SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

---

---

1. Dante's Warning

Celeste barely slept that night.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, Rafael's arm draped protectively over her. His breathing was steady, but she knew he wasn't asleep either.

Dante's coming for you.

Veronica's words replayed in her mind, over and over.

Morning came too soon.

And with it, a message.

A single, blood-red envelope slipped beneath their door.

Her hands shook as she picked it up, her name scrawled elegantly across the surface.

She tore it open.

A single note.

"Did you miss me, my love?

You can't run from me forever."

Her breath hitched.

At the bottom—his name.

Dante.

---

2. Fear Takes Hold

Celeste clutched the note so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Rafael snatched it from her hands, his expression hardening as he read.

Then, without a word, he ripped it in half.

"We leave today." His voice was sharp, final.

Celeste shook her head. "Rafael, I—"

"No." His grip on her waist tightened. "I should have taken you away sooner. I won't make that mistake again."

She knew he meant well.

But leaving wouldn't change the truth.

Dante would find her.

He always did.

---

3. A Deal with the Devil

Veronica leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Running won't solve anything, you know."

Rafael shot her a glare. "I don't remember asking for your opinion."

She smirked. "And yet, here I am, giving it anyway."

Celeste stepped forward. "Veronica, if Dante's coming, what do you suggest we do?"

Veronica's expression turned serious. "We go to him first."

Rafael stiffened. "Not a chance in hell."

Veronica rolled her eyes. "Think about it, lover boy. Dante thrives on control. If we wait, we play by his rules. But if we strike first…" She let the words hang in the air.

Celeste's stomach twisted.

Face Dante.

The idea sent a shiver down her spine.

But deep down, she knew…

Veronica was right.

---

4. The Invitation

A few hours later, another message arrived.

This time, it wasn't hidden.

A black limousine parked outside their penthouse.

A driver stepped out, holding a sealed letter.

Rafael snatched it from his hands, tearing it open.

Inside, an invitation.

"Dinner. Eight o'clock.

Come alone, my love.

Or don't come at all."

The address was scrawled beneath it.

Celeste swallowed hard.

Dante was waiting.

---

5. Walking into the Lion's Den

Celeste stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down her black dress.

Rafael placed his hands on her shoulders. "You don't have to do this."

She met his gaze in the reflection. "Yes, I do."

His jaw tightened. "Then I'm coming with you."

She shook her head. "You saw the note. If you come, he won't let me in."

His hands clenched into fists. "I don't trust him."

"Neither do I."

But this wasn't about trust.

This was about finally ending the nightmare.

Veronica appeared in the doorway, her black stilettos clicking against the floor. "Well? Are we ready to meet the devil?"

Celeste took a deep breath.

"Let's go."

Tonight…

She was finally facing Dante.

And she didn't know if she'd walk out alive.

---

End of Chapter Twenty-One