A knock at the door shattered the tension. Caden and Alicia shared a loaded glance. "Sir, Madam, Mr. Reed is here," their housekeeper announced.
The news caught Scarlette mid-breath, triggering a violent coughing fit.
Alicia rubbed her daughter's back soothingly before dismissing the housekeeper with a quiet, "Go about your business."
The housekeeper nodded and withdrew.
When Scarlette's coughing subsided, she Looked at her mother, words stuck in her throat.
"Go wash your hands," Alicia said simply. "It's time for dinner."
Scarlette didn't dare protest.
Despite March's arrival, winter's grip lingered stubbornly, with temperatures plummeting to mere degrees after nightfall.
Fresh from her bath, Scarlette lay in bed, restless thoughts circling like moths around a flame—all of them centered on Kenji standing outside. Was he still out there? No, surely not. He wouldn't subject himself to such discomfort. He must have left by now.
The more her mind dwelled on it, the more agitated she became. