Chapter 3

“Where are we going, Mommy?” My daughter asked.

I just smiled at her as we packed our belongings because I had already decided that we would return to Manila. Perhaps the five years I spent hiding from my family were enough. Maybe it’s time to introduce them to my kids.

As they sat on my bed, I looked at them.

“In mommy’s real home,” I replied, caressing Carrie’s cheek. Her eyes widened as she heard what I said, and she smiled.

“Do you mean I’ll see our grandparents, Mommy?” She inquired. I nodded and messed up her hair.

I smiled as I saw how excited they were to see my family. Because I’m not going to hide forever, and I’m still going back to where I came from.

As I know, they’re excited because my daughter has asked me why there are only four of us here and where their grandparents are because they want to see them.

“So, mommy, I can see daddy as well?”

When she asked me again about their father, I was stunned and stopped putting our things away. What if they find Dominic is the father of my children? Will they take me seriously? If they aren’t aware of our relationship.

I looked at Carrie, waiting for my response. I sighed and shook my head before taking her hand. “You can see your father, but he has a new family, okay? You understand, don’t you?” I asked, and I noticed she was sad, but she just smiled.

I also clarify it for them that their father has other family. Furthermore, I also didn’t want to destroy Dominic’s image according to our children, as he was still their father.

“But what about us, Mom? Can’t we spend time with Daddy?”

I bit my lip and turned away because seeing them miss their father makes my chest tighten. I am saddened for my children because, instead of having the right to Dominic, they may end up sharing attention with their father.

But the time has changed because our marriage is no longer valid, and Dominic and Sophia are getting married. If I force my children to meet their father, they may become bastards, and they will be even more hurt.

I’ll be the one who suffers, not my children. Because they haven’t seen what a Scarlett Venice Knight can do for my children.

“Come on, Carrie!”

The scene was only stolen when August, who was obviously sad, entered our room. I cried as I hugged them both.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

I just kept apologizing to them over and over.

This is not the life I wanted for my children. This is not something I want for them. I want them to be happy, but regardless of what I do, it will never be enough to complete them.

I’m sorry, but I’m a useless mother.

“Mommy!”

They just hugged me, and I could feel Carrie trembling because I knew she wanted to see their father, but we all knew that wasn’t going to happen.

I continued packing our belongings after the drama between the three of us. I also put my children to bed first, especially Carrie, who had just fallen asleep from crying.

I sighed and caressed Carrie’s face before kissing her on the cheek. “I’m sorry; I promise no one will harm you. I will protect you both.” I smiled and whispered because they are the ones who give me the courage to fight.

I will protect them.

***

“What, Venice? Could you face your family?”

Am I ready? Are you ready to return to Scarlett Venice? Could you face them? I’m not certain. Because I’m still worried about what will happen when I return.

When I saw the Perkins building, I just looked out the window. Our trip was safe.

“It’s good to be back!” Claire yelled after getting off the ride. I frowned at her because she was only in the province for a week.

Claire’s staff helped me with my children, who were even more excited than I was.

“Is it okay if you come to our hotel first?” Claire asked. I smirked as I looked at her.

“My children are hungry as long as there is a lot of food.” I said. Claire raised her brows and rolled her eyes at me.

“Yes, Lady Scarlett.”

I just laughed at her as we entered the suite Claire had prepared for us. We’ll stay here for a few hours because I have to return to the Knight Palace later tonight.

Sophia and Dominic’s engagement party will also take place there. Claire explained that only my family and Dominic’s family were in the mansion because the Chairman didn’t want the celebration to be public to avoid trouble.

I went for a walk after we had been at the hotel for a few hours because I was nervous about going back. Damn.

I took a few deep breaths as I examined the invitation Claire had given me earlier. I smiled bitterly because I wish Dominic and I could be this proud of our future marriage, but I know that won’t happen.

“Hey, it’s time!” Claire exclaimed as she looked at me. “The kids are excited.”

I nodded. “Okay,” I said as Claire nodded and shut the door behind me. I examined myself in the mirror before holding the invitation tightly.

Scarlett, you can do it.

As I walked out of the room, I noticed that the three of them were all set up, waiting for me.

“Let’s go. My driver is waiting for me downstairs.”

