CHAPTER SIX

SCARLETT

 I shivered in the biting cold, the desolate streets a stark reminder that I shouldn't be out here at this hour. But I have no choice—I need to find shelter for the night before I can figure out my next move.

 I didn't realize how far I had walked until a sharp cramp twisted in my belly. I stopped, stooped low, and placed a hand on my swollen stomach, trying to soothe the ache.

"Please bear with me," I whispered softly to my baby. "I'll find us a place to rest soon, I promise."

I picked up my bags and forced myself forward, my steps slower now. It wasn't long before the sound of a car horn startled me. I stiffened, glancing back cautiously. Fear crept up my spine, and I quickened my pace, hoping to avoid whoever was behind the wheel.

"Hey, wait up!" A woman's voice called out.

I hesitated, slowing down. The car pulled up beside me, and the driver rolled down the window. A young woman popped her head out, her eyes scanning me with concern.

"Hi, I'm Jenny," she said with a warm smile. "What are you doing out here in the cold at this hour? Is everything okay?"

I stared at her, unsure how to respond. Did strangers really just stop to help people like this?

"Do you have a place to stay tonight?" she pressed gently. "If not, you can come with me."

I clutched my bags tighter. "Why would you do that? You don't even know me."

She shrugged. "I don't need to. You look like you could use some help. And it's late—it's not safe out here, especially for someone… pregnant."

Her words hit me like a jolt. "How did you know I'm pregnant?" I asked, startled.

Jenny chuckled. "It's obvious—you keep rubbing your belly. Even a blind person could figure it out."

I instinctively dropped my hand from my stomach. "Oh," I murmured, embarrassed.

"Please, get in," she urged. "It's freezing out here, and standing in the rain like this isn't good for you or the baby."

I hesitated, but she was right. It wasn't like I had any other options. With a sigh, I relented, opening the car door and sliding into the passenger seat.

"Thank you," I said quietly as I buckled my seatbelt. "You don't know how much you've just saved me."

Jenny smiled as she started the car. "It's my pleasure. I couldn't just leave you out there."

She glanced at me, noticing my soaked clothes. Reaching into the backseat, she handed me a towel. "Here, dry yourself off. We've got about an hour's drive ahead."

Taking the towel, I settled into the seat, wiping my hair and clothes as best as I could. Silence fell between us, but it was a comfortable one. I glanced around, admiring the sleek interior of her Range Rover. A photo of her and a younger girl dangled from the rearview mirror.

"That's my sister," she said, noticing my gaze.

"Oh," I smiled. "I thought she might be your daughter. You look so alike."

Jenny laughed, a lighthearted sound. "Wow, I'm offended! I'm not that old!"

I panicked. "I didn't mean—"

"Relax," she interrupted, grinning. "I'm just messing with you. People say that all the time."

I exhaled a small laugh, relieved. "Thank you again. You didn't have to do this, but you did."

"It's no big deal," she said, her voice genuine. "I was nearby picking something up for my boss. Right place, right time, I guess."

We finally pulled up to an apartment complex with a towering gate. The gateman opened it, and Jenny drove in, parking in front of an elegant building.

I got out and headed for the trunk to grab my bags, but Jenny stopped me.

"You shouldn't be lifting anything heavy," she scolded lightly. "It's not good for the baby."

"But—"

"No buts," she said firmly, grabbing the heavier bag herself. "Come on, let's go."

I followed her into the building, taking in the warmth and beauty of the space. We rode the elevator to the fifth floor, then walked down a quiet hallway until we stopped at a door marked 530.

Jenny unlocked it and pushed the door open, ushering me inside. A cozy, inviting scent of vanilla and strawberries greeted me.

"Welcome to my humble abode," she said with a smile.

"Your place is beautiful," I said, stepping aside to let her in fully.

"Thank you! Come on, I'll show you to the guest room so you can get out of those wet clothes."

She led me to a room at the end of the hallway and opened the door, gesturing for me to step inside.

"I hope it's okay. It's not much, but—"

"Not much?" I interrupted, wide-eyed. "This is perfect. I… I don't even know how to thank you. I don't think I can accept this without doing something in return. I'm good with my hands—cooking, cleaning, whatever you need."

Jenny frowned, shaking her head. "I didn't bring you here to be a maid, Scarlett."

I blinked. "How did you—"

"You forgot to tell me your name earlier, so I figured it out when you weren't looking," she teased with a wink. "Anyway, don't worry about thanking me. I have a good feeling about you, and I'm happy to help."

Her kindness overwhelmed me. "Thank you," I said again, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Go take a shower and get comfortable," she said, stepping back. "I'll heat up some pasta for us. We can talk more over dinner."

With a nod, I stepped into the room, letting the door close behind me. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.