Next Day.
Scarlett woke up in a cheerful mood.
Today, she had a scheduled visit to her mother's old apartment in the old town. She wanted to see where her mother had lived and search for nearby buildings that might have had CCTV installed.
If she was lucky, she might find some traces of it. Although it was improbable, considering the place had been relocated several years ago. But she just wanted to test her luck.
Apart from her mission to find traces of her mother, she was also filled with happiness because it was the first day she and Xander woke up in their new home.
The view of the beautiful emerald lake behind the house, visible from the window in her room, left her mesmerized. She stood by the window for a few moments, captivated by the new scenery before her eyes. It was truly stunning.
However, she couldn't indulge in the breathtaking view for too long because she realized she was running late. It was almost eight in the morning — she was supposed to wake up at seven.
Scarlett glanced at Xander, who had just come out from the walk-in closet. He looked dashing in his office attire — a gray suit, with his hair impeccably styled as he always does when heading to the office.
"Xander, I'll be ready in ten minutes," Scarlett informed him as she headed toward the bathroom. She was slightly annoyed with him because he had been turning off her cell phone alarm lately. It seemed he planned to let her sleep more and never to wake up before him. It was frustrating!
If she didn't have any appointments, she wouldn't mind. But today was different. She had promised Theodor and Logan that they would leave at 9 in the morning.
"Just relax, baby. There's no need to rush. Take your time," Xander said, smiling at Scarlett, who pouted as she entered the bathroom. "Baby... I'll be waiting for you at the dining table," he added playfully before leaving the room.
...
10 minutes later, Scarlett emerged from the bedroom, dressed in her stylish black leather jacket, black ripped jeans, and brand-new brown leather ankle boots. Today, she decided to wear her gray short-hair wig and apply makeup to conceal her actual appearance. She's in disguise.
When Scarlett arrived at the dining table, Xander was taken aback by her transformation.
'She's in disguise!?' He talks inwardly, feeling confused.
"Babe, why are you wearing your ugly wig again?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Xander still remembered, her saying that the people who had been pursuing her were no longer a threat. That's why since then, she never wears her wig again.
"Has that person returned to chasing you?" Xander asked again. This time his voice sounded angry.
Scarlett smiled at Xander's surprised expression, and she answered him, "No." Then, she casually sat beside him, her face beamed as she saw the English breakfast on the table.
"But..."
Xander paused when Scarlett held his hand gently and said, "Xander, don't worry... That person isn't after me anymore," Scarlett reassured him.
But his angry expression was still there. His face still looks dark, as if there's a dark cloud hanging behind him.
"Babe, please listen... if that person is still pursuing you, you must tell me," Xander said seriously, his hand gently caressing her back.
Xander didn't like seeing his wife having to disguise herself and restrict her freedom to go wherever she pleased. She wasn't a public figure who needed to take such precautions.
Scarlett laughed, amused by Xander's concern.
"I've already told you, that person has changed for the better..." Scarlett locked her gaze with his. "He's harmless now, so you don't have to worry about him." She couldn't help but smile. If only Xander had known the truth that the man he hated the most was his best friend, Theodor, he would have been shocked, right?
Xander didn't respond immediately. Instead, he sharply looked into her eyes, searching for sincerity in her words.
"Baby, I trust you. But, if that person ever causes you any distress, please inform me. I can help you handle him. I can send someone to make him suffer!" Xander couldn't completely rid of his doubt. He is still wary that the supposed threat to his wife might resurface.
Scarlett weakly nodded, diverting her gaze to her breakfast. 'Jeez, should I tell him that guy is Theodor?' She silently pondered.
"Who is he? Can you tell me his identity? I will send my people to watch over him and detain him if he poses any danger to you!"
Scarlett nearly choked upon hearing his words. Slowly, she lifted her head and met Xander's intense gaze. "Xander, trust me..." she spoke softly, her fingers caressing his cheek softly in an attempt to calm his distress.
"But, baby, why are you wearing your wig again?" Xander asked, confused.
Scarlett sighed deeply before replying, "Well, this is a new place, and I don't want to roam around with my true appearance in an unfamiliar location."
Xander's confusion only grew upon hearing her explanation.
"...I just want to stay hidden from Jude Withers' people. I know that old bastard is trying to locate me." Scarlett finally revealed her concerns.
Scarlett couldn't completely trust it despite her uncle Noah's assurance that he could keep Jude Withers from harming her. She wanted to remain cautious, especially since she had just arrived in the city.
Xander nodded slowly. Now, he understands and agrees with her.
"Babe, don't worry. They won't be able to follow you to the Royal Garden. This area is the royal family's residence, so you're safe while you're here. However, you still need to be extra cautious when you're out." Xander said.
"I know. That's why I decided to disguise myself."
"However... don't worry too much. I have my people throughout the city, and they will keep an eye on you and Logan."
"Hmm... Understood!" She said to him with an alluring smile.
"Also, you can rely on Theodor. He's not just an ordinary young prince in this country. He has a powerful group backing him up..." Xander gently stroked Scarlett's back with one hand while using the other hand to begin his own meal.
Scarlett nodded. She was well aware of Theodor's capabilities. That man had relentlessly pursued her in the past.
"I'll keep that in mind," Scarlett replied.
Just as they finished eating, Albert, the butler, entered the dining room and whispered something to Xander.
Xander's expression darkened upon hearing the news.
"Why did that man come again? I didn't invite him to join us for breakfast," Xander asked Albert, but the butler didn't know how to answer. He was also unaware. He had merely received a report from the gate guard that Master Theodor had entered the residence.
Scarlett, who had just sipped her warm tea, was taken aback to hear Xander's angry tone directed at Albert.
"Xander, what's wrong?" she asked, concerned.
"Theo, he's here this early," Xander replied. "Babe, I'll go see him. You can continue with your breakfast..." He stood up from his seat.
Scarlett was stunned. She completely forgot to tell Xander that she had invited Theodor to come over at nine.
"Xander, I'm sorry. I'm the one who invited him," Scarlett said, gazing apologetically at him. "You don't have to greet him. Just ask him to join us for breakfast," she suggested. He nods.
Scarlett then asked Albert to prepare an additional breakfast set for Theodor and invited him to join them.
"Why did you invite him?" Xander inquired as he sat back down beside Scarlett. "We only met him last night..."
"Mr. Riley, did you forget?" She smiles teasingly at him. "You told me that Theodor has extensive knowledge about this country. So, when I asked him about my mother's apartment address last night, he offered to help me. I didn't want to miss the opportunity, so I asked him to come at nine so we could go together."
"I see," Xander nodded in agreement. "Theodor is indeed the best person to assist you..."
"Yeah, that's why I need his help!" She said while silently cursing Theodor in her heart because that man came too early. Gosh!
...
It wasn't long before they heard approaching footsteps at the door.
Scarlett gazed at the entrance and smirked when she saw Theodor entering the room with his cheerful expression.
"Good morning, sister-in-law," Theodor's voice boomed in the room. "You're so kind to invite me for breakfast. It just so happens I haven't had mine..." he said happily and sat opposite them.
Scarlett was speechless. She couldn't believe her eyes, seeing how neatly dressed he was. Theodor was wearing a navy suit, his hair slicked back meticulously. He appeared ready for an important meeting, a sharp contrast to her cyberpunk-style outfit. Jeez!
"Theo, you came early. Didn't I say we would leave at nine?" Scarlett asked.
"Early? Sis, I am only fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. Well, truth be told, I'm the most punctual man to ever grace this world..." Theodor said with a wide smile. "I'm never late!!"
Scarlett, "..."
