Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 254

Chapter 254 Retreat Into the Cold Night

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Finished

Scarlett looked at him and for a moment felt herself getting pulled in. She quickly averted her gaze and stepped back, putting space between them.

What does a guy like Damian even want, saying such things to me? She couldn’t figure it out and didn’t dare believe him. The world was full of smooth talk and empty promises. Believing him would only lead to getting hurt.

She’d managed to put some distance between them, but she could still feel his eyes on her, following her every move.

The dance floor filled up. Zachary, Vincent, and Daniel quickly found partners.

Scarlett stood at the edge of the crowd. A few people tried to make conversation, but she just offered polite smiles, showing no interest in joining the dancing.

Damian remained beside her, a silent, watchful presence.

The room was lively and loud, but none of the excitement felt like it was meant for her. She felt utterly out of place.

On the stage, Sabrina was playing the piano. She seemed to be in her element, a soft glow around her as she commanded everyone’s attention.

Scarlett suddenly remembered what Daniel had said—that Sabrina was the kind of person who excelled anywhere. It seemed true. Sabrina always knew how to be the center of attention.

Scarlett couldn’t take it anymore and decided to slip outside for some air. But just as she turned, a sharp, startled scream cut through the music behind her.

Instinctively, she looked back and saw Vincent push past his dance partner, rushing through the crowd toward the stage.

On the platform, Sabrina appeared to have been struck by a small, falling object from the lighting rig. She had crumpled to the floor and wasn’t moving.

Vincent vaulted onto the stage and gathered Sabrina into his arms.

Daniel rushed up too, his voice tense with alarm. “Sabrina!”

Caleb was right behind him, calling out worriedly, “Sabrina, you okay?”

Vincent lifted Sabrina carefully. “Daniel, Caleb–go get the car started, now,” he directed, his voice tight.

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19:59 Wed, Jan 14

Chapter 254 Retreat Into the Cold Night

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Finished

The two men responded immediately, hurrying toward the exit. As they rushed past Scarlett, they stirred a gust of air that brushed against her.

Damian moved swiftly, shielding Scarlett from the jostling crowd with his body.

Everyone was so focused on Sabrina that they were gone in a frantic, hurried blur.

After such an unsettling accident, Ethan quickly worked to reassure the remaining guests before leaving for the hospital himself.

With the host gone, there was no reason for Scarlett to stay. She turned and made her way outside. Damian followed close behind, his hand closing firmly around hers. “I’ll take you home,” he stated, leaving no room for argument.

Scarlett didn’t resist, letting him lead the way.

The drive back was quiet. Damian didn’t say a word to her. Scarlett didn’t know what was on his mind and didn’t ask.

When the car finally stopped in front of Theron Manor and Scarlett moved to open her door, Damian spoke up, his tone uncharacteristically sulky, “Why are you giving me the silent treatment?”

Scarlett paused, turning to look at him with genuine confusion.

Seeing her blank expression, Damian glanced away, as if the words were difficult. “If it’s because of what I said earlier… just forget I said it. Pretend it never happened.”

He was terrified that his confession had scared her off, that she’d retreat completely and he’d lose any chance with her. He wanted her–badly–but he wouldn’t force the issue. He never should have let those words out.

Scarlett hadn’t expected him to bring that up. It wasn’t that she was giving him the silent treatment; she just didn’t want to complicate her life any further.

She studied his profile for a long moment before speaking softly. “Damian, you’re a good guy. We can be friends.”

Hearing this, Damian’s expression tightened. He shook his head, his earlier retreat instantly revoked. “Then I take it back. I’m not taking back what I said.”

Scarlett was taken aback. “You…”

Damian stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her. “Just get out of the car.”

Feeling a pang of helplessness, she tried again. “Damian, come on. Don’t be like this.”

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Chapter 254 Retreat Into the Cold Night

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He finally turned to face her. In the shadowy interior of the car, a roguish, defiant smile touched his lips. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. “Not getting out? Does that mean you want to come home with me instead?”

He made a show of reaching for the ignition.

Seeing that, Scarlett quickly pushed the door open and

got out.

Damian watched her stand on the curb. He rolled down the passenger window, all trace of his previous teasing gone, replaced by a quiet, protective seriousness. “Go on inside. I’ll wait until you’re in.”

His changeable nature was exactly why Scarlett found it impossible to trust his words.

Without another word, she turned and walked up the path to the manor’s entrance.

Damian watched her figure disappear inside, then slumped back in his seat. He lifted a hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, a weary gesture.

In the heavy silence, he pulled a cigarette from the console. He brought it to his lips, then paused. He remembered Scarlett mentioning once that she hated the smell of smoke. With a soft sigh, he tossed the unlit cigarette back down.

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