SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. The Arrival

The restaurant was nothing like Celeste expected.

No dimly lit private booth. No shadowy corners filled with secrets.

Instead, La Noir was one of the most extravagant establishments in the city. A place where only the most elite dined, where crystal chandeliers reflected golden light onto velvet walls.

But beneath its beauty, a chill ran through her veins.

Because she knew—this wasn't just a dinner.

It was a trap.

Rafael's grip tightened around her wrist as they stepped out of the car. "Last chance to turn back."

Celeste exhaled, her breath fogging in the night air. "I have to see him, Rafael."

Veronica leaned against the car, adjusting her coat. "Try not to die, darling. That dress is far too beautiful for a funeral."

Celeste shot her a glare.

Then, with her heart pounding, she stepped inside.

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2. The Devil in a Suit

Dante was already waiting.

Seated at the center of the restaurant, he looked every bit the powerful man he had always been—polished, confident, dangerous.

His dark suit was tailored to perfection, his presence demanding attention.

And when his eyes met hers—piercing, possessive, filled with something unreadable—Celeste felt her breath hitch.

He stood as she approached, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his lips. "My love."

Celeste stopped just short of the table. "Don't call me that."

Dante chuckled, motioning for the waiter. "Red wine for the lady. The finest."

He still remembers my favorite.

She hated that the thought even crossed her mind.

She sat across from him, her hands clenching into fists beneath the table. "What do you want, Dante?"

He tilted his head. "What I've always wanted. You."

Her stomach twisted. "You tried to kill me."

Dante's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, Celeste. You should know by now—I don't kill the things I love."

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3. A Dangerous Proposition

Celeste's nails dug into her palms. "Then why the fire?"

Dante swirled his wine, taking a slow sip before responding. "Because, darling… you were never meant to leave me."

Her heart pounded. "You set that fire to keep me?"

His eyes darkened. "To make you realize you had nowhere else to go."

Rage boiled inside her. "You're insane."

Dante leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I've been called worse."

She wanted to slap the smug expression off his face.

Instead, she took a deep breath. "I'm not coming back to you."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. "Oh, Celeste. You think this is about choice?"

She stiffened.

Dante smirked. "You're already mine."

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4. A Warning Too Late

Celeste pushed back her chair. "This was a mistake."

Dante's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.

His grip was firm. Too firm.

"You walk away now, Celeste, and I promise you… I'll burn down everything you love."

Her blood ran cold.

She yanked her hand free. "You won't touch Rafael."

Dante chuckled. "Who said I was talking about him?"

A chill ran down her spine.

Veronica.

Her company.

The life she built after escaping him.

He was threatening it all.

Dante leaned back, watching her like a predator. "Dinner isn't over, my love."

Celeste met his gaze, fire burning in her own. "Yes, it is."

And with that, she walked away.

But as she stepped outside, one thought consumed her.

She had just declared war on Dante Romero.

And he was going to make her pay.

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End of Chapter Twenty-Two