Chapter 2

The instant the name Renee reached Scarlett's ears, she froze, as if turned to stone. Only her blood relatives would know that name. She'd grown up in an orphanage, never once considering that she might have been lost. But now, it seemed, she had family after all. Scarlett took a long while to process the weight of this revelation, and all she could do was ask the person on the other end of the line for proof. After three hours of conversation, she finally came to accept the truth—the man on the phone was, without a doubt, her biological brother, Eamon Callahan. At that moment, it was as if all the years of sorrow and resentment she had been holding in had finally found a way to break free. Eamon explained that the Callahans were the wealthiest family around. After Scarlett had gone missing, they searched relentlessly for her. When their efforts within the country failed, they broadened their search overseas, holding on to the hope that they might uncover any trace of her. Now that they had finally found her, they were eager for her to return home so the family could be together again and make up for all the lost time. Eamon didn't know the details of what she had gone through. His focus was solely on her current situation. "Renee, have you been okay all this time? Don't worry. Mom, Dad, and I will make sure you get the best of everything. By the way, are you seeing anyone? "I've been keeping an eye out for a good match for you all these years, just waiting for the day you'd come home and pick. My sister deserves nothing but the best." Eamon's voice cracked a little. Scarlett felt her own eyes start to burn with emotion. She had had a boyfriend once. She remembered the first time she saw Calvin, how he had completely taken her breath away. And she'd never forget the moment he confessed his feelings to her, the burst of joy within her like fireworks igniting the night sky. During those years, he had been by her side, chasing sunsets, watching the stars, and even setting up romantic firework shows to make her smile. He had fought for her, once fracturing two ribs in the process. One night, he'd driven through a snowstorm for miles to bring her the sour cherry sorbet she'd been craving. And when she had her cramps, he'd gently massaged her and brewed chamomile tea to help soothe her. He'd promised her he'd always be her knight in shining armor. But that vow ended the day Sharon returned. Once Sharon was back, Scarlett was no longer the only one who held a place in Calvin's heart. Scarlett couldn't bring herself to go over everything that had happened over the years. Holding back tears, she replied, "I'm not seeing anyone, Eamon. I'll start the paperwork right away. I'm coming home to be with all of you." After a few more exchanges, they ended the call reluctantly. Scarlett lay in bed, restless, unable to find sleep. Staring into the darkness of her room, her mind drifted back to when Eugene had gone out of his way to create a cozy, enchanting princess-themed bedroom for her when he first brought her home. When nightmares plagued her, he brought in one therapist after another to help her confront her fears. Every night, without exception, he'd read her bedtime stories, his voice calm and soothing until she fell asleep. Eugene had always spoken to her in the gentlest tones, introducing her to everyone as his beloved sister and granting her every wish without a second thought. But the second Scarlett closed her eyes, her dreams were consumed by the horrors of her time in prison—the food laced with grit, the inmates who beat her without mercy, and the guards who threw cruel taunts her way. She woke with a cry, her fingers brushing the wet streaks on her cheeks. She sat there alone, her heart slowly calming only when the first light of dawn appeared. Scarlett collected her identification papers and headed to the immigration office to submit her application for an immigrant visa. The process was already underway, and it wouldn't be long before she'd be reunited with her true family, leaving this place behind once and for all. As dusk fell, Scarlett arrived home and was deliberately bumped into by Sharon. The folder she held slipped from her hands, its contents nearly scattering across the floor. Trying to keep her departure under wraps, she scrambled to gather the papers and quickly headed to her room. But Sharon blocked her path, holding up a trophy with a smug gleam in her eyes. "Scarlett, you've turned into a nervous wreck after four years in prison, haven't you? Guess you've realized you're not made for the spotlight anymore, huh? Take a look at this—Best New Artist. Pretty impressive, right? "I've got you to thank for all those songs you left behind. They've been my ticket to winning awards and breaking into the music industry." Scarlett bit her lip, fighting the intense anger bubbling up inside her. She knew Sharon was trying to provoke her, so she ignored the bait, turning to walk away. But just as she turned, a hard shove knocked her off balance. Her feet got tangled, and with a sickening thud, her head collided with a nearby vase display. The glass shattered, shards flying in every direction, slicing into her skin and leaving a trail of cuts. Her palm tore open, blood spilling out in a gruesome mess. A sharp gasp of pain escaped Scarlett, and almost immediately, the sound of heavy, hurried footsteps pounded from upstairs. Sharon's demeanor changed in an instant. She collapsed to the floor, tears welling up as she cried, "Scarlett, why would you push me like that?" Calvin and Eugene's expressions darkened as they took in the scene, their eyes narrowing in anger. Under their unwavering, piercing stare, Scarlett fought through the pain to defend herself. "I'm the one bleeding from the fall. Isn't it clear who pushed who?" "It's my fault. I shouldn't have shown Scarlett the award I just won and upset her. She only acted on impulse and even tried to blame me for it. But please, don't hold it against her." Even with all the evidence before them, as soon as Sharon spoke, Calvin and Eugene took her side without hesitation. Their anger immediately turned toward Scarlett. "Sharon worked hard for everything she has now and earned it. How can you be so bitter and resentful?" "We thought that time in prison might've changed you for the better, but it's only made things worse! Scarlett, I can't even begin to tell you how disappointed I am!" They lifted Sharon, grabbed the first aid kit, and began tending to her wounds. As Scarlett watched them hover over Sharon, worry etched on their faces, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Would you only believe I never hurt her if I were dead?" she asked.