Scarlett OHara returned home, and for over a week, there was an uneasy calm. Edward Cullen came back early every day, coached their son with his homework, bought him gifts, and took him to the amusement park, as if they had been transported back to three years prior.
In her heart, Scarlett dared to hope that Isabelle Swan had let go and that Edward had repented, that her family was mended, and that everything could return to how it once was. She breathed a sigh of relief and busied herself with managing the household, until her sons innocent words one day tightened the strings of her anxiety.
"Mom, Dad said that if you and he arent together anymore, as long as Im with him, hell buy me toys and Delicious every day, and hell find a pretty aunt for me!"
Scarletts guard shot up. She comforted her son with a few words and sat idly by, lost in thought. What had she gained from these six years of marriage?
"Im home," Edward announced as he entered, his gaze immediately falling on Scarlett, who sat on the couch. A wave of irritation emanated from him.
He tossed his briefcase aside and walked past Scarlett without a second glance, heading straight to their sons room. The sound of laughter from the nursery made Scarletts heart tighten. She couldnt let her son be taken away from her. She hurried to the door and opened it.
"Edward, can we talk?"
Edward ruffled their sons hair and followed Scarlett into the inner room.
"Bang!" The door shut behind them, and Scarlett fell to her knees in front of him.
"Edward, can we not divorce? I dont mind if you have someone else, as long as you come home like you used to, no, even if its once a month!"
She had never thought she would be so humble, begging a man not to leave, imploring for her family not to fall apart.
"Tomorrow is our anniversary. We havent celebrated alone in a long time. Ive booked a room at a hotel, and Ill have our son stay with his grandparents," Edwards voice was as cold as ever.
"Okay," Scarlett smiled through her tears.
Recently, Scarlett had been reading about how to save a marriage after infidelity. She read that a cheating husband would either treat his wife terribly or become kinder out of guilt. She took this to heart, believing that Edwards recent behavior was his way of making amends. Little did she know...
She dressed up specially and arrived at the hotel. The room was luxurious but somewhat desolate. She remembered the first time she had been with Edward, in a slightly worn-down inn. The room was small, but he had made it beautiful, filled with the fragrance of love...
"Have some wine first!" Edward handed her a glass of red wine, never once looking at Scarlett.
As the night deepened, she lay in bed, drowsy. As long as Edward was there, she felt at ease.
A pair of rough hands brushed across her cheek, and the scent of tobacco filled her nostrils. Scarletts eyes snapped open, the room pitch black, and she could only make out the silhouette of a figure on top of her.
Six years of being together, she knew every inch of Edwards body, and she instantly recognized that the person beside her was not him.
Edward, how could you be so cruel!
Tears welled up in her eyes. She didnt know where she found the strength, but she pushed the man away, opened the door, and ran outside.
The man chased after her, and she, weak and panicked, stumbled and crawled.
She suddenly bumped into someone.
"Help, help me!"
She looked up, her eyes meeting a pair of narrow, long eyes, and froze on the spot.
"How are you here...?"