SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. A Choice That Can't Be Undone

The rain pounded against the pavement. Celeste's breath came in short gasps as she looked between them—Rafael, the man who had saved her, and Dante, the man who claimed to have known her first.

Two men. Two different versions of the truth.

Her heart slammed against her ribs. Who was lying?

Rafael's grip on her wrist was firm but not forceful. "Celeste, you don't belong with him." His voice was low, urgent. "Whatever he told you—it's a trap."

Dante leaned against the car, smirking. "And yet, she's here. With me."

Rafael's jaw tightened. "Because you manipulated her into coming."

Celeste pulled her wrist free and took a step back. "I'm done being pulled between the two of you." Her voice wavered, but she held her ground.

Dante's smirk faded. "Then choose, love."

The weight of their gazes pressed into her. She had to decide.

Stay with Rafael—the man she trusted. The man who had stood by her side when everything crumbled.

Or go with Dante—the man who held a past she couldn't remember. The man who might hold the missing pieces of her life.

Her chest tightened.

One choice.

And her entire world could change.

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2. The Decision That Broke Them

Celeste inhaled sharply. Then, without another word, she turned—

And walked toward Rafael.

His breath hitched. "Celeste—"

She didn't let him finish. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her forehead against his chest.

"I choose you."

Rafael let out a shaky breath, his arms tightening around her. "You won't regret this."

Dante's chuckle sliced through the moment like a blade.

"Oh, love. You already have."

Celeste looked up just in time to see the cold amusement in his eyes vanish. His smirk disappeared, replaced by something dangerous.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You think you made the right choice?"

Her throat tightened. "Yes."

Dante smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Then why do you look so terrified?"

Her pulse stuttered.

Because deep down…

She wasn't sure if she had made the right decision at all.

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3. The Warning

Dante tucked his hands into his pockets, watching her closely.

"You don't remember, Celeste." His voice was almost gentle. "But you will."

She stiffened.

Dante took a slow step back toward his car. "When you do… don't say I didn't warn you."

The car door slammed shut behind him.

Celeste stood frozen as the black car disappeared into the night.

Rafael let out a breath and pulled her closer. "It's over."

But as Celeste looked into the shadows where Dante had been…

She had a terrible feeling that it was only just beginning.

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4. Secrets in the Dark

Back at Rafael's penthouse, Celeste couldn't shake the unease curling in her stomach.

The city lights flickered outside the window, but her mind was trapped in the past—the past she couldn't remember.

Rafael pressed a warm cup of tea into her hands. "Talk to me."

She hesitated.

"He said I'd remember."

Rafael's jaw tensed. "He's trying to manipulate you, Celeste."

She searched his face. "Then tell me the truth."

His silence was deafening.

Her heart clenched. "You're hiding something."

Rafael ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "I'm protecting you."

"From what?"

His hesitation only made her pulse race faster.

"From yourself, Celeste."

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5. The Memories That Won't Stay Buried

The nightmares started that night.

Celeste woke up gasping, her body trembling.

Smoke. Fire. A hand reaching for her.

She pressed a hand to her racing heart.

And then she heard it.

A whisper.

"You were always mine."

Her blood ran cold.

Because it wasn't Rafael's voice.

It was Dante's.

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End of Chapter Eighteen