Chapter 117 *
Scarlett’s POV
"Really?" She sounded amused now. In that cruel way. "So you're paying rent? Contributing to household expenses? Or are you just playing house until he gets bored?"
I didn't answer.
What was I supposed to say? That technically I'd offered to pay rent but Damon had refused? That this whole situation was complicated and none of her business?
"Look. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones. Come home. Today. We'll get you settled back in."
"No."
"I'm not finished." The edge was back. "You wanted that guest room on the third floor, didn't you? The one with the bay windows overlooking the garden?"
I remembered that room. I'd mentioned it once. Four months ago. Asked if maybe I could have it instead of the tiny room they'd stuck me in.
Viviana had laughed. "You think you get the good rooms? Those are for family."
Now suddenly it was mine?
"It's yours." Viviana continued. Like she was bestowing some great gift. "I'll have it redecorated. New furniture. Whatever you want. Pick out colors. Fabrics. Whatever makes you happy."
I waited. There was more coming. I could hear it in her voice.
"And I'll get you that piano. A Steinway. The one you kept asking for."
I'd asked about it once. One time. Mentioned how I used to play in Montana. How I missed having access to one.
Viviana had looked at me like I'd asked for a private jet.
"You think we're made of money? Pianos cost thousands of dollars. Maybe if you contributed something to this household besides drama, we could talk."
Now she was offering me a Steinway.
"I don't want your room." My voice stayed flat. "Or your piano."
"What do you want then?" Her voice rose. "Money? Is that it? Because let me tell you something—"
She paused. When she spoke again, her voice was poison.
"Whatever that man is giving you, it won't last. Men like that don't keep girls like you around for long. You're young now. Pretty. But in a few years? When you're not shiny and new anymore?"
She laughed. It made my skin crawl.
"He'll trade you in for a newer model. And you'll have nothing. No education. No skills. No family to come back to."
Boring words.
"Don't." I made each word crystal clear. "Call. Me. Again."
"Scarlett, —"
I hung up.
I looked at the half-eaten salmon on my plate.
Suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore.
Third Person POV
The dial tone echoed in Viviana's ear. She stared at her phone. The screen showed the call had ended.
Scarlett had hung up on her. Viviana's hand tightened around the phone.
"Here." Zelda appeared beside her. She was holding a glass of red wine. "You should drink something. Calm down."
Viviana took the glass. Drank half of it in one swallow.
"Maybe you should give her some space," Zelda said softly. She sat down on the armrest of Viviana's chair. "Call her again in a few days. When things aren't so heated."
Her voice was gentle. Concerned. The perfect worried daughter.
Viviana shook her head. "I can't wait a few days. Sal specifically told me to bring her home today."
She set down the wine glass. Rubbed her temples.
"And honestly?" Her voice got quieter. "Even though that girl drives me crazy, the house feels empty without her."
Zelda's smile faltered. Just for a second.
"I've been thinking about her," Viviana continued. She wasn't looking at Zelda. Just staring at nothing. "Wondering if she's eating properly. If she's safe. If that man is treating her right."
"I'm here though," Zelda said quickly. She reached out and touched Viviana's arm. "I'll keep you company. We could do something together. Maybe go shopping with Miranda? She's been wanting to see you."
Viviana barely heard her. "I don't feel like shopping."
She picked up her phone again. Started scrolling through her contacts.
"What if she's pregnant?" The words came out almost to herself. "What if something goes wrong? And I'm not there?"
Her finger hovered over Scarlett's number. "And she's supposed to start college soon."
Zelda's hand fell away from Viviana's arm. She leaned her head against Viviana's shoulder. Made herself look small and vulnerable.
"You're worrying too much," Zelda said. Her voice was soft. Sweet. "Scarlett can take care of herself. She always has."
But Viviana wasn't listening. She hit the call button.
Zelda stayed where she was. Her head still resting on Viviana's leg. Her face looked concerned and innocent.
But her hands were clenched into fists. Her nails were digging into her palms hard enough to leave marks.
Something cold was settling in her chest. Getting heavier with each second.
Lorenzo preferring Scarlett made sense. But Viviana? Viviana had raised Zelda since she was three years old. Had loved her. Had called her daughter.
Now she was sitting here saying the house felt empty. Saying she missed Scarlett.
Zelda's throat felt tight.
Blood was blood. No matter how many years passed. No matter how much love there was.
When Scarlett was here, Viviana complained about her constantly. Called her difficult. Said she caused problems.
Now that she was gone? Viviana missed her.
The phone rang twice. Three times.
Zelda stayed perfectly still. Her expression remained sweet and concerned.
But inside, her heart was sinking lower and lower into her chest.
The call connected.
"What do you want, Viviana?" Scarlett's voice came through cold.
Viviana's jaw clenched. "Where are you right now?"
"That's none of your business."
"Your dad wants you home. The family needs to talk." Viviana's voice was sharp. Impatient. "I'll send the family car to pick you up. Just tell me where you are."
"No."
The word came out so final it made Viviana pause.
"Scarlett, listen to meâ€""
"You listen to me." Scarlett's voice cut through. "You're the one who said we should cut ties. You said I was an embarrassment to the family. Remember?"
Viviana opened her mouth. Nothing came out.
"The Romano name doesn't mean anything to me anymore," Scarlett continued. "You made sure of that."
"You're still my daughter." Viviana's voice cracked slightly. "This house doesn't feel right without you. Can't you understand that?"