The Bewitching Scarlett

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Ephemeral dream

Nearly five years have passed since Scarlett had crossed the borders towards the neighbouring continent, Amestris. With her old butler and the young master's continuous support, Scarlett had a place to stay and her future secured. It was impressive that James had accurately predicted Scarlett's next move-- he had a car and an empty apartment ready for times like this. Upon arrival at Amestris, she had been reached out by a man whose face was a carbon copy of Noh Eun-Ho. Scarlett had frowned, had read the card she was given before making sure she was not mistaken. Since then, Scarlett was now an accomplished woman who effortlessly scored top marks for her high school examinations and an honoured combat specialist who graduated the law enforcement training academy with flying colours.

She had led a peaceful life for the past five years. The same sunrise shone on the same mahogany mantelpiece lit up, invited itself into the dark living room. Only the photographs and the simplest design of furniture could tell how much time had passed. From a depressed youth to a successful combat specialist. Scarlett could say she was quite complacent of her current lifestyle.

[5 years later]

The third floor of Cyprus Residence. The owner of the cosy home was fast asleep at the moment, warmly wrapped under the quilt covers. But not for long. Her smartphone she had left charging on the nightstand made the first noise of the day. Its rambunctious ringtone buzzed loudly. Without even opening her eyes, a hand reached for the infuriating device. She hit the green button in record time.

"SCARLETT KO!" the voice on the other end screeched. The high-pitched tone confirmed it had belonged to a female. At the sound of the demanding voice, the sleepiness and heavy drowsiness from sleep was suddenly vanquished, her mind was refreshed and ready for battle.

Scarlett glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It read: 7:30AM. She frowned, sighing in displeasure at the exuberant voice on the other end. She was disturbed from her beautiful sleep. "Amara...." She began.

"Finally!" the voice identified as 'Amara' cheered happily in delight. "I thought I was being ignored. I was so lonely!"

Scarlett groaned. It has only been two days since.

"Did you say something?" Amara continued.

"Nothing. Nothing..." Scarlett said quickly. "So, what is it this time?"

Scarlett skilfully changed the topic. She manoeuvred the conversation away from herself. The news, however, was never more satisfying. She was summoned for duty. And today was her day off. Double groan.

"You promised me! We're supposed to meet at the library!" Amara protested in denial. She was not bothered by the fact she had disturbed Scarlett on her rare day off. "Get a move on! You're going to be late!"

"You should've told me earlier!"

Scarlett hastily returns the smartphone back onto the nightstand and tossed the quilt covers aside. She stripped the day-old loungewear, dropping them into the small hamper in the corner and stepped into a hot shower. Twenty minutes was all she needed. She was neatly dressed and refreshed. She picked her smartphone from the nightstand and a black, leather handbag she carelessly tossed after coming back from duty two days ago.

Scarlett pulled back the curtains, allowing the morning sunlight into the dim chambers. Walking past the kitchen, she grabbed a piece of last night's toast from the fridge and exited her apartment, a satisfied smug etched across her vacant face. The lock blinks red, signalling the lock was activated and secured. She turned on her heels towards the elevator on the right. Her satisfied smug faltered to a nervous smile in mere seconds. The smothering aunt with five children had just left hers for her morning errands. She held a large basket in her hands.