SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. A Love Built on Lies

Celeste backed away, her hands trembling.

"You were working for my father."

The words felt foreign in her mouth, like something out of a nightmare.

Rafael didn't move. He stood there, watching her unravel.

"I didn't want you to find out like this," he said quietly.

"You didn't want me to find out at all."

Her voice broke, and she hated herself for it.

He took a cautious step forward. "Celeste—"

"Don't." She held up a shaking hand. "Don't say my name like that. Not after this."

He exhaled sharply. "You don't understand."

"Then make me."

The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

Finally, Rafael spoke.

"Your father wasn't the man you think he was."

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2. A Past She Never Knew

Celeste's heart pounded. "Don't you dare talk about him like that."

Rafael's gaze didn't waver. "You think he was innocent? That he was just some businessman caught in a war?"

She clenched her fists. "He was my father."

"And he was dangerous."

The words hit her like a slap.

"You're lying."

Rafael sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I wish I was."

He turned to the wall of evidence, pulling a file from the shelf. "Your father was involved in things you can't imagine, Celeste. He had enemies. Powerful ones."

She shook her head. "No, he was a good man. He—"

Rafael flipped the file open.

And there, in black and white, was proof of everything.

Her father's name. Bank statements. Secret meetings. Deals made in the shadows.

And worst of all—

A photograph of her father shaking hands with Santino.

Celeste's stomach twisted. "No… this can't be real."

Rafael's voice was quiet. "It is."

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3. The Man in the Shadows

Celeste's legs felt weak. She stumbled back, shaking her head. "Santino… My father worked with him?"

Rafael nodded. "For years."

A cold shiver ran through her. "Then why did Santino kill him?"

Rafael hesitated. "Because your father betrayed him first."

Celeste felt her world collapse.

All this time, she had believed her father was a victim.

That Santino had taken everything from her.

But now—

Now she wasn't sure who the real villain was.

Tears burned her eyes. "You knew all of this… and you still let me believe a lie?"

Rafael's expression darkened. "I was trying to protect you."

"By keeping me in the dark?"

"By keeping you alive."

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4. A Deal with the Devil

Celeste's breath was shaky. "I need to talk to Santino."

Rafael's face turned to stone. "No."

She squared her shoulders. "He's the only one who can give me the truth."

Rafael stepped closer, his jaw clenched. "You don't understand what you're asking for."

"I don't care. I have to do this."

His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. "I won't let you."

She met his gaze, her voice steady. "Then stop me."

For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Then—

Rafael's grip loosened.

"Damn it, Celeste," he muttered.

She turned, heading for the door. "I'll find my own way."

And this time—

She wasn't coming back.

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End of Chapter Eleven