Pay a visit 1

Scarlet in relief that Lucian had accepted her explanation but then Lucian's voice cut through thoughts bursting her bubble.

"Stop avoiding the calls. They won't stop coming, but the sooner you answer their questions, the better."

He didn't need to ask who was calling. He already knew. He had spent years listening to her vent online, sharing bits and pieces of her struggles like discarded fragments of a shattered soul. It was as if he had become her personal garbage can, absorbing her pain, frustrations, and silent cries for help.

A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. I wonder what will happen when she realizes I'm her online friend.

Scarlet hesitated, staring at the flickering caller ID. Her chest tightened. A part of her wanted to ignore it, to pretend it didn't exist, but Lucian's presence made it impossible to keep running. With a deep breath, she reluctantly swiped to accept the call.

The moment the line connected, a shrill voice erupted from the speaker, so loud and venomous that Scarlet instinctively jerked the phone away from her ear to save her ear drum.

"Useless wench! What have you done?" Pauline's voice crackled with fury.

Scarlet flinched.

"You were supposed to marry Boss, but you married someone else? Do you even know what you've done? You better get back to this house right now!" Her mother's shrieks were hysterical, laced with an unfiltered rage that sent a shiver down Scarlet's spine.

Scarlet wasn't there, but she could imagine the scene—her mother's face contorted in fury, her fists clenched, her temper boiling over like an active volcano ready to erupt.

She had seen it countless times before.

She knew exactly how this would end.

Her breathing hitched, and her fingers tightened around the phone, knuckles turning white. Her body braced itself for the phantom blows that always followed such outbursts.

Even though she was far away, her mind couldn't help but recall the bruises, the punishments, the nights spent trembling in silence.

Lucian watched her carefully, his sharp eyes catching the minute tremble in her hands and his jaw tightened.

His fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel, "Put it on speaker" his said. His voice calm and collected.

Scarlet snapped her head toward him, her eyes wide with panic. "What?"

"Put it on speaker," he repeated, his voice brooking no argument.

Scarlet swallowed hard. Her instinct screamed against it. But something about Lucian's unwavering expression made her hesitate.

With trembling fingers, she pressed the speaker icon.

"Mrs. Winter, I believe you have some misunderstandings that need to be corrected."

His voice was smooth, almost polite, but there was an undercurrent of something sharp, in his tone. Scarlet's heartbeat roared in her ears.

Pauline must have recognized the unfamiliar voice. And for the first time in her life—she hesitated.

Scarlet had an idea of where this discussion might lead to "please don't reveal your identity" she whispered to his hearing alone. Otherwise, she may never hear the end of it.

When has Lucian Sterling ever accepted to be the poor but looking at her pleading eyes, he swallowed hard. It may be difficult but not undoable.

"Ma'am , I and my wife had planned on paying you a visit since we just got married yesterday, Will that be okay?" He asked tentatively.

He really need to visit these people and see what exactly they are made of.

Scarlet's heart pounded wildly in her chest. Visit them?

Scarlet didn't expect this to be the answer, her breathe caught in her throat. How can they visit them with such a sleek car and him clad in this pristine suit?

But then how can she convince him to change but then change with what?

Her fingers clenched into fists on her lap as panic surged through her veins. She could already imagine the scene—the smug, greedy looks on their faces, the way they'd size up Lucian, their expectations growing by the second. If they saw his expensive suit, the luxurious car, the sheer presence he carried, they'd never let her live in peace.

She turned her head slightly toward Lucian, lowering her voice into a desperate whisper. "You can't go like this. If they see you like this, they'll never stop."

Lucian arched a brow, his expression inquisitive. "See me like what?"

Scarlet bit her lower lip. "Like... you....are now" her voice coming in whispers.

Lucian exhaled sharply, running a hand over his jaw. He had expected her reluctance, but her anxiety over something as simple as a visit to her own home made his chest tighten.

What kind of people made their daughter—adopted or not this afraid?

His grip on the steering wheel tightened briefly before he forced himself to relax.

"Fine," he said, much to her shock.

Scarlet blinked. "Fine?"

"I'll dress down." He shrugged his shoulders, as if the mere idea of blending in with commoners was an alien concept to him.

"I don't have inexpensive clothes, though."

Scarlet gaped at him. "You—"

"—so you'll have to get me some," he finished smoothly, glancing at her with amusement dancing in his sharp eyes.

Scarlet's lips parted, but no words came out. Did he just agree to this?

Lucian chuckled, a rare sight that sent an unfamiliar warmth through her.

"Relax, Mrs. Sterling," he teased. "I'll be just another struggling husband visiting his in-laws, will that be okay?"

Scarlet still wasn't sure if this was a good idea. But at least... at least he wouldn't walk into the house looking like he owned half the city.

"Alright," she mumbled reluctantly. "I'll get you something."

Lucian hummed in approval.

Scarlet stole another glance at Lucian, the corners of her lips twitching upward. The mighty Lucian Sterling in cheap clothes? That would be a sight to behold. She made a mental note to take a sneak shot as a momento.

She quickly created a good image in her mind—a crisp suit replaced by a faded shirt, tailored trousers swapped for faded jeans. The idea was almost laughable, but what startled her more was why he had agreed so easily.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Hadn't he always been known as an untouchable, ruthless businessman? The kind who wouldn't lower himself for anyone?

"I am really blessed." She snickered internally.