SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. Unraveling the Lies

Celeste sat in the dimly lit apartment, the taste of Rafael still lingering on her lips.

Her fingers trembled as she poured herself a glass of wine.

What was she doing?

She was playing with fire—no, she was trapped between two infernos.

Rafael's rage was barely contained.

Santino's charm was a noose tightening around her neck.

She needed control.

But control had already slipped from her grasp the moment she let Rafael kiss her.

And the moment she let Santino look at her like she was his.

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2. The Call That Changed Everything

Her phone buzzed.

She hesitated before answering.

"Celeste."

Santino's deep voice sent a shiver down her spine.

"Meet me. Now."

She swallowed hard. "I can't."

A pause.

"Then I'll come to you."

Her pulse jumped. "That's not a good idea—"

"I don't care."

Then the line went dead.

Celeste exhaled sharply.

This was a mistake.

But the worst part?

She didn't want to stop him.

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3. The Man at Her Door

The knock came fifteen minutes later.

Celeste opened the door to find Santino leaning against the frame, his sharp eyes searching hers.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

She forced a smirk. "Maybe I have."

His gaze flickered to her lips.

She crossed her arms. "What do you want, Santino?"

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Answers."

Her stomach twisted.

He was getting too close.

She needed to push him away.

Before it was too late.

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4. A Dangerous Proposition

Santino watched her carefully.

"I know you're hiding something."

Celeste kept her expression blank. "Are you always this paranoid?"

His jaw tightened. "Only when it comes to women who make my heart race."

A dangerous smile curled his lips. "Tell me, Celeste… Do I make yours race too?"

Her throat went dry.

Yes.

But she couldn't say that.

Instead, she smirked. "I don't let men affect me."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "Liar."

Her breath hitched.

This was dangerous.

But she couldn't move.

Because for the first time in years, someone was looking at her like she was more than just a weapon.

Like she was… something worth fighting for.

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5. The Warning

A sharp knock on the door made her freeze.

Santino frowned. "Expecting company?"

No.

And that's what terrified her.

She walked slowly to the door, heart pounding.

She opened it—

And Rafael was standing there.

His eyes locked onto Santino.

Then back to her.

His voice was like ice. "What the hell is he doing here?"

Celeste's stomach dropped.

This wasn't just a love triangle anymore.

It was a war.

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End of Chapter Seven