Lost in Lies

New Place New Start

Scarlet

It has been a week since a shocking call from Cam. He had been very persistent. Scarlet asked him about what Clark had mentioned. Would he have told her the truth if he wasn't worried about being found out?

He replied...

"I wanted to tell you so many times. I was always going to tell you. Waiting was wrong, and it should have come to light before we started going out. That regret will always haunt me, Scar. It never seemed to be the right time. I will not make excuses, I should have told you sooner, I hold myself to that. You are so amazing, everything about you is. Your heart and mind, not to mention you are drop-dead gorgeous. I will do everything possible to win your heart again. I will not give you up."

And he didn't.

So here Scarlet was, in the newly painted store. The refurbishment was almost completely finished. The men Clark recommended worked all hours. And they were great at their job. She had no idea that Clark paid them extra to get it done well within the time frame.

Cam was there to assist Scarlet with the other things. Like putting out the items and making the shop look cosy and approachable.

Scarlet didn't have a great deal of items, Abigale was bringing some stock over until Scarlet had the rest of her items, a lot of things were coming from overseas. Abigale's contacts had some nice items that needed a little TLC, which Scarlet was good at. She would make them look new again while maintaining their uniqueness.

That was something Abigale missed, as she was not as good at making things beautiful again.

"Cam, I will probably have this finished way before the opening. Do you think I should bring it forward?" Scarlet asked.

"I would wait, babe. It will give you time to make sure everything is perfect, and you could get all the items finished. Hopefully, they get here soon, so you can work your magic. I know Abi has let you use some of her stock, but they are not you."

"That is true. You do make sense sometimes, Cam."

Cam makes a sad face at that and a pretend sulk. Crossing his arms and popping out his bottom lip.

Scarlet laughs at him and playfully pushes him. The atmosphere between them had become relaxed lately.

Scarlet had not forgotten what he did, but she forgave him. The friendship between them was worth keeping. She just wasn't sure if a relationship would be possible, as the previous was based on half-truths. If it was going to happen again, it would need to be new.

"Scar, do you want food." Cam asks.

"Oh, yes, please. I am starving. There is a bakery down the road that opens late."

Cam smiles and starts to head out.

"I am on it. Coffee and rolls here I come." He yells while happy dancing out the door, making Scarlet giggle.

Yep, she is still very fond of the goofy man.

Clark, however, was another story. Lately, he had been intense, sending her cuddly toys and chocolates. Turning up at hers with food and wine with a smile on his handsome face.

He had shed a lot of tears and held her close, not trying anything more.

Opening her bag, Scarlet took out the letter he sent with the first cuddly toy and read it again while she waited for Cam.

###############

Scar, the love of my life

I hope this letter will help you see everything from my side and how I feel.

Nothing could make up for how I treated you, but I hope this helps.

The whole relationship I was with Clair, she manipulated me, but I was too dumb and in love to see. The fact that I was just there to keep her in the life she wanted didn't occur to me. Ant had tried to tell me, as did my father. My mother was blind to her also.

It was a year after we moved in together when she started coming back late, smelling of aftershave. She would say that men bumped into her, or male friends gave her a hug. Clair would have new bags and jewellery that I did not buy her.

Eventually, I asked her, and I was told she had a job in fashion, which was why she always had new things.

I found out one day that she had been seen with her arms around another man. Her excuse was that he bumped into her and was holding her up.

I believed her again.

I hope you see the pattern here?

She knew what would trigger me the most.

I found out about a one-night stand that she had, Clair was beside herself, telling me that she had too much to drink and was taken advantage of. I forgave her, again. She was always acting sweet, until towards the end. I saw her true colours then.

I promised myself that I would not let another woman manipulate me. Clair used  that against me, she knew I wouldn't ask you anything, that I would take the evidence at face value, that I wouldn't give you a chance to manipulate the truth like she did.

It was years Scar, I was lied to for years. I knew you were different, but my stubborn mind wouldn't let me see it. Not after all she put me through.

I could go on. There is a lot more. However, I think this gives you a look into my mindset then.

My love for you dwarfs what I had with Clair. My heart was numb with pain, and I wasn't thinking. My stupid self just wanted you to feel a little of what I was feeling. There was no sense to it. My mind was clouded, and I couldn't see reason.

I will never forgive myself for the pain I put you through. If you could look past the stupidity and let me prove my love for you, it would mean so much.

I have no right to ask, that I know. There is no way I am giving up on you. That is a promise.

I want to mend your heart. You already have mine, and that is yours to keep.

You are my whole world, Scar, and you will see that one day. Even if it is ten years from now.

Yours Always

Clark xxxxxx

Scarlet had read the letter so many times now. She didn't know what to feel. With her new life starting, she needed to think about everything. But first, her mind must be on the new business, not troublesome men.  

Putting the letter away, she sees Cam entering with a huge smile on his face.

"They gave us some free cakes to try. I think they are looking for a discount when you open. Couldn't say no to free cakes, though." He tells her proudly with a smile on his face.

Yep, she is stuck.