𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Chapter 21 : The Confrontation

Scarlett

The final straw came when Vivian Blackwood cornered me in the hallway. Her eyes were cold, her demeanor intimidating.

"Scarlett, I need to speak with you," she said, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves. "Yes, Mrs. Blackwood?"

She stepped closer, her voice low and menacing. "Stay away from my son. You don't belong in his world, and you're not good enough for him."

I felt a surge of anger but kept my voice steady. "With all due respect, Mrs. Blackwood, Alexander is an adult and can make his own decisions."

Her eyes flashed with anger. "You have no idea what you're up against. Leave him, or you'll regret it."

As Vivian's words hung in the air, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if daring me to defy her. But I stood my ground, refusing to back down.

"I understand that you want the best for Alexander," I said, my voice firm but respectful. "But threatening me won't change anything. Alexander loves me, and I love him. We're happy together."

Vivian's face twisted in disgust. "You're a fool, Scarlett. You think you can take on the Blackwood family and win? We'll crush you."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I'm not afraid of you, Mrs. Blackwood. I know that Alexander and I have something special. And I'm willing to fight for it."

Vivian's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You're making a big mistake, Scarlett. A mistake that will cost you everything."

As she turned to leave, I felt a sense of trepidation. What would she do next? How far would she go to keep us apart?

But I pushed aside my fears and stood tall, my heart filled with determination. I knew that I had to fight for my love, for my future with Alexander. And I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, head-on.

Alexander

I could see the strain on Scarlett's face. My mother’s threats were becoming unbearable, and I knew I had to do something to protect her. I invited her to my apartment one evening to discuss the project.

"Scarlett, I've been thinking," I said, trying to find the right words. "With the upcoming project, you'll need to work overtime. It would be more efficient if you stayed at my apartment."

She looked surprised but didn’t show hesitation. "Alexander, I appreciate your concern, but I don’t want to impose."

I shook my head. "You’re not imposing. You’re essential to this project, and you need my assistance. Besides, it’s safer for you."

As I looked into Scarlett's eyes, I could see the weight of my mother's threats bearing down on her. I knew I had to reassure her, to make her feel safe.

"Scarlett, please don't worry," I said, taking her hand in mine. "If you stay at my apartment, my mother won't even know. She'll be out of the state for a business trip for a month, so you won't have to deal with her constant interference."

Scarlett's expression softened, and she nodded slightly. I could see the tension in her body easing, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

"I just can't believe she would stoop so low," I muttered, shaking my head. "Threatening you like that... it's not right."

Scarlett's voice was barely above a whisper. "I know, Alexander. But I'm not going to let her win. I'm not going to let her come between us."

I felt a surge of admiration for Scarlett's strength, her determination. And I knew in that moment that I would do everything in my power to protect her, to keep her safe from my mother's toxic grasp.

"Come on," I said, standing up and pulling Scarlett with me. "Let's get your things and get you settled in. You're not going to be alone, Scarlett. Not anymore."

As we walked out of the office, I couldn't shake the feeling that my mother's actions had crossed a line. Threatening Scarlett like that... it was a whole new level of low. And I knew that I had to take steps to ensure Scarlett's safety, to keep her protected from my mother's wrath.

As we walked to my apartment, I couldn't help but think about how my mother's behavior had affected me. I turned to Scarlett and said, "You know why I shifted to a different apartment, don't you? It was to get away from my mother's constant pressure. She's always been so imposing, telling me what to do, who to date, what to wear... it's suffocating."

Scarlett's eyes filled with understanding, and she nodded. "I can imagine," she said softly. "That must have been really tough for you."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "It was. And I think that's why I've become so cold, so distant. I had to build walls around myself just to survive."

Scarlett's hand found mine, and she gave it a gentle squeeze. "You're not cold, Alexander. You're just guarded. And I understand why."

I looked at her, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thanks, Scarlett. Just being around you makes me feel like I can be myself again."

Scarlett smiled, her eyes warm with affection. "That's what love is all about, Alexander. Being able to be yourself, without fear of judgment or rejection."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at Scarlett. She was right. She was the first person who had ever made me feel like I could be myself, without apology. And I knew in that moment that I would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe from my mother's toxic grasp.