Red Strings of Fate (Haunted Series 2)

Strings 45: His side (Part I/II)

I was momentarily distracted, but now I'm back in control.

[You're back, boss?] I answer my phone on the first ring.

"Why?"

I listened to Allan explain that they saw my car as they were nearby because of Scarlet.

I passed my car keys to Talia while leaving the restaurant. At the same time, I contacted my brother to give Kristine Yoshikawa's direct contact. I need answers to why Scarlet is going to their clothing company.

I know she stopped school—that was a surprise. I thought she'd transfer, but apparently, she's working through different places, and now she's at Mr. and Mrs Couture.

"She's going inside, James," Talia mutters by my side as we see Scarlet walk under the rain, wearing white clothes.

Kristine Yoshikawa isn't answering me. I've been gone for too long, what the fuck is happening? "She shouldn't be."

I hear Talia step on the pedal, and the next thing that happens makes my blood boil. Seeing Scarlet stare at the car in horror as she's drenched in rainwater.

"What the fuck. Talia! Is this some sick joke to you?" I reach forward to stop the car when we're out of Scarlet's sight and open the door on her side. "Get out."

"When you do questionable things for her safety, it's okay, but when I do it, I get shouted at?"

"You didn't stop her from going in. You embarrassed her." I gave her a look, and she gave it back with the same wavelength while stepping outside the pouring rain.

I called her again. [Hello—]

"You have some explaining to do. Scarlet being in your company wasn't part of the agreement."

Hindi nakasagot ng ilang sandali ang babaeng Yoshikawa sa kabilang linya nang sinagot niya ang tawag ko.

"You're under observation. Everyone around you is a target. What happens if they decide to dig into her past?"

[I don't have to explain myself. I'm the one paying for her protection.]

I press my fingers to my forehead, trying to think. They were the ones who ordered Scarlet should stay in the dark about her real life. Why is she meeting her daughter now?

"Just prepare extra clothes for your daughter." I dropped the call and answered another incoming one from my brother, Evan. "Bro."

[Helfamnade.]

I furrowed my brows at his whisper. "What?"

[Help me.]

"I'm busy."

I was about to turn it off when he shouted. [Hey!]

I sigh. "What?"

[I'm stuck in a bathroom. Naked.]

What is it with the people around me? Seriously, did I accidentally volunteer for a circus?

When I went inside the building a few minutes later, I could see Hope's back even from a mile away. It's a big building and she's the first person I see. Unfortunately, that's not how we met and talked again. She had to catch me helping my stupid brother get dressed because he was too horny.

"Wait. So... y-you.. you think that he and I are... are—" I glanced at Evan, who was holding his laugh.

"Lovers? Mag jowa? Mag boyfriend? Bakit? Hindi po ba?"

"Scarlet... you're mistaken, okay? This is a complete misunderstanding—"

She didn't believe a word I said. She stormed out of the bathroom in panic, and Evan, ever the opportunist, played up the charade of us being some perfect couple.