𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Chapter 38 : A Flicker of Hope

Scarlett

The days blurred together after the press conference, each one darker and more suffocating than the last. I had shut myself off from the world, refusing to answer calls, respond to messages, or even leave my apartment. I was a ghost in my own life, haunted by the words Vivian had spoken and the silent, damning presence of Alexander beside her.

I had become a recluse, hiding from the world that seemed intent on tearing me apart. But no matter how much I tried to bury myself in the silence, the memories and questions wouldn’t leave me alone. How could Alexander have stood by and said nothing? How could he have let Vivian destroy me in front of everyone?

These thoughts plagued me day and night, gnawing at my sanity until I could hardly think straight. I was drowning in doubt, fear, and despair, and I didn’t know how to pull myself out of it.

That morning, I was curled up on the couch, staring blankly at the television that I had muted days ago. The world outside my window carried on as if nothing had happened, but for me, time had stopped. I hadn’t slept properly in days, and my body ached with the strain of constant anxiety. I hadn’t even bothered to change out of my pajamas, too worn out to care.

The sharp knock on my door startled me, breaking the heavy silence of my apartment. My heart raced as I sat up, a part of me wondering if I was imagining things. I wasn’t expecting anyone—why would I be? No one knew what to say to me, not even Alexander.

The knock came again, more insistent this time. My stomach twisted with unease, but I forced myself to stand, my legs trembling beneath me. I couldn’t bring myself to ignore it. If it was another reporter or someone from the office, I’d just tell them to leave and close the door in their face.

But when I opened the door, it wasn’t a stranger standing there. It was Emily, her face full of concern as she looked me up and down. I hadn’t seen her since before the press conference, and the sight of her, someone familiar and comforting, nearly brought me to tears.

“Scarlett,” Emily said softly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. She pulled me into a tight hug, her arms warm and strong around me. “Oh my God, Scarlett, I’ve been so worried about you.”

Her voice broke through the numbness that had settled over me, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. I had been holding everything in for so long, refusing to let anyone in, but now, standing here with Emily, it was like a dam breaking.

“I’m… I’m not okay, Em,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I clung to her. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to think.”

Emily pulled back just enough to look at me, her eyes full of sympathy and understanding. “I know, honey. I know it’s been hell for you. That’s why I came. We need to talk.”

She led me over to the couch, gently guiding me to sit down. I sank into the cushions, feeling exhausted just from standing for a few minutes. Emily sat beside me, taking my hand in hers and squeezing it reassuringly.

“Scarlett, I spoke to Alexander,” she said, her tone serious but kind. “He’s been trying to get in touch with you, but you haven’t been answering his calls. He’s really worried about you.”

I tensed at the mention of Alexander, my mind flashing back to the image of him standing beside Vivian, so cold and distant. “Why is he worried now? He didn’t seem to care when Vivian was ripping me apart in front of everyone.”

Emily sighed, her expression pained. “I know it looked that way, but there’s more to it than you think. Alexander didn’t know what Vivian was planning to say at the press conference. He was blindsided, just like you.”