Lost in Lies

Back to Reality

Scarlet...

Getting back to her place was both a relief and heart-breaking. All those memories she had with Clark came flooding back. Cam hugged her close, seeing the unshed tears gathering in her eyes.

"He doesn't deserve your hurt, babe. None of them deserve your sadness." Cam spoke gently to her, trying to make the hurt less.

"I know. Why it still hurts, I have no idea. I have you now, and I am so grateful for all you've done for me."

Cam can not help but feel a little pang of guilt again. No matter what he does, that little bit just won't go. He knows it never will until Scarlet knows the part he played. But the longer he waits, the harder it is for him to gather the courage.

"Babe, I am sorry for the part I had in all this."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, um.... Taking Clair to Clarks."

"That isn't your fault. Besides, I wouldn't have met you otherwise. I never did ask you why a billionaire worked driving?"

"Oh, that. It was to meet a nice woman who didn't want my money." Another lie told.

"You are a mystery Cam, but I like a good mystery." Scarlet smiled at his response.

After getting unpacked and washing put on, Scarlet and Cam relaxed with a film and pizza.

Clark...

After reading all the emails and message printouts, Clark had no doubts it was true. He had hoped that Scarlet had made this up to make her seem innocent. But he knew what Clair was capable of, and if he didn't know of a sister, how would Scarlet have known?

There were also pictures of the sisters together.

His heart was breaking all over again. All he could see was Scarlet's beautiful face in tears. Hearing her plead with him not to go with Clair. The way he spoke to her. She would never forgive him. He couldn't forgive himself. Clair would pay for this.

Grabbing a bottle from his cupboard, he drowned his sorrows in Vodka. Sitting on his office floor with tears rolling down his face.

Anthony was out investigating. He knew his brother would spiral after this, and he needed to help him.

He had followed Clair to a bar where she met the so-called sister. Careful that he wasn't seen, he slipped into a seat not far from the pair. They couldn't see him, but he could hear them clearly, as there wasn't any music yet, or many people in the place.

"Glen, he is back. We can finish this now."

"Oh Clair, just give up now. I lost my man and his money because of all this. I had to find a new sap who isn't worth anywhere near as much."

"Oh, boo hoo. He would have figured you out anyway. Clark is mine and always will be. The plan was perfect. He just needed to get everything out of his system, and now we can get back together. He loved me once, so he will again."

"Get over yourself. Do you think he will ever trust you or any woman again? That man is broken, babe."

"I am going to fix him."

"You are delusional."

"Maybe. At least she will never be with him. I have burned that bridge good and proper. Cam could have helped more before he grew a conscience."

"No, he wouldn't have. He didn't want any part of it at first. I had to convince him that she was evil and stole Clark for his money. It wasn't my fault he fell for her charms. I hear they are dating now. Maybe she should find out what he did now they are back."

"So, she stole your man. That is funny. Seriously, though, you are right. She should know."

Anthony had heard enough. Those two are crazy. Creeping out the back, he decided to check on his brother.

Clark was passed out on the office floor when Anthony returned. The vodka bottle was half empty.

"Clark mate, come on. Let's get you in the shower to sober up."

Clark mumbled something about hating himself and struggled to stand. Anthony assisted him to his room and got him to the shower. Getting him undressed and under the cool water. Clark just slid down and sat under the falling water.

Anthony left him to get some clothes and water. When he returned, the sight that he witnessed was heart-breaking. His brother was sobbing so hard that he could be heard outside the bathroom and into the kitchen.

"Clark, come on, man. It isn't that bad. I will help you make her understand. Scarlet is a good person. She will forgive you."

Between sobs, Clark replied.

"She will forgive me. That's who she is. But I will never have her heart again. She will never forget. I made her watch me take Clair in hand, knowing what I was going to do. She begged me, Ant. She told me it wasn't true. Why didn't I wait? What is wrong with me?"

"Nothing. Clair is just so good at manipulating. We can try. Get sobered up, and we can talk in the morning. Meanwhile, finish in here. I have some pain relief and water waiting on your bedside table. Dad also wants you to ring him."

Scarlet...

It had been a week already, and Scarlet was bored at home, but she was worried about being seen. Cam kept her company most days, but he had a business to get back to.

Deciding then, it was time to get a new job and make some friends outside of work. She didn't want to go anywhere near the centre, so Scarlet decided to try further out for employment.

Cam told her he would support her if needed, but she flatly refused, also to move in with him. It was too soon. She was fond of him, but her heart wasn't ready for another man.

Scarlet found the perfect job then. There was a small shop that needed refurbishment, and it was cheap. Her savings that she had left would more than cover the lease.

Another idea hit. If Abigail was for it, she could open a second boutique. A sister store. A partner to her old boss.

Without a second thought, Scarlet arranged a meeting with Abigail and a viewing of the property.

Abigail was over the moon and asked if her daughter could attend. She was training her to take over Scarlet's position. After a disaster at her last job, working for her mum seemed like a better option. Scarlet agreed, and the date for a meeting was set for the next day. Not at the café they used to go to, but one very close to the new shop that might be theirs.

The trio met, and Scarlet took an instant liking to the young woman. Abigail was happy to have her back home and working with her. The stunning red head was called Charlotte, and she was a real sweetheart.