Chapter 7

The sun was at its zenith, throwing a harsh shadow on the pavement outside the hospital.

Scarlet stood there, her figure etched against the stark white of the building behind her. Her heart pumped with anticipation as she waited for her brother's arrival.

He had promised to join her for lunch, and even though he was running late, she trusted his word.

Her wristwatch felt heavy against her skin, a constant reminder of the passage of time. The heat was relentless, searing through her clothes and making sweat beads on her forehead.

The air around her seemed to vibrate with it, dry and stifling. With a sigh of frustration, she raised a hand to shield her eyes from the glare and glanced at her watch again.

Scarlet's gaze drifted back towards the street, scanning each approaching vehicle with hopeful eyes. When she finally spotted the familiar black car in the distance, a quick smile darted across her face before settling comfortably into a grin.

"You're late!" She chided playfully as she climbed into the passenger seat beside him.

Michael offered an apologetic smile in response. "Traffic was a nightmare," he admitted sheepishly.

Scarlet merely shrugged nonchalantly but Michael could tell something was amiss. His brows furrowed in concern as he studied his sister's face. "You seem different than you were this morning," he remarked cautiously.

"Work pressure," Scarlet replied dismissively with another shrug.

A wry smile tugged at Michael's lips as he shook his head slightly. "You've never been good at lying,” he said gently yet pointedly. “Did you have another argument with your fiancé? You can talk to me about it if you want."

Scarlet hesitated before letting out a resigned sigh. “It was just a minor disagreement.”

Knowing better than to pry further when Scarlet chose privacy over sharing details, Michael swiftly changed the subject. “What are you in the mood to eat?”

Scarlet turned to him, a smile lighting up her face. “Surprise me, big bro.”

They pulled into a restaurant nestled by the river, its view breathtaking. Michael led her to an outdoor table where the cool breeze offered some relief from the heat. They placed their orders and sat back, enjoying the serene ambiance.

“Michael,” Scarlet began tentatively after a moment of silence. “I need a promise from you.”

He hummed in acknowledgment, already suspecting what was coming next. Despite his reluctance, he couldn’t deny his sister's plea.

“I want you to stay at the Mansion with mom and me," she implored earnestly. "If dad comes around, just steer clear of him."

Michael sighed heavily as he looked out over the water. The thought of being confined to that house was suffocating but his sister's pleading gaze made it impossible for him to refuse outright.

Scarlet persisted, her hand gently covering his on the tabletop. "Please Michael," she pleaded softly. "Mom and I need you there with us."

Finally giving in under her persistent gaze, Michael nodded reluctantly. “Alright.”

“Promise me,” Scarlet insisted.

“You’re a pain in the butt,” Michael grumbled half-heartedly before acquiescing with a sigh. “I promise."

Their lunch arrived soon after and they ate in comfortable silence before paying the bill and leaving.

As they returned to the hospital, Michael leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Scarlet's forehead before bidding her goodbye and returning to his own world.

----

Scarlet paced restlessly on the sun-baked pavement, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Her gaze was locked on the horizon, waiting for Lincoln's familiar automobile to appear. The moment she spotted his car pulling up nearby, a wave of relief washed over her and her face lit up like a child's on Christmas morning.

"Lincoln, you're late," Scarlet chided as she slipped into the plush leather seat next to him. Her tone was playful but tinged with an undercurrent of reproach. "I've been standing out here in the blazing sun until my skin feels like it's about to crack."

Lincoln raised an eyebrow at her dramatic greeting, a smirk playing on his lips. "Is that how you welcome your future husband?" he teased.

Scarlet feigned offense at his remark and turned away from him to stare out of the window, trying hard not to smile. She could sense Lincoln watching her from the corner of his eye and she had to admit that she enjoyed this playful banter between them.

"Babe," Lincoln said softly after a moment of silence, bringing her attention back to him. "Don't forget about our date tonight. I know we've both been swamped lately but I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with you."

Scarlet shot him a sly wink and patted his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, honey," she replied confidently, "I haven't forgotten about our date. In fact, I plan on dressing up just for you."

A broad grin spread across Lincoln's face as he intertwined their fingers together and brought her hand up to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Should I come pick you up or will you drive yourself over?" he asked casually as if they were discussing the weather.

"No need," Scarlet said.

"Make sure to bring your guards with you when you come over." Lincoln added firmly.

Scarlet made to leave, but Lincoln caught her arm and pulled her back against his chest. His eyes were dark and intense, filled with desire that made Scarlet's heart race.

"Lincoln," she gasped, "We can't... the bodyguards..."

"The tint on the windows makes us invisible," he assured her before he leaned in to capture her lips in a passionate kiss.

Scarlet practically sprinted out of the car when they finally broke apart. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment. She knew that even though the tinted windows hid them from prying eyes, there was nothing stopping the ever-watchful cameras from capturing their intimate moment.

---

~A while later~

Scarlet grinned like an idiot as she checked herself out in the mirror. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves down her back, and a light touch of makeup perfectly highlighted her features.

Her lips were painted a deep wine color that matched perfectly with the stunning diamond necklace adorning her neck. The dress she wore hugged every curve of her body, making her feel incredibly attractive.

Tonight was going to be perfect.

A thunderous echo echoed through the halls as she confidently strode out of her suite, her high black heels hitting the marble floor with commanding authority. Cradled in her hands was a petite black bag that added an air of elegance to her overall appearance. Downstairs, her brother Michael's playful whistles echoed from the basement, his way of acknowledging her grand entrance.

"Ah, Miss Scarlett," he teased with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Mr. Lincoln is one lucky man tonight." His words were dripping with jest yet carried a hint of admiration for his sister's beauty.

A soft blush bloomed on Scarlett's cheeks at his comment. She dipped her head shyly, allowing strands of hair to cascade down and frame her face like a delicate curtain. Her modest dress clung tenderly to her curves, hinting at the beautiful figure it concealed beneath its fabric.

Just as she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, their mother made an entrance worthy of the title 'Queen of Drama'.

"My darling daughter has blossomed into such an exquisite ornament," she cooed lovingly as if seeing Scarlett all grown up still took her by surprise.

Scarlett rolled her eyes theatrically, feigning annoyance but unable to hide the affectionate smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh please, Mom," she retorted playfully. "It's not like I've never dressed up before."

Her mother dabbed away a tear that had escaped down her cheek and sighed dramatically. "I know dear," she said softly. "But each time you do, you look even more radiant."

Feeling a wave of warmth wash over her, Scarlett wrapped her arms around their mother in a comforting embrace before planting a loving kiss on her cheek. “I can't dawdle any longer; Lincoln must be waiting,” she murmured gently into her mother's ear.

"And what about me?" Michael chimed in, feigning hurt. "Where's my kiss?"

A soft chuckle escaped Scarlett's lips. “How could I ever forget you?” She leaned in and planted a quick peck on Michael's cheek before spinning on her heels towards the car he had gifted her.