Chapter 20

**SCARLET**
It was after lunch when Nate arrived. I introduced him again to Mom, but she needed to go since Thomas was waiting for her outside. I heard they were going to attend a wedding, and they were going to be home late. Undoubtedly, they were the busiest couple in the world.
We started setting up our computer on the balcony. Nate brought his laptop with him. We were going to test the new MMORPG game we started developing last year. The project was also included in our thesis. I was thrilled Nate came; he was going to save me from another day of misery.
“Are we going to start at the beginning of the game?”
“Yes. We should. I need to add more skills. I wanted to find out what’s missing.” His eyes focused on the screen. It was what I liked about Nate. When it came to programming, he always wanted perfection and wouldn’t stop.
“Sure.” Honestly, building a new character was the most exciting part. “I’m going to choose Mage.”
“Boo! That choice is for babies.”
“You created this baby.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m tired of just using The Archer. Hey, why don’t you build a character that could use every skill?”
“Don’t you think it’s cheating?”
“Of course not. It’s going to be a bomb! But you can only use all skills when you reach level 150. Swords, Gun Master, Archer, and the Mage.”
“Four in one character?” His expression lit up. “That’s a good idea.”
“See? Oh, wait for me here. I’m going to get us a snack.”
“Sure.” He smiled, but his focus was still on the game.
I was about to get inside the house, but my phone buzzed. I rolled my eyes irritably, then checked who was calling. Luke’s name appeared on the screen.
What did he want this time?
“Hello?”
“Come upstairs. Now.”
Upstairs? He’s in the house? “Where are you?”
“See me in the library.”
He’s home, but I hadn’t noticed him. When did he arrive? I checked my wristwatch, and it was only past three in the afternoon. It was too early.
Nate was staring at me, and he mouthed a ‘what.’ I shook my head in disappointment.
“I’m coming,” I uttered, then I hung up.
“Your brother?” Nate frowned.
“I thought he wouldn’t be back until tonight. And he’s not my brother,” I corrected.
“It’s the same. What does he want?”
“To torture me. Ugh! I can’t wait to get out of this house.” I almost screamed in annoyance.
Nate chuckled. “Go on. Maybe the spirit of Jax is still in him. You should probably ask his opinion about this game.”
“Don’t joke with me like that.”
“Go on, I’m fine here. I need to concentrate, too.”
“You sure? I’m so sorry, Nate.”
“It’s okay. Just call me if you need help. I’ll smack him down for you.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks.”
I took a deep breath and headed inside.
Slowly, I dragged my feet to go upstairs. What did he want now? I was working on my thesis. Couldn’t he just cooperate with me for once and let me be?
I knocked on the library door. I did not wait for an answer because I wasn’t sure if he would respond or not. I found Luke immediately standing in front of the shelves, scanning through the line of books.
I cleared my throat to catch his attention. “What do you want? I’m working on my thesis.”
“It’s Nate, isn’t it?” He spun around and faced me, dressed in an impeccable navy-blue three-piece suit. He seemed to have just come home from his office.
“Yes.”
“Let him wait.” He put the book back on the shelf. The sound made me jump in surprise. “Have you thought about my proposition?”
“There’s nothing to think about. I already said no.”
He smirked. “You answered me without even thinking. Last night, I told you that you’ll regret refusing.”
“I won’t!” I shot back. “Did you just ask me to come here to say that?”
He shrugged. “I was actually about to propose a new deal, and it’s something you wouldn’t be able to resist.”
I lifted my chin. “And what is that?”
“First, you’re coming with me to Cambridge. We’re leaving tomorrow. I’m doing you a favor since there was nothing to do in this house. And, of course, I insist. Second, you’re going to tell me which apartment you live in so I can come and see you whenever I like. Third, you should be available on weekends. Lastly…” He slipped his hands into his trousers and walked towards me, “you’re going to do it because I’m going to save you from an upcoming humiliation since I’ve found out your secret.”
My mouth parted. My heart just stopped beating.
“What secret?”
His expression darkened, and I felt his control over me for the first time. “You were married, witch.”

***
When Mom and Thomas were back home, I asked them to gather in the living room. I sat with my hands over my knees. On my right side was Luke wearing an impassive face. His arms folded across his chest. Fortunately, Nate agreed to stay, who was now at my left. He was a bit confused by the sudden family meeting. He didn’t ask any more questions.
I cleared my throat. “Well.” I licked my lips. “I just wanted you to know that, um… I need to…” I glanced up at Luke’s face, still emotionless. He noticed me looking at him, then raised an eyebrow. I looked away quickly.
“Sweetheart, what’s going on?” my mother frowned in confusion. Thomas seemed to have kept his usual calmness next to Mom, but he looked bothered.
“I think I need to—”
Luke rolled his eyes. “She’s coming with me tomorrow.”
“What?!” Nate reacted.
The world seemed to have stopped for everyone, followed by a moment of awkward silence.
Finally, Thomas spoke, “What is this all about? This is too sudden. Scarlet agreed to stay here for a week.”
Mom touched Thomas’ knee. “Yes. I thought everything was settled. Is there anything urgent?”
“Uh, yeah!” I clasped my hands. “Something came up, and I asked Luke if… if I could come with him since he’s leaving for Cambridge tomorrow.”
“Is this about this boy? Nathaniel, isn’t it?” Thomas questioned, curiously looking at Nate.
“Oh, no.” Nate lifted both palms in surrender. “I don’t know what’s going on, Mr. Alejandro. I just came by so we could help each other with the thesis.”
“Are you Scarlet’s boyfriend?” Thomas asked him directly.
“Thomas!” My voice raised an octave. “We’re best friends, and he’s Katherine’s boyfriend.” I heaved a sigh. “Look, my graduation is coming. I don’t really have enough time to finish everything, and we could still have a lot of time when I graduate,” I reasoned.
“But you promised me, Scarlet. You still have three days left,” Mom insisted.
Yeah, another three boring days.
“Mom, come on. You and Thomas are barely even home,” I almost yelled, instantly covering my mouth.
Mom was stunned. “Scarlet…”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. But I’m still going to leave with Luke tomorrow. I don’t want to be rude, but will you please excuse me?” I finally stood. I couldn’t believe I was doing this.
All because Luke was blackmailing me.