Chapter 41: Trusting Again
Manhattan welcomed the morning with sunlight slipping shyly through the silk curtains of the penthouse. The light fell across the marble floor, forming soft, warm lines. Scarlett woke slowly, her eyelids heavy, remnants of last night's tears still leaving faint traces on her cheeks.
She groaned softly, trying to gather her senses. Her body felt tired, yet something was different. It was as if the heavy weight that had been pressing on her chest since her encounter with Rachel Thorne had loosened slightly. She reached toward the empty side of the bed, her fingers brushing against the phone lying on the pillow.
A single notification greeted her. A voice message from Julian.
Scarlett's heart pounded, a symphony of anxiety and longing clashing inside her chest. She hesitated for a moment. Should she listen now? Or would the message contain Julian's anger for her abrupt disconnection last night? Holding her breath, she pressed play.
