SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. A Deal Signed in Shadows

Celeste's heart pounded as she stared into Lorenzo's piercing gaze.

"You belong to me."

The words hung between them, thick with unspoken implications.

She should say no.

She should walk away.

But Dante had left her no choice.

Her voice was barely a whisper. "Fine."

A slow, satisfied smirk spread across Lorenzo's lips. "Smart girl."

He pulled a contract from the inside of his jacket and slid it across the table.

Celeste swallowed hard as she read the words.

A deal with the devil.

And once she signed, there would be no turning back.

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2. Rafael's Fury

The moment Celeste returned to Rafael's penthouse, he knew.

His expression darkened. "Tell me you didn't do it."

She set the contract on the table. "I did."

Rafael cursed under his breath, pacing the room. "Do you have any idea what you've done? Lorenzo De Luca isn't just dangerous—he's ruthless. You don't make deals with him, Celeste."

Her jaw tightened. "I did what I had to."

His eyes flashed with anger. "And when he comes to collect? What then?"

She had no answer.

Because deep down, she knew—Lorenzo would come for her.

And when he did, she wouldn't have the power to refuse him.

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3. The First Move

Two days later, the world woke up to chaos.

Dante's accounts—frozen.

His underground businesses—raided.

His trusted men—disappearing.

The attack was swift. Brutal.

Lorenzo didn't waste time.

And Dante?

For the first time, he was bleeding.

Celeste watched the news, her hands trembling. She had expected Lorenzo to strike—but not like this.

Not so… violently.

Her phone buzzed.

A message from an unknown number.

"Dinner. Tonight. 8 PM. Don't be late. —L"

She swallowed.

Lorenzo was coming to collect.

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4. A Dangerous Seduction

The restaurant was dimly lit, private.

Lorenzo sat at the head of the table, dressed in all black, his presence suffocating.

Celeste slid into the seat across from him, forcing herself to stay calm.

He studied her, amusement flickering in his gaze. "You look tense, princess."

She lifted her chin. "What do you want?"

A slow, wicked smirk. "I already told you. You belong to me now."

Her stomach tightened. "That wasn't part of the contract."

Lorenzo leaned closer. "Wasn't it?"

The air between them shifted.

Because suddenly, she wasn't sure if Lorenzo was more dangerous than Dante…

Or if he was the real devil all along.

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End of Chapter Twenty-Five