Scarlet's apartment was quiet. The silence had become something she both hated and depended on.Ever since returning to the city, she had kept her life painfully simple.Work, home, sleep, repeat.She no longer attended social gatherings.She no longer answered calls from old acquaintances.And no longer visited places that reminded her of Jamal.Yet somehow...Everything reminded her of him anyway.Scarlet sat curled up on the couch with her phone in her hands.Without even realizing it, her thumb automatically opened Instagram.A familiar profile appeared almost immediately.Vivian Ashcroft Lincoln.Scarlet stared at the profile picture for several long seconds before letting out a quiet sigh."I really need to stop doing this..."But she didn't.Instead...She opened the profile once again.She had lost count of how many times she had visited it over the past few weeks.Every single morning...Every single night...Sometimes during lunch.Sometimes in the middle of work.It had be

Jamal sat behind his desk reviewing a stack of reports.Although the legal battle wasn't over yet, but the latest developments had lifted a tremendous weight from his shoulders.He still couldn't believe Andrew was detained at the police custody till the end of the court hearing; Jamal knew he had the upper hand over the case but he never thought it would be easy as this.His office door opened gently and his assistant stepped inside."Good afternoon, sir."Jamal looked up from the document. "Good afternoon.""You have a visitor."He raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't expecting anyone.""He said he doesn't have an appointment, but he believes you'll want to see him.""Who is it?"The assistant smiled politely. "Mr. Richard Ashcroft."Jamal immediately stood. "Mr. Richard?""Please show him in.""Yes, sir."A few moments later...Richard Ashcroft entered the office wearing an elegant charcoal suit.Despite being one of the wealthiest businessmen in the country, he carried himself with remark

It was yet another weekend of rest for the Lincoln's. The house was unusually peaceful.Jamal had left early that morning for a business meeting Mr. Richard had arranged with another company, promising Vivian he would return before dinner.Evelyn had gone out to oversee a legal meeting concerning Andrew's case.Adolphus, despite claiming he was now a "serious intern," had disappeared somewhere with the excuse that he needed to "network."Which left only Vivian.She smiled to herself."A quiet house for once."She had always found cleaning relaxing.Not because the mansion needed it... there were more than enough housekeepers, but because it gave her something to do with her hands while her mind wandered.One of the maids approached her."Mrs Lincoln, we'll take care of Mr. Jamal's room."Vivian smiled politely."Thank you, but I'd like to do it today."The maid looked surprised. "You don't have to.""I know."Vivian laughed softly. "I want to."The maid nodded respectfully before lea

Vivian stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind her as gently as possible.She glanced back once, Jamal was still in his room, probably sleeping, so was everyone else, except the houseworkers. A smile spread across her lips."Good, he deserves to sleep a little longer."She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before making her way downstairs.The housekeepers, who were just beginning their morning duties, looked surprised to see her awake so early."Good morning, Mrs. Lincoln.""Good morning."One of them smiled."Is everything alright?"Vivian nodded enthusiastically."Everything's perfect.""I just need the kitchen all to myself this morning, yet again."The head chef blinked."The whole kitchen?""Just for a few hours, I promise I'll clean everything afterward."The chef laughed."You don't have to do that.""But... may I ask why?"Vivian looked around as though making sure no one else could hear.Then she lowered her voice."It's a surprise."The staff immediate

This was expected to be the last day of the trial.The day the judge would finally decide Andrew's fate.Security was noticeably tighter than before.Police officers stood at every entrance, carefully inspecting everyone who came in.After Andrew's previous outbursts and the incident where he had set Jamal's car on fire, the authorities weren't taking any chances....A black sedan pulled into the courthouse parking lot.Jamal stepped out first.He wore a perfectly styled black suit, his expression calm and composed.Although he appeared confident on the outside, his mind was far from peaceful.Today... Everything could change.A second door opened and Vivian stepped out gracefully, smoothing the front of her dress.She looked toward Jamal with a warm smile."You seem nervous, don't be, you've done everything you possibly could, the evidence is there, the truth is there, you don't have to carry the entire world on your shoulders."Jamal looked into her eyes."I know, I just..." He si