Chapter 55

** SCARLET**

I texted Katherine and Nate that I would be late tonight and told them I would be joining the band for a celebration. I knew that she wouldn’t buy it. She knew me too much. But I had to lie because she was with Nate. Nate wouldn’t like it, of course. I didn’t care much about his opinion, but it’s good to be peaceful. I didn’t want to trigger something again.
In Luke’s car, it was very quiet, so I turned the stereo on. I thought he was going to react, but he didn’t.
“Can I ask you something?” I said.
“I’m honestly wondering why you still haven’t.”
“Hmm, how shall I say this?” I cleared my throat. “You don’t have any relationship with her?”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, you still have to see your ex because of your child? I just want to make sure that it’s the only reason.”
“I thought we had sorted this out in that—room.”
“Yes, but I’m curious. You can’t leave the whole story like that.”
“Scarlet, I told you I don’t talk about my past. I’m not a person who talks about feelings. I’m sure you don’t want to talk about yours too.”
I looked away. “What else is there to talk about? You know everything about me.”
“Are we playing a game here? I had to know so I could help you. My issue has nothing to do with you. And your problem has something to do with me. That’s the difference.”
Silence.
“You’re never going to open up to me. How can you demand everything about me, but I couldn’t get anything from you?”
“Do you want to know the reason?”
“For what?” I raised an eyebrow.
“The reason and the answer to your question.”
“The reason why you can’t open up to me?”
“No, because I already opened up to you, Scarlet. Now, put your hand in my lap.” He looked at me as we stopped at the red light.
“What?” I frowned.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Hand.”
I looked away from his gaze. I thought I saw his cock slowly growing hard in his pants. He took my hand and pressed it against his erection.
“This is what you do to me. That is how you make me feel. I don’t need to do anything. I just have to look at you, and I can’t control myself.”
I pulled my hand away and clenched my fist.
He smirked in victory. I hated it when he always won. I didn’t like it when he was always ahead of me.
“You know what I think? I think you have to give yourself a rest.”
I opened the door and swung my legs out of the car. I didn’t plan this, and honestly, I still wanted to be with him for a few more hours, but I had to guard myself, at least.
Luke grabbed my hand. “Get back in the car.”
The road light changed from red to green.
I grinned at him. “Goodnight, Luke. I’ll call you tomorrow.” I shut the door and then walked away.
***
Two weeks later, I hadn’t seen Luke again after the bar incident. It was not because we wanted to avoid each other. He was in London for a business trip. This time, we exchanged messages every night.
I miss you. Can’t wait to see you – Luke
I miss you too. Hurry up and come back. I replied.
Soon, baby. Don’t stay up late. You’ve been missing too much sleep.
I smiled at his text. I didn’t know he could be this sweet.
We didn’t want to miss out on the remaining time we had left, but he needed to go. He did ask me to extend our agreement for another two weeks. Though he didn’t tell me when he was coming back.
I was also busy with my final exams. I had no proper sleep because we had to finish our projects for the upcoming thesis submission. We were done with the project but still needed to submit reports and documentation. We have two more weeks until graduation.
Everything was happening exceedingly fast.
“Ugh! My feet are killing me!” I jumped onto the bed after removing my high heels. It was a very tiring day. We had to stand all day, presenting the initial report to the professor at the school.
“Oh my God, Scar!” Katherine suddenly shrieked with laughter.
“What is it?”
Katherine came into my bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. She handed me a letter in an airmail envelope. I sat up and took the letter from her.
I read the contents on the back.
To Miss Scarlet Marie Carter. From Mr. Allan Waltz, Bandwidth Ventures Inc.
“Oh my God!” I couldn’t believe Katherine had submitted it. Did this mean I got in?
“Yes! My uncle submitted your curriculum vitae. I received that letter too last week, for the formality. It means you are in, Scar!” she said excitedly. “You got the job! Isn’t that great?
“Yes…”
I still couldn’t believe it. I had the opportunity to work in Scotland?
“Of course, it’s not only that. Read the letter. I’m so excited.”
I bit my lower lip hard. I tore the envelope and pulled the letter inside. I swallowed hard. Am I going to read this?
“Scar?” Katherine said. “It’s not going to read itself, you know.”
I cleared my throat. “No. It’s just I haven’t told anyone about this. I’m not even sure if Thomas or Mom would approve.”
“Scar, I’m sure you’ve heard of this company before. Bandwidth Ventures is one of the top IT companies in Scotland.”
“Yes, the company your uncle owns, but AT also offered.”
“Listen up, we’re going to be together for another year. New York has a lot to offer you. I get that, but you’re going to live with your stepbrother under the same roof, and you’re going to worry about him all the time.” Katherine held my hands.
I nodded. I slowly opened the letter.

*Dear Miss Scarlet Carter,
We are impressed with your profile and the work you submitted. We would like to offer you employment in our company. It’s a one-year contract that can be extended depending on your performance.
Bandwidth Ventures Inc. is a company that manufactures smartphones and computers around the globe. We have over five thousand employees in three hundred stores nationwide, excluding outsourcing and franchise.
Just contact us at recruit@bandwidthventures.com to confirm your employment application. We are hoping to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
Allan B. Waltz
IT Department Manager*

I put the letter down. My shoulders fell. “Even the letter sounds awesome.”
“Because it is. It is certain employment for a year. That guy, Allan, he’s my cousin.”
“I know. Your middle name is Waltz. But isn’t this biased? Am I being chosen because we’re best friends?”
“They picked you because you are smart. Come on, Scar.” She sighed. “Allan is my uncle’s second son. My uncle is the chairman. His first son, Zachary, is the current CEO.”
“Why are you saying these things to me? I still have to think about this.”
“Oh, come on. I’m just briefing you. You have to know who your future bosses are.”
“They don’t even know me. How is this possible?”
“I submitted our thesis project and documentation.”
“You what?” I slapped her arm. “How can you send it like that without my permission? I developed almost seventy percent of that project.”
“I told them that. I’m sorry, Scar.”
I blew out a sharp breath. “That was too overrated, Kath. There are many deserving graduates for that job.”
“And one of them is you. Come on, I know you like it.”
“I like it, okay? I just don’t know how to tell Mom about this. After all, I have to avoid Luke for my own safety.” I sighed. “Luke doesn’t know about this either. I haven’t told him.”
“How are you going to tell him?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
“What do you think he’ll say?”
I shrugged. “Of course, he won’t like it. He’s still waiting for my answer. Luke still wants to continue our relationship even after I graduate.”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously? What did you say?”
“I still can’t answer, but if I choose this…” I lifted the letter. “It means we can’t continue.”
Even if I wanted so badly to stay with him, even if it would break my heart.
However, I didn’t want to lose my mother’s trust. I didn’t want Thomas to hurt his son. I looked down at my lap.
“You know the right answer,” she said.
Should I begin counting the last few days left for us?