Scarlett OHaras world was shrouded in darkness as she slipped into unconsciousness, her last thoughts a chaotic mix of fear, pain, and confusion. She was vaguely aware of being lifted, of strong arms holding her close, and the sensation of being moved at speed.
When she finally stirred from her stupor, it was to the antiseptic smell of a hospital and the soft hum of medical machinery. Her body ached, and her mind was foggy, but she was alive.
She blinked, trying to adjust her eyes to the dim light that filtered through the window. The room was empty except for a glass of water, a bottle of pills, and a blank document with a pen lying next to it. Her phone was there too, with a number she didnt recognize saved in it.
A chill ran down her spine as she realized that the man from the previous night had been here. He had saved her, but at what cost?
As she struggled to make sense of her situation, a voice pierced the silence, emanating from the shadows in the corner of the room.
"Do you know why the Kennedys despise you so much?" the man asked, his tone laced with a mocking undertone.
Scarlett tried to stand, her voice trembling as she replied, "Who... are you?"
The figure emerged from the darkness, and she could make out the silhouette of a man with an imposing presence. He approached her slowly, his footsteps silent yet commanding.
As he neared, she caught a glimpse of his sharp features and cold eyes. There was something hauntingly familiar about him, but she couldnt place where she had seen him before.
"How can you forget so easily? I told you, entering my room and sharing my bed doesnt come without a price," he said, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.
Scarletts heart raced as she stammered, "That was... an accident."
The man chuckled darkly, his laughter sending a chill through the room. "Scarlett OHara, 21 years old, suffered an accident three years ago and was found by the Kennedys, bringing you back to Boston with no memory of your past. Youve been living with your grandmother, not quite accepted by the Kennedy patriarch, George Wilson. Youve been working in secret, saving money to leave the Kennedys behind."
He paused, his gaze never leaving her face. "But the one thing youve wanted most isnt to escape, is it? You want to know who you are and where you come from."
Scarletts breath hitched in her throat as she stared at him, fear gripping her heart. "Who are you?" she whispered.
The man smiled, a cold and enigmatic expression that offered no comfort. "I know more than that, Scarlett."
A file was tossed towards her, and she saw that it was blank. Yet, he spoke as if it contained all the answers.
"Sign it. As for what I want and will do, it wont harm you. Its not illegal, and it wont cost your life. Moreover, I can help you find all the answers you seek."
The mans presence was overwhelming, and Scarlett felt a strange mix of terror and relief. She didnt know who this man was, but he seemed to be her only hope.
Before she could respond, he continued, "You will sign, and you will trust me."
And with that, he was gone, leaving Scarlett alone with her thoughts and a decision that would change her life forever.
She awoke later, drenched in sweat, the remnants of a nightmare clinging to her. The room was still, and she was alone. But she knew that she had to make a choice.
With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and sent a message to the number the man had left her. "I agree."
The reply was swift and simple. "Good girl, wait for it."
Scarlett wasnt sure what she was waiting for, but she had a feeling that her life was about to take a turn she could never have anticipated.