Emerging From the Haze novel Chapter 2

The instant the name Renee reached Scarlett's ears, she froze, as if turned to stone. Only her blood relatives would know that name.

She'd grown up in an orphanage, never once considering that she might have been lost. But now, it seemed, she had family after all.

Scarlett took a long while to process the weight of this revelation, and all she could do was ask the person on the other end of the line for proof.

After three hours of conversation, she finally came to accept the truth—the man on the phone was, without a doubt, her biological brother, Eamon Callahan.

At that moment, it was as if all the years of sorrow and resentment she had been holding in had finally found a way to break free.

Eamon explained that the Callahans were the wealthiest family around. After Scarlett had gone missing, they searched relentlessly for her.

When their efforts within the country failed, they broadened their search overseas, holding on to the hope that they might uncover any trace of her.

Now that they had finally found her, they were eager for her to return home so the family could be together again and make up for all the lost time.

Eamon didn't know the details of what she had gone through. His focus was solely on her current situation.

"Renee, have you been okay all this time? Don't worry. Mom, Dad, and I will make sure you get the best of everything. By the way, are you seeing anyone?

"I've been keeping an eye out for a good match for you all these years, just waiting for the day you'd come home and pick. My sister deserves nothing but the best." Eamon's voice cracked a little.

Scarlett felt her own eyes start to burn with emotion. She had had a boyfriend once.

She remembered the first time she saw Calvin, how he had completely taken her breath away. And she'd never forget the moment he confessed his feelings to her, the burst of joy within her like fireworks igniting the night sky.

During those years, he had been by her side, chasing sunsets, watching the stars, and even setting up romantic firework shows to make her smile. He had fought for her, once fracturing two ribs in the process.

One night, he'd driven through a snowstorm for miles to bring her the sour cherry sorbet she'd been craving. And when she had her cramps, he'd gently massaged her and brewed chamomile tea to help soothe her.

He'd promised her he'd always be her knight in shining armor. But that vow ended the day Sharon returned. Once Sharon was back, Scarlett was no longer the only one who held a place in Calvin's heart.

Scarlett couldn't bring herself to go over everything that had happened over the years.

Holding back tears, she replied, "I'm not seeing anyone, Eamon. I'll start the paperwork right away. I'm coming home to be with all of you."

After a few more exchanges, they ended the call reluctantly.

Scarlett lay in bed, restless, unable to find sleep.

Staring into the darkness of her room, her mind drifted back to when Eugene had gone out of his way to create a cozy, enchanting princess-themed bedroom for her when he first brought her home.

When nightmares plagued her, he brought in one therapist after another to help her confront her fears. Every night, without exception, he'd read her bedtime stories, his voice calm and soothing until she fell asleep.