SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. A Call That Changes Everything

Celeste stared at the phone, her fingers hovering over the dial button. Calling Rafael now was a risk—but leaving things unchecked was an even bigger one.

Finally, she pressed the call.

The phone rang once. Twice. Then—

"Celeste," Rafael's voice was deep, unreadable. "I was just thinking about you."

She forced a chuckle. "I hope it was something pleasant."

"That depends. Are you calling to tell me you couldn't stop thinking about me?"

Her heart pounded. Stay in control.

"I wish that were the case." Her voice turned serious. "But something happened tonight."

A pause. Then Rafael's tone darkened. "What happened?"

Celeste hesitated. She had to be careful. If she said too much, she might expose her real intentions. If she said too little, he might see through her.

"Someone broke into my apartment."

Silence. A deadly one.

Then—"Are you hurt?"

His voice was low, sharp. Dangerous.

"No. But he tried to kill me."

She heard the rustling of movement on his end. "I'll handle it."

Celeste swallowed. "I don't need a knight in shining armor, Rafael."

"Good," he murmured. "Because I'm no knight. But I protect what's mine."

Her breath hitched. Was that a warning… or a claim?

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2. A Sudden Visit

An hour later, there was a knock at her door.

Celeste opened it to find Rafael standing there, his sharp eyes scanning her apartment like he expected an ambush.

"You didn't have to come."

"I don't like unfinished business."

His gaze landed on the bloodstain on the floor. "Where is the body?"

She crossed her arms. "Not here."

He smirked. "Clever girl."

Celeste didn't flinch when he took a step closer, invading her space.

"Someone wants you dead," he murmured. "Tell me why, Celeste."

Her pulse quickened. If she lied now, he'd know. But the truth could get her killed.

"I don't know," she said softly. "But I intend to find out."

Rafael studied her for a long moment. Then, to her surprise, he lifted a hand and traced his fingers along her jaw.

"Then let's find out together."

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3. The First Lie

The next morning, Celeste arrived at De Luca Enterprises—the heart of Rafael's empire.

She had been inside before, but never like this. This time, she wasn't just a guest.

She was a player in his game.

As she walked through the grand glass doors, a tall woman with cold blue eyes stopped her.

"You must be Celeste."

Celeste smiled. "And you are?"

"Isla Romano. Rafael's fiancée."

Celeste's world tilted for a split second.

Fiancée?

Isla's red lips curled. "He didn't tell you?"

Celeste recovered fast, her smile never wavering. "He must have forgotten. Men can be so forgetful, don't you think?"

Isla's eyes flickered with something dark. "Be careful, Celeste. Rafael may like his little distractions, but I don't tolerate them."

A challenge.

Celeste smiled sweetly. "Then I guess we'll see who he forgets first."

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4. A New Player in the Game

That night, Celeste met Rafael at an exclusive rooftop bar. The city lights glittered around them, but her mind was on one thing.

"You have a fiancée."

Rafael didn't look surprised. "I have an arrangement."

She raised a brow. "Is that what you call it?"

He leaned forward, his gaze locked onto hers. "Do you care?"

Yes.

No.

She didn't know.

But she refused to let him see any weakness. "I don't like sharing."

Rafael smirked. "Neither do I."

His hand slid to her wrist, his touch burning. "Isla is part of my past. But you, Celeste…"

His lips brushed against her ear. "You might be my future."

Her breath caught. Was she playing him? Or was he playing her?

Either way, someone was going to get burned.

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5. A Warning in Blood

The next morning, Celeste woke to find a box outside her door.

Inside was a single red rose… and a severed finger.

A note lay beside it.

"Stay away from Rafael. Or the next one will be yours."

Her stomach twisted. This wasn't just a game anymore.

Someone wanted her gone.

And they were willing to kill for it.

But they had underestimated her.

Because Celeste Moreau didn't run.

She fought.

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End of Chapter Three