Marriage Certificate?

Slowly they approached the grand entrance of the building, Lucian still held her waist gently.

Scarlet took a deep breath to gather her composure and calm her fraying nerves in readiness of the storm awaiting for her in the hall but then as if waiting for an opportunity, an elegantly dressed woman with a sharp, commanding presence blocked their path.

Without uttering any word to Scarlet, she reached out and pulled Lucian's hand away from Scarlet, smoothly drawing him to her side as if claiming possession while sandwiching herself in-between them.

Scarlet was caught off guard at the intrusion before she could register what is happening there was a firm nudge on shoulder that sent her stumbling back as she lost her balance.

With no option, she braced herself for the inevitable impact with the cold floor, the murmurs of the onlookers and the pang of humiliation.

But before she could fall, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her in an instant. A man's cologne hit her nostrils, the same scent she had been with all through the evening. It was Lucian Sterling (her boss). Her breath hitched.

Lucian's hold on her was very firm, slowly he helped her to stabilize on her feet.

The murmurs from the onlookers grew louder, but all Scarlet could focus on was the way he had effortlessly pulled her back to her feet, with his grip lingered lightly in silent reassurance.

She lifted her gaze to his face but was startled by the quiet intensity in his expression. His jaw was set, his dark eyes flickering with annoyance, his aura cold and intimidating.

Scarlet clenched her fists. Whoever this woman is, she had intentionally tried to humiliate her. But why? And more importantly… who was she to Lucian?His girlfriend or fiancée?

"Miss Roberts, what's the meaning of that?" Lucian's cold voice slashed through her thought, his sharp gaze locking onto the lady before them who had just nudged her.

Scarlet Roberts met his gaze head-on, refusing to waver under the weight of his scrutiny. She had already put off her plans and returned to the country after Lucia informed her about the signed marriage.

On her way returning, she dropped at the marriage registration centre and used her connections to find out the authenticity of the said marriage. It is at this time she uncovered the root of the issue—an error in the names.

Her lips curled into a slight smirk with her confidence unwavering. "What's the meaning of what, Mr. Sterling?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Lucian's expression darkened. "You know it yourself because you deliberately pushed her," he stated, his tone brooking no argument.

Scarlet Roberts let out a soft laugh, tilting her head. "Did I? You should know better than anyone, Lucian, I don't act without reason."

Her gaze flickered to Scarlet, who was standing beside Lucian with her thought in chaos.

"But I suppose mistakes happen... just like names getting mixed up, don't you think?" She asked.

Lucian's brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of realization passing through his eyes. "Oh, you have checked?"

"Of course, I have to check when it concerns me and my long standing relationship? She queried in annoyance.

"Oh! That's perfect. I think that make things easier." Lucian smirked.

Miss Roberts lips curled slightly, a mix of frustration and disbelief flashing across her features. "Lucian, you and I both know this was never supposed to happen," she stated, her voice controlled but edged with impatience. "An error in the names, a careless blunder, and suddenly, someone else is standing where I should be?"

Lucian's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of amusement and challenge flashed in his eyes.

He tilted his head slightly, his grip on Scarlet Winter unwavering. "Really? You call it a mistake?" He let out a low, humorless chuckle. "I'd rather call it fate. One turn of events, and what's unfortunate for one... becomes destiny for another."

Scarlet Roberts' fingers clenched at her sides, her breath hitching at his words. "Destiny?" she echoed, her eyes narrowing.

"So you mean to tell me you're just going to accept this? You're going to let—" Her gaze darted briefly to Scarlet Winter, who had remained silent but alert, her body unconsciously tensed within Lucian's hold.

Lucian's expression hardened, his voice dropping to a dangerously low octave. "Miss Roberts, if you're here to question what's already been legally bound, I suggest you reconsider your approach." His words were final, laced with an unspoken warning.

Scarlet Roberts inhaled sharply, a storm brewing in her gaze. She had come expecting resistance, but not this level of unwavering resolve.

Scarlet Winter, still caught in the middle of this unexpected power struggle, felt the weight of Lucian's words settle heavily in the air. Her breath clouded with waves of confusion crashing on her. Her gaze darting between Lucian and Scarlet Roberts as their gazes looked on each other in a battle of wills.

Her mind raced as she struggled to understand the discussion. A mistake in the name? Did someone else take her place or was she the one that replaced?

Her heartbeat pounded against her ribs. If Lucian Sterling was truly her husband, did that mean he was aware of this error all along? And if so… why had he accepted it?

Scarlet Winter's mind spun wildly. The woman before her kept saying "she"—was she referring to her? Legal bound? Married?

No. It couldn't be.

But then… why did everything seem to point in that direction?

Her fingers tightened by her sides. She needed answers. She might be overstepping, might even embarrass herself, but the uncertainty gnawed at her so much that she made a decision, she must know.

Meanwhile, Scarlet Roberts was seething, her jaw clenched in fury. "The audacity of this imp to take her place?"She mused.

Scarlet Winter cast her a long, scrutinizing gaze. Same height. Same complexion. Same hair type. Even their facial features… were eerily similar. A thought flickered in her mind— Do I have a twin sister?

No. That wasn't her priority right now.

Taking a deep breath, she turned her attention to Lucian. Her eyes boring into his with determination. Then, without a word, she reached for his wrist and pulled him toward the car.

Lucian raised a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes, but he allowed himself to be led.

Scarlet Roberts scoffed. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Scarlet Winter didn't stop but she said "I want to talk to him alone."

As they arrived at the parked car, Scarlet let go of his wrist. "Can you clearly explain what is happening?" "Why is she targeting me when I have nothing to do with her? Why is she saying I replaced her when I am just a personal assistant?"

Lucian Sterling felt like laughing out loud at her words. "Wife, are you saying you don't know or are you pretending not to know."

Scarlet stiffened at his words. Wife?

Her heart pounded as she met Lucian's gaze, searching for any trace of amusement, but all she found was a cool, unwavering stare.

She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "What nonsense are you saying? Wife? That's ridiculous! I don't even know what's going on here, and you're calling me that?"

Lucian's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh? So, you really have no idea?"

Scarlet crossed her arms, frustration mounting. "If I did, do you think I'd be asking you? I woke up today as your personal assistant, not as wife!"

Lucian's gaze darkened slightly, his smirk fading just a little. He stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "Scarlet, let me ask you something… did you ever check the marriage certificate you signed?"

Her breath hitched with one word echoing in her head "Marriage certificate??