Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Unexpected Gaze

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In his text thread with Marvin, a photo popped up after Marvin’s last message-one Marvin had asked Scarlett for, using her return to Rivergate as an excuse.

Marvin’s next text followed, “She’s divorced, has a daughter, but that’s fine. I don’t mind being a dad-I’d treat the kid like my own.”

Nolan froze when he read “divorced”. He typed back, his fingers trembling, “Divorced? Are you sure?”

“Positive. She said it herself-why would she lie?” Marvin replied.

Nolan’s eyes stung. He sat there for a minute, unable to type a response. Finally, Marvin sent a video call request. Nolan answered, and Marvin’s face filled the screen.

“I’m serious, man-what do you think of her?” Marvin said. “I’m kinda into her.”

Nolan let out a breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and nervousness. He tried to sound casual. “Marvin, she’s not right for you.”

Marvin frowned. “Why not? Spill it.”

Nolan hesitated, then gave in. “She’s the girl I told you about-my college junior. The one I had a crush on.”

Marvin’s eyes widened, then he grinned. “Oh, that one. Got it. Good luck, then-I’ll back off.”

That night, Scarlett finished work to find Nolan waiting for her outside the hospital. They grabbed a quick dinner-Scarlett chose a light salad, Nolan ordered a steak—and walked to the Rivergate Grand Hall.

When they handed over their tickets, the usher led them to the front row-the VIP seats, usually reserved for donors or celebrities. Scarlett raised an eyebrow, but Nolan just smiled. “I pulled a few strings.”

The hall filled up quickly, and the lights dimmed. A spotlight cut through the dark, and a woman in a floor-length white gown walked onto the stage, heading for the piano. She wore a sheer veil that obscured her face, but her graceful posture was unmistakable.

Scarlett’s heart dropped. It was Sabrina. She’d scrolled through Sabrina’s social media enough to recognize her silhouette, her way of moving. Sabrina was beautiful-there was no denying that. She had the kind of presence that made everyone in the room stop and stare.

Yet the most beautiful roses were always tucked away, hidden from sight-and this stunning bloom? It had always belonged to Vincent, and Vincent alone.

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15:30 Sat, Jan 3

Chapter 18 Unexpected Gaze

46

Finished

The music started. Sabrina played “Memory of Rain” first-a soft, melancholic piece that made the audience lean forward, captivated. She followed it with two more songs, each more emotional than the last. Scarlett found herself getting swept up in the music, even though she resented the woman playing it.

When the third song ended, the hall erupted in applause. From the second row, Vanessa’s high- pitched voice cut through the noise, “Sabrina! You’re amazing!” She jumped up, waving her hands. Her voice was drowned out by the louder sounds; Scarlett didn’t hear it, and Sabrina didn’t hear it either.

Vincent sat beside her, his eyes fixed on Sabrina. He looked calm, but there was a softness in his gaze Scarlett had never seen directed at her. He put an arm around Vanessa to steady her, then followed her gaze when she pointed toward the front row.

“Dad, is that Mom?” Vanessa whispered, her voice tight with surprise.

Vincent looked over. Even in the dim light, he could see Scarlett sitting next to Nolan. They were leaning close, talking-Nolan said something, and Scarlett smiled, a small, genuine smile that made Vincent’s chest ache. She’d never smiled like that for him.

He nodded, his voice quiet. “Yeah, that’s Mom.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened. “But she’s married to you! Why’s she sitting so close to him? They look like they’re gonna kiss!”

Vincent didn’t know how to answer. He just patted her head. “Let’s watch the rest of the concert. Sabrina’s got one more song.”

Vanessa huffed, but she sat down, her eyes still glued to Scarlett.

Next to Scarlett, Nolan noticed she’d gone quiet. He leaned in. “You okay? You look distracted.”

Scarlett forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired, I guess.”

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Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer’s Begs