Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

There was a beat of silence, Maxwell’s anger filling the air like thunder. “I moved past my grief a long time ago, Lucian. You’re the

only one who hasn’t. And I’m done with this revenge fantasy. It’s time to let go.”

“Go and claim Stasia and leave us the hell alone, Lucian,” Maxwell’s voice was sharp with finality. “All you care about is yourself and your damn grief. Did it ever cross your mind that maybe Scarlett was acting out? Maybe she was struggling too? I know Stasia’s

moving in today, so just claim her and reject Scarlett. I’m done with your nonsense, There was a hard edge to his voice I hadn‘

heard before.

“Clay and I? We’ll take care of her. I’ll love my mate, whether you think she’s ‘tainted‘ or not. Starting today, she sleeps in my room.

Do what you want, Lucian. You’re not our boss.”

I heard the slam of a door, but moments later, Maxwell returned and threw it open again. “And don’t bother with my room, Lucian

I’ll take care of it myself.”

Lucian sounded taken aback. “I didn’t go in there. I didn’t clean your room!”

Worried their argument might spiral further, I stepped out of the bathroom. “It was me,” I said quietly, standing between them. “I

cleaned the apartment. It was looking unkempt.”

Maxwell’s face softened immediately, and he nodded. “Thank you, Scarlett.” He met my gaze with sincerity, the tension visibly leaving his body. “Please, move your things to my room. I’m not rejecting you, and I’m sorry I let things get this bad. Lucian’s views

aren’t mine, and they never have been.*

I looked between them, reluctant to accept the offer. The expression on their faces told me they both knew I was hesitant, and Lucian’s mouth curved into a laugh, mocking but brittle.

“Well, look at that. Even Maxwell isn’t enough to make you want to stay,” Lucian sneered.

But Maxwell didn’t flinch, keeping his voice calm. “Scarlett, I’m serious. No more couch. No more shoving you to the sidelines. You

deserve better than this.”

Lucian scoffed, directing his comment to Maxwell. “We’re not her type, Maxwell,” he said dismissively. But Maxwell’s face stayed

serious.

“Why, Scarlett?” Maxwell asked gently, a hint of curiosity and concern in his voice. I looked away, struggling to find the words, not wanting to reveal too much. But the silence must have said it all because understanding dawned in Maxwell’s eyes.

“Fucking hell, Scarlett,” he muttered, his voice filled with surprise. “Who the hell was Thomas trailing, then?” he asked Lucian, but

Lucian looked just as confused.

“Why are you asking that?” Lucian replied, watching us both with suspicion. Maxwell looked back at me, his expression reassuring, and I could only hope he’d keep my quiet truth safe.

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Chapter 23

“Fine,” Maxwell said finally. “Sleep in Clay’s room for now. When he’s back, we’ll sort something more permanent. And Lucian/ he

added firmly, “you and Stasia can take the spare room. Clay can have yours.” His tone left no room for argument, and I felt a weight

lift as relief flooded me.

Lucian stared, a mix of irritation and frustration clouding his expression. “Why does this make you happy, Maxwell? What’s going

on?”

“If you’re too blind to see it, at least don’t be too dumb to understand what’s happening here,” Maxwell replied, walking back to his

room with finality.

Lucian’s gaze turned to me, his frown deepening. “I won’t reject you,” he muttered, his voice low, before he turned and disappeared

into his room.

It wasn’t clear yet if the cruelty would truly end, but for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope that things might change. And for

now, that was enough.

Comments

Michele Gremillion

1 Comments >

Lucian is struggling with his own feelings of confusion, his promise to his sister and trying to find someone to blame a scapegoat and he’s using scarlet as the scapegoat.

7 days ago

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