was a lie?"

Rafael's jaw clenched. "No."

"Then why didn't you tell me?!"

His gaze softened, filled with something she didn't want to name. "Because I was afraid of losing you."

But it was too late.

He already had.

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End of Chapter Ten