Chapter 2
The Hawthornes and Westwoods had been close for generations.
Their friendship
ran so deep that when Scarlett’s parents had a daughter and the Hawthornes had a son, it was practically a foregone conclusion they’d be engaged from birth.
To nurture the bond, the two families often had their children spend summers together, alternating between homes.
Scarlett and Liam had grown up side by side, their relationship warm and easy.
Even when they started dating in college, it felt natural.
Then Chloe entered the picture.
Looking back, Scarlett realized she’d been the one to push Liam toward Chloe.
Chloe had been their classmate in high school, a shy, soft–spoken girl with a talent for academics. As the only scholarship student at their exclusive private school, she stood out like a rabbit among wolves.
It was Scarlett who had come to her rescue time and again, even getting into fights on her behalf. The two of them had become inseparable best
friends.
Later, they’d both gotten into the same university.
As Chloe and Liam grew closer through Scarlett, everything seemed fine–until the summer of their sophomore year.
Scarlett had signed up for a school–organized summer camp with Liam.
But when she injured her ankle just before the trip, she insisted Chloe take her spot.
Liam hadn’t wanted to go without Scarlett, but she’d been adamant. “Look after her,” she’d urged him.
And that was it. One summer, one trip, and Liam and Chloe were suddenly a couple.
To make matters worse, that summer had been the darkest time of Scarlett’s life.
Her world had been falling apart, and her so–called best friend and boyfriend had abandoned her,
By the time Liam broke things off with her, saying he wanted to be with Chloe, Scarlett had reached her limit,
She tried to end it all.
She failed, but that one act changed everything.
Liam’s parents had been devastated, especially since they’d always seen Scarlett as their future daughter–in–law,
Liam’s grandfather had stepped in, threatening to cut Liam off from the family fortune unless he married her.
So he did.
But within two months, Liam had applied for an exchange program at Yale, putting an ocean–and three years–between them.
Naturally, Chloe went with him.
Three long years.
21:23
From Mafia Mistress to Billionaire’s Wife–Same Day, Different Groom
34.6%
Chapter 2
Scarlett pulled up outside the airport, shaking off her thoughts.
She glanced at her watch.
Right on time.
Looking up, she saw him–Liam Hawthorne, strolling out of the terminal with a suitcase in tow.
Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored black trousers, he exuded effortless sophistication.
His every movement was polished, a hallmark of his privileged upbringing.
But when his eyes landed on Scarlett, his expression soured instantly.
Scarlett smiled, stepping out of the car and walking toward him.
“Welcome home, darling. Long time no see.”
Her voice was warm, lilting, with just the right hint of flirtation.
Heads turned as she spoke, strangers admiring the radiant woman whose beauty seemed to defy reason.
Liam frowned.
She’d dressed to impress today–flawless makeup, cascading waves of hair, and a designer ensemble that screamed understated luxury.
She wasn’t the same fresh–faced girl he’d left behind three years ago.
“Don’t call me that,” Liam snapped.
His gaze shifted briefly to the woman by his side–a petite figure in a plain white dress.
Scarlett had noticed her before stepping out of the car.
Chloe Whitmore had come back with him.
Her unadorned appearance, coupled with the shy, almost fragile demeanor, was a stark contrast to Scarlett’s polished confidence.
One hand clung to Liam’s arm, the other resting protectively over her slightly rounded belly.
Well, that wasn’t subtle.
Scarlett’s lips curved into a polite smile.
“Chloe, are you pregnant?”
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