Chapter 17

Scarlet's POV.

I saw something in front of the car, and before we could stop the car, that thing got hit. What was that? Was that an animal? Or a human? I don't wish for it to be any of them.

Lyla and I exited the car immediately after she hit the break to see what came in front of our car. And when we saw what it was that we hit, we felt our bodies being relaxed, and we sighed in relief.

“It was just a tree branch. Thank God it wasn't any living being. I was so scared that I hit someone; my body almost detached its soul.” Lyla spoke while rubbing her chest in relief.

“Yeah! It's a relief that it wasn't a living creature.” Lyla, from now on, take extra care when you drive. One mistake can cost us our lives. I warned her.

“I won't repeat the same mistake again.” Lyla apologized.

We then removed the branch from the road and threw it to the side. After that, we got into the car again, and Lyla drove us to the location.

Finally, we reached the destination. And now I understand what Lyla actually meant when she said our target has a cold and ruthless personality.

He's living in seclusion, a place away from the city and village, close to the forest in a huge wooden house, surrounded by various types of flowers that bloomed beautifully, and a river stream at some distance. My nose tingles at the scent that's flowing in the air.

We arrived at the doorstep. Lyla looked around before ringing the bell. No one came at the first bell, but a middle-aged man opened the door after the second ring.

“Who are you people? And what do you want from me?” He came straight to the point. Maybe he misunderstood us for the tourists?

And to my surprise, Lyla smiled mischievously. “Hello! Our car broke on the way, and we need some tools to fix it. Can you help us?”

“You want me to fix your car?” He asked doubtfully.

“No! Just give us the tools if you have any, and that will be enough. By the way, can we come inside for a bit? My friend here needs to use the toilet.” Lyla sure is a good liar.

He still looked doubtful, but he granted us permission anyway. “Come inside.”

“Where's the bathroom?” I asked.

Since Lyla lied anyway, I should play along. But I still didn't understand why she lied. We could have just told him who we are and why we are here; what's the need to lie?

“Go straight and then turn right. The one on the left side is the bathroom.” He gave the direction.

He went inside to get the tools, as Lyla mentioned, and I went to the bathroom. We were inside the car for many hours, so I really needed to use the bathroom.

When I returned, Lyla had already made herself at home. Sitting on the wooden bench with the marble table in front of her, she was sipping tea. I am surprised she's so gullible and soft.

“These tools should be enough to fix your car.” He passed the tools to me, and I looked at Lyla.

Lyla elegantly put the teacup on the table and looked at the man. “Mr. Jerry, let us introduce ourselves to you again. I am Lyla, an employee of Ray Entertainment. And this is Ms. Scarlet, the youngest and new CEO of Ray Entertainment. Now let us come to the point. We are actually here with the purpose of hiring you for our kids.” Lyla dropped the facade and came clean in seconds.

“Get out! I won't repeat myself. Just disappear from my sight.” He turned angry all of a sudden; his face showed many emotions and expressions, which showed his hatred for the company.

He didn't even spare me a look and just decided to throw us out. But Lyla stood straight and wouldn't budge at all.

“I am aware of your interest in Ray Entertainment. But you have to trust us. We won't mistreat you.” Lyla is adamant; she won't budge, nor will she let him touch me at all.

“I have seen you somewhere. Yeah! I remember, weren't you that employee who came to the company three years ago? It looks like you are angry that I ignore you.” Mr. Jerry actually remembered Lyla, it was surprising.

Lyla was surprised as well but didn't talk about that incident. Instead, she kept talking about the matter we came here for. As for me, I stood aside and waited for them to finish and come to the point. And I wasn't even needed there. I felt Lyla was enough the way she was speaking.

After the back-and-forth bickering and arguing, both of them exhausted themselves and sat down. Mr. Jerry was not that old. In fact, he was just in his forties and looked fine and handsome.

“Why do you want me to join your company? I am sure there are countless people who are more qualified than me to do this job. So why me?”

“You are right; there are countless people who can do this job at the cheapest salary. But we aren't looking for quantity. We aim for quality, and only you fit that criteria.” Lyla really wants him to join the company.

She was serious when she said she wanted him to teach the kids. Only he can teach them well and provide the right criticism.

“I can't join your company. In fact, I don't wish to join any company. I have quite a profession. Right now, I am enjoying living in nature. Watching life grow in front of my eyes seems more interesting than seeing the same faces every day.” Mr. Jerry watched the plants as he spoke.

“The kids receiving the training in Ray Entertainment are like these plants; they have just started growing and need the right environment to bloom. Just like these flowers, they will also bloom. But if you refuse, they might not even be able to survive. You have worked in the entertainment industry for years and know how hard it is to get opportunities. And how hard it is to make a name of oneself.” I butted in.

“They can learn from anyone. I am not that important.”

Have you ever seen two moons or the sun in the sky? No, right? There's only one sun and one moon; the brightness alone is enough to light the world.

“I can't tell you my decision right now. I need time to think.” Said Mr. Jerry.

“Please think about this carefully. I don't know how Ray Entertainment wronged you. But that won't happen again. Everyone will welcome you with open arms. It's okay if you don't want to join us, but think about those kids who need proper guidance right now. I have heard a lot about you. So I believe only you can do this job.”

Lyla and I left him in a dilemma and exited his place. He didn't bid us goodbye, but I have the hunch I might see him soon again.

This matter took the whole day to settle, and I still don't know if we completed the task or not. Lyla went home, and I returned to the company to do the unfinished work.

But I saw Ryan at the main gate, waiting for me. He stopped the moment he saw me walk to the gate.

And the first thing he did was hug me.

“I missed you, Scarlet. Why did you arrive so late? You didn't even pick up my calls. Do you even know how many calls I have made to you? You are too heartless.”

“Ryan, I am a married woman. And you are not my husband. People might have the wrong ideas if they see us like this. Get off me.” I tried pushing him away, but he wouldn't budge.

“So what if you are married? I love you, you love me, and that's it. Why should we worry about what others think of us? I missed you, my little sweetheart, my cutie.” Ryan sounded so mature, but to me, he was just an idiot and a bastard.

I knew he was possessive, but I had no idea he was like this. I tried pushing him away, but I just couldn't. He was too strong. And I was just petite in front of him.

“You and I have nothing to do with each other. You might not care what others think about you. But I can't let my husband or his family misunderstand me. I have just started a new life, so don't ruin it with your ugly interference.” This time, I put my whole strength into pushing him away.

“I am your first love and the most important person in your life. How can you start a new life without me? You should only love me. I won't allow you to love someone else. You are mine alone. If anyone dares to snatch you away from me, I will kill him.” He was furious and mad.

I wasn't scared of him or what he said. If anything, he only made me laugh out loud.

“Ryan, are you hearing yourself now? The fact is, you never loved me. The things you loved were my status and money, not me. Of course, I dare to start a new life. After all, the relationships I am building right now are honest and sincere. Not like yours. You cheated on me, hurt me, and pushed me to the end of the world. You both destroyed my world, and now you want me back? That will never happen.” I don't want to argue with him, but he makes my blood boil and makes me open my mouth to curse him.

If I could, I would have thrown him in the desert to die and laughed at his misery as he slowly perished.

He marched towards me at full speed and pinned me against the door. He looked at me, his stare funny of anger. His hands cupped my face and pinched me. He's hurting me.

“Scarlet, I won't ever leave you alone. Look at me; I still love you and want you back. So you should be grateful that I am still willing to come back to you. I don't care what your husband says, but divorce him and return to me. Or else I will kill that bastard.”