Chapter 18

Scarlet's POV.

The moment he spoke of killing, I slapped him as hard as I could. “Is killing that easy for you? Listen up, you piece of sh*t. This has to be the last time you ever speak of hurting my people. If I ever hear you say something like this again, I am going to make sure you rot in hell forever. My husband is a thousand times better than you. I won't ever divorce him. So you can just go fu*k elsewhere.”

I thought no matter how possessive and money-driven he was, my words might hurt him even a little. But I was totally wrong. Despite me giving him a tight slap across the face, he still looked at me angrily, devoid of all emotions and expressions like guilt, regret, and a sense of self-respect.

He grabbed me tightly by the wrist, quenching it as he gritted. “Look, Scarlet Quinn, I don't care about your threat or a warning. I can't see you with that bastard. You should only be with me and me alone. Anyone who dares to snatch you from me should face hell.”

He's gone mad. Nothing can save him. But I am scared. He's scarier than I ever imagined.

I need to get away from him. I can't be around him any longer.

“Let go of my hand. How will I divorce my husband if you keep me locked here? Give me some time, please.” Is my voice and tone convincing enough? It's the only way to get away from him.

“Are you agreeing to be with me? So you will really dump that man and be with me? You aren't lying, are you?” Ryan is still doubtful. I have to convince him to leave me.

“Of course I am not lying. Have I ever lied to you before? I have never. So let go of my hand.” I tried to be as gentle and patient as possible to gain his trust. I kept praying that he trusted me. My heart is beating fast.

“Okay! I will listen to you. Go back, dump him, and return to me. I will wait for you at our usual place. Don't disappoint me. If you don't come, I can't guarantee what will happen to him.” He finally let go of my wrist. But the expression on his face was horrifying. He's got that psychopathic look on his face, totally inhuman.

I forced a smile on my face. “Yes! Yes. I won't disappoint you. Wait for me.” I turned around, and without a second, I ran. As far as I could from him, I didn't look back.

I returned home but was met with a strange atmosphere inside. I looked ahead and found a bunch of people inside the living room, laughing and giggling. But as terrified as I am, I gave it no thought and hurried to my room, locked the door from inside, and slid down slowly, trying to calm my unsettling heart.

“What should I do? What should I do? He's gone mad. What if he really hurts him? Should I go to the police? But what if they don't believe me? Ryan has always been good with people. He's good at masking his true nature. No one's going to believe me.” My whole body is shaking from fear. I feel like I will go berserk if I don't come up with a solution.

A sudden thump on the door made me jump away from it. Who is it? Is Ryan at the door? Maybe he followed me here. Who should I call?

The thumps on the door kept getting louder and more frequent, and then a voice came. “Scar, are you in there? Open the door. Its me, Raymond.”

The moment I heard the voice, I didn't think of anything and opened the door, falling in his arms like never before and finding peace again.

“What happened, Scar? Why is your body so cold? You are shaking.” He pulled me out of the hug and touched my forehead. Concern was written all over his face.

I dared not look him in the eyes. The only thing that came to mind was to hug him, and I did it. I said nothing. I am scared. I just clung to him like a little child, wanting a little warmth.

He said nothing, asked nothing, and waited for me. He just stayed rooted while I lay in his embrace.

Time went by, and I finally came around. I detached myself from him and patted his shirt, which formed wrinkles due to my clinginess.

“Scar, I have had enough of you. Look, I don't expect you to share every little thing with me. It doesn't matter to me if you want to have secrets of your own. But I can't see you dealing with pain and problems all by yourself. I accept! It's difficult to trust me. But you need to learn to be a little dependent on your family. You never share your pain, your problems, or your burden, but that hurts me.” The look on Ray's face said thousands of words that made me realize how I am hurting him.

“I met my ex-boyfriend today. He cornered me in front of my workplace and then threatened me. I was scared and ran away. But I can't hide from him forever. He will get me somehow. I escape today, but what should I do tomorrow?” I told him everything.