I nodded and followed Claire. My children held my hand, and I could tell they were worried about what was going to happen. I sighed to relieve the tension in my chest.

I closed my eyes and gripped my children’s hands tightly. I tried not to cry because I needed to support myself after walking away from them.

As a result, Scarlett must bear the consequences. It’s totally your fault.

I opened my eyes when Agustin touched me, and he pointed to the Knights’ mansion. While Claire’s driver parked the car on the side of the road, I was stunned at the giant gate of the Knight Palace.

The palace still hasn’t been changed, even though five years have passed. This is where I learned that the family I was born into is a demon.

After Claire’s car was parked, I approached my children, who were clearly nervous.

“When we face them, what will you do first?” I asked. They both turned around and faced me again.

“Bow and introduce ourselves,” they said together.

I gave them both a genuine smile. I taught them what I learned when I was young because they were young, but I didn’t teach all of them because they had to be young. And I don’t want them to be like me, who was ignorant of the reality of life.

“Good job, babies! Let’s go!” Claire exclaimed. We laughed at her because she was also one of the most energetic.

Claire’s staff escorted us until we arrived at the front door.

When the Knights’ staff saw me standing in front of them, their eyes widened. They were taken aback by my arrival.

“Lady Scarlett, welcome back!” They greeted me and bowed to show their respect. I just smiled at them and led us inside.

I even looked at my children, who bowed to the Knights’ staff, even though I knew they were worried about how my family would react. Likewise, I smiled and shook my head because they looked to be trying not to be nervous.

When our staff saw me, they panicked, so Claire just laughed it off.

“Lady Scarlett has returned!” exclaimed the general, who was controlling our troops.

I took a deep breath as our staff formed a line and bowed together as we passed, my children holding my dress.

“Welcome back, Lady Scarlett,” they said, although I knew they weren’t expecting it. When I saw Mother Lydia, who couldn’t believe she was seeing me, I smiled and was stunned.

When she saw me, a tear streamed down her cheeks. She accompanied us to where my family and Dominic’s family were after I smiled and nodded.

“Scarlett, welcome back!” As she walked inside, Mother Lydia said.

“Thank you very much; you haven’t changed,” I replied with a smile. She gave me a genuine smile and patted my head.

“Many had changed. It’s not the same since you’ve gone missing. Your parents are actually arguing, and your sister has become more—” she came to a halt and covered her mouth when she realized she was saying too much.

“I came to congratulate Sophia and Dominic on their engagement, mother. Moreover, mom and dad.” I said. She just nodded and stared at me.

I’m also interested in what happened to the Knights after five years.

But that’s not why I’ve come here. I returned because I would rather not escape. I’d rather face everything because I’m sick of running around in circles.

When we arrived in the dining room. Except for dad and mom, who seemed to be avoiding each other, I noticed their smiles and joy in chatting.

“Scarlett?”

I’m tempted to back out. I feel like I just want to leave the province and never return.

I gave a bitter smirk. It’s as if I’ve become an intruder in their home. And I looked at Dominic, who was expressionless, and Sophia, who was smiling.

My fists were clenched.

Is this why you didn’t even bother looking for me, Dominic? Have you ever wondered why I walked away? Is it true that I’m no longer in your heart? And Is that why you agreed to marry because you thought I left you for no reason?

They appear to be tired of looking for me, as far as I can tell.

What am I to them, after all? A disgrace to the family. A reprimand for breaking any family law.

“Scarlett?”

“Mom?”

“Huh?”

When I heard them calling, I blinked and returned to reality. When I turned to face them, I noticed that they were worried about me.

“Are you all right?” asked Claire. I nodded. “Can’t we keep going? You look likely pale!”

I took a deep breath and shook my head, knowing I couldn’t go any further. I decided to return because five years was enough.

We’ve arrived, and I’ll proceed. I’m not going to run away any longer. Never, ever again.

I smiled at them after I had calmed down.

“All right, let’s go!” I said as I took my children’s hands in mine and led them to the front of the dining room.

I took a deep breath before coughing to get everyone’s attention and silence them. My hands trembled as I grinned and took a deep breath.

“I-I’m Back!” I said, but I knew they were all listening.

When they saw me standing in front of them, they were all stunned and shocked.

“S-Scarlett!”

I nodded and smiled. And I did not return to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. I returned because I know you need my help as well.