CEO'S stand in bride

"Scarlet, this request isn't too much to make, aren't you working?!"

Pauline's cold voice lashed through the small apartment like a whip.

"Yes, I am working but you knows best what happens to the money. Is not like I spend from the money I earn" Scarlet retorted while grabbing her essential into her handbag.

"Aren't you been selfish, Rosy needs to start school, Scarlet! Are you expecting me to perform miracles if you don't bring the money?!" Pauline queried, her body trembling in anger.

"You can't perform miracles when I am the miracle worker," she smirked coldly.

"Scarlet, don't push it besides this family had done enough for you that you should be grateful and do this little thing," Pauline shrieked.

Scarlet hands paused briefly before it continued with what she was doing. Pauline's accusing glare boring into her as though she will eat her whole if she didn't provide the money.

Across the room, Ruby sat calmly on the worn-out couch, her lips curled into a mocking smirk—a smile of one who has won the game effortlessly. A look Scarlet had become conversant with over the years.

"Yes, you are right but at the same time I have drained my sweat and blood for the family that I have to wonder are you vampires." She questioned coldly.

Scarlet couldn't understand it, she had been adopted by the Winters family with no knowledge of who she is or how she ended up in the orphanage but right from her younger age, she has been the one catering for herself.

The Winters has only provided her with a roof over her head. Pauline Winters reputation hasn't been great in the neighborhood.

Basil Winters her husband isn't left out as he only thinks of gambling and smoking.Some days back, the loan sharks had came for his gambling debt and Scarlet had been called out from the office to pay off the debt.

Ruby, her foster sister is anything but good. A sex and drug addict, only good in spending money (Scarlet's hard-earned money). Scarlet has a feeling that the idea of getting admission might be another way of her getting money from her. 

"You're the only one earning in this house," Pauline continued, her voice thick with frustration. "Or do you expect me to break my back at my age? You should be grateful I even raised you—this is the least you can do!"

Scarlet's having secured her essentials smiled lightly "The least she could do." She murmured.

As if she hadn't spent years doing everything in her power to make life easier for them. As if she wasn't already working a full-time job and picking up odd jobs at night just to keep food on the table.

"Mom," Ruby interjected sweetly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "It's okay, my sister may have other pressing needs that are more important than my education."

Scarlet's head snapped toward her, anger flaring in her chest, Rosy immediately shrank her head. Though, she had always triumphed over Scarlet. She knew it was because of her parents. She sometimes marvels at how Scarlet is so exceptional in everything and she is not reconciled with the idea.

Ruby looked innocent, but Scarlet knew better. The fake hurt in her voice, the mocking understanding, an act she had performed through the years and is has become so perfect that Scarlet never cease to wonder why she hadn't secured a role in a blockbuster movie.

"Are you serious, Scarlet?!" Pauline hissed. "You don't want your sister to further her education?!"

"Did I stop her from going to school? Or must I pay for her education, did she pay mine?" She questioned coldly. 

"Scarlet, you dare to talk to me that way again and I will never finish with you this morning", Pauline shrieked. 

Scarlet wouldn't dare her because she can make it come true besides she has nothing to loss. Scarlet forced herself to breathe, she felt her head aching. She was tired. Exhausted, even. But she knew better than to fight back. It never worked.

And she couldn't spend the rest of the day proving who is right or wrong.

Scarlet glanced at the clock. 7:30 AM. Her stomach dropped, she is late again today.

It had become a habit of Pauline to disrupt her morning routine with her nagging attitude for the past few weeks especially on Mondays and she is beginning to feel she is doing it on purpose.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out what little money she had left and placed it on the table. "This is all I have until next payday," she said flatly.

Pauline snatched the bills without hesitation, her anger instantly dissolving now that she had won. Ruby's smirk grew deepened. Without another word, she grabbed her coat casting a final glance on them she walked out of the house. 

Scarlet's stomach growled lightly as she hurried toward the subway station, the morning's chaos had left her no time for breakfast.

Spotting a small eatery near the entrance, she darted inside, making a quick purchase of a burger and a bottle of Coke. Clutching her bag, files, and the meal, she noticed the bus about to depart.

Heart racing, Scarlet dashed toward the bus, weaving through the throng of commuters. In her haste, she was pushed and the burger slipped from her grasp, falling to the ground.

Before she could react, it was trampled by the rushing crowd, reduced to an unrecognizable mess.

Scarlet felt a surge of frustration as she stared at the flattened burger on the pavement. Her one chance at breakfast—gone, trampled under rushing feet.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—" a young lady gasped beside her, eyes wide with regret.

Scarlet exhaled sharply, biting back the urge to snap. It wasn't the girl's fault. Just another piece of bad luck. With a forced sigh, she waved it off. "It's fine."

Ignoring her hunger and the loss of her breakfast, Scarlet pressed on, her files tight in her grip as she boarded the already departing bus, squeezing into a corner.

She had hoped to eat in the bus but with the burger gone, she downed the drink to cushion her stomach.

Scarlet leaned her head against the cold glass, watching the city blur past with one thought in her heart "Late again."