“He threatened you? What did he say?” Ray asked as he gently cupped my chin upward.

“If I don't divorce you, he will kill you. I can't bear to see you hurt. So tell me, what should I do? You said to share my problem and burden with you. Now I am asking you, give me a solution.” I asked desperately.

If Ryan had only threatened to hurt and torture me, I wouldn't be this scared. But Ray—he's different. That bastard threatened to hurt Ray, my husband. How can I bear it? I am scared he might really do something to Ray.

He pulled me into the hug. “Scar, he won't do anything to me. So your worries are unnecessary.”

“My worries are unnecessary. How can you say that? I am worried sick that he might hurt you, and you think I am worrying about nothing? Maybe telling you was useless. Fine, pretend I never said anything. I will deal with my problems on my own.” I pushed him aside angrily, but he didn't let go.

“That man will never be able to hurt me or you, I assure you. So you don't have to worry. I will make sure he doesn't even get close to you. Now relax and go freshen up. There's a surprise waiting for you downstairs.” Raymond smiled.

I don't understand this man. I am worried sick about him. How can he be so calm and relaxed? Does he not worry about himself?

“Are you for real right now? That guy is dangerous. I have dated him for years and have only now gotten to see his true side, and I am terrified. He can do anything to achieve his goal. He's a total psychopath. How should I make you understand what kind of danger is lurking around our neck?” I don't know what I am saying. I am just terrified right now.

“So you want to divorce me because he threatened to kill me?” He asked.

What should I reply to? “I don't... want to divorce you. But that seems to be the only option right now.”

“But I won't divorce you. Definitely not when someone's threatening you. You are my wife. Your pain is my pain. Your problem is my problem. Your burden, I will get rid of it.” Raymond looked absolutely confident in what he said just now. There's no doubt in his eyes.

He squeezed my cheeks gently and pulled me to the bathroom. “Wash your face with cold water. You will feel better.”

Ryan told me to meet him at our regular place. If I don't show up tonight, he will hurt Raymond. But Raymond doesn't look at all concerned about this matter. I know Ray is rich and all, but he doesn't know how to deal with this situation. Maybe he just said all that to assure me, he might not take me seriously.

I must meet Ryan today. I have to take care of this matter. Surely, divorcing Raymond is not an option. So I have to come up with another idea.

Raymond waited for me in the room until I came out, and we both came downstairs together. He talked about a surprise earlier. I wonder what it is.

“You married my son behind my back, but where's my daughter-in-law now?” A rough and cold voice traveled to my ears. But the person to whom this voice belonged gave me a cultural shock.

A lady dressed in a dark green sundress was sitting on the dining table. Her hands were placed on her thighs in a crossed position, and with beautiful cherry-like lips and a few invisible wrinkles on her face that suited her beautiful face, her charm screamed bossy in the room.

“My little brother just found himself a wife without even discussing with me, how cunning of him.” Another woman with a great voice spoke. Both are young and gorgeous women.

But who are these ladies?

“Mom, no one married behind your back. You had every idea about this marriage. You just had no time to attend the wedding. As for my beloved sister, you were busy shooting for your upcoming movie. I dared not disturb you while you worked tirelessly. Am I not considered a good brother?” Ray chuckled as he led me forward, my hand in his as he looked at me with a smile on his face.

“Mom, this is Scarlet, your daughter-in-law. And your sister-in-law, my dear Penelope.” He introduced me to them and continued. “Scarlet, meet my mom and my sister.”

“Scarlet huh? Nice name.” His mom gave me a cold stare.

Maybe she doesn't like me. She scanned me from head to toe. Silence spread like a plague in the dining room. It's my first meeting with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, but I am not well-dressed. The first impression is the last impression, and I seem to have ruined it badly.

“Why do you look so grim? Did I say something wrong? Or you didn't like me?”