SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. The Echoes in the Dark

Celeste shot up from bed, her breath ragged. The room was silent, but the whisper still lingered in her ears.

"You were always mine."

She clutched her chest, trying to steady her heartbeat.

It was a dream. It had to be.

Yet, it felt too real. The scent of burning wood still clung to her nostrils, the heat of flames licking at her skin.

She turned, expecting to find Rafael beside her.

But he wasn't there.

The sheets were cold.

Her heart pounded harder. Where was he?

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2. An Empty Bed, A Growing Fear

Celeste slipped out of bed, wrapping the silk robe around her. The penthouse was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside.

She padded toward the living room.

And stopped.

The door to Rafael's study was slightly open.

Light spilled from the crack.

A shadow moved inside.

She hesitated before stepping forward, heart hammering against her ribs.

Voices.

Rafael's. And someone else's.

A woman.

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3. The Woman in the Shadows

Celeste pressed herself against the doorframe, listening.

"You should've told her the truth." The woman's voice was sharp, laced with irritation.

Rafael's response was quieter. "She's not ready."

Celeste's fingers curled against the wood.

"You're lying to her, Rafael."

Silence.

Then Rafael sighed. "I'm protecting her."

Protecting me from what?

Celeste's stomach twisted as she stepped forward, pushing the door open.

Both figures turned toward her.

Rafael. And a woman she didn't recognize.

Tall. Dark-haired. Dressed in a sleek black dress that clung to her body.

But her eyes…

Her eyes were familiar.

The woman smirked. "Ah. The sleeping beauty awakens."

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4. A Name She Shouldn't Remember

Celeste's throat was dry. "Who are you?"

The woman tilted her head, amusement flashing in her gaze. "You don't remember me?"

Celeste swallowed.

No.

She didn't.

But something about her made her skin crawl.

The woman stepped closer, her perfume thick and intoxicating. "Think harder, darling. I was there the night you lost everything."

Celeste's breath caught.

The night she lost everything.

The fire. The blood. The screams.

The memories were locked away, buried beneath layers of forgetfulness.

But as the woman smiled—cold, knowing—one word slipped from Celeste's lips before she even understood it.

"Veronica."

The woman's smile widened.

"There she is."

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5. Rafael's Secrets Unravel

Rafael tensed. "That's enough, Veronica."

Veronica merely laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "She remembered on her own, darling. Or did you think you could keep her in the dark forever?"

Celeste turned to Rafael, her pulse racing. "Tell me the truth."

His jaw clenched.

"Rafael." Her voice was firm, despite the fear curling inside her. "What happened that night?"

Veronica leaned against the desk, watching them with amusement. "Go on, tell her. Tell her why she really forgot. Or would you rather I do it?"

Celeste's entire body tensed.

What was she about to hear?

What had Rafael been keeping from her all this time?

Her past was no longer a mystery she could ignore.

She had to know the truth.

Even if it destroyed everything.

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End of Chapter Nineteen