When she turned her attention away from the stage, the music came to a stop.
Shortly after, the host returned to present awards to standout content creators.
Claire was among the nominees.
As her name was announced, Claire rose, gathering the hem of her gown lightly. She leaned toward Scarlett and said softly, "I'll be right back—take it easy, okay?"
Scarlett offered a faint smile. "Sure."
Around twenty people made their way onto the stage.
Each was briefly interviewed and asked to introduce themselves.
Scarlett found this segment rather dull and gradually felt her eyelids grow heavy.
Then she caught Sabrina's voice beside her. "Vincent, I'm heading up soon. When they start the performance awards, I'll be playing the piano."
Vincent replied, "All right. Go ahead—just watch your step."
Not wanting to sit through another round of predictable introductions, Scarlett pushed herself up. She reached for the crutch propped against the side of her seat and murmured to each person blocking her path, "Excuse me—may I get through, please?"
She made her way out in that manner.
Once in the hallway, Scarlett headed to the restroom.
Before entering, she leaned her crutch against the wall near the doorway, tucking it slightly out of plain sight.
When she came back out, she found it had fallen onto the floor.
Seeing it there, Scarlett bent to pick it up. But with her injured leg unable to bear weight, she had to balance entirely on the other.
She tried twice, straining toward the crutch, but couldn't quite reach it.
Just as she was about to straighten up and give up, a hand reached down and lifted the crutch for her.
As Scarlett accepted it, she slowly rose and glanced up to see who it was. "Tha—"
The second syllable died in her throat. The face staring back at her sent a jolt through her body, freezing her in place.
She stood motionless, staring at Vincent in his tailored suit, feeling the color slowly drain from her cheeks.
When she finally gathered herself, Scarlett had no words left. She turned to leave.
But as she moved to step past him, Vincent's hand shot out and closed around her arm. "What's wrong? Do I really look that terrifying? Can't even stand to be near me now?"
Scarlett's heart dropped. "Vincent, what are you doing?"
He pressed her firmly against the wall, his voice low and tense. "Scarlett, don't forget. We're still married."
She met his eyes, not holding back. "You and Sabrina are already talking about marriage. Ours is just a matter of time."
Vincent pinned her hand to the wall, his tone heavy. "Maybe. But right now, it's still not over."
Scarlett let out a bitter laugh. "Vincent, everyone says you're crazy about Sabrina, that you treat her like a queen. But I don't buy it. You don't love anyone. You only love yourself."
Anger tightened her throat, tendons standing out along her neck.
Vincent's gaze didn't waver. After a beat, he gave a sardonic smile. "Is that so?"
Scarlett held his stare, unwavering. "Yes. Because you have no idea how to love anyone."
Her words seemed to sting him deeper. "And Damian does? With all those women around him—you really think you're the only one?"
Scarlett shoved his hand off the wall. "Vincent, don't you dare judge other people. You think you're any better? You and Sabrina might as well be putting on a show in public. As for everything else—what haven't you two done?"
Vincent started to explain, almost instinctively. "Scarlett, between Sabrina and me, nothing ever really—"

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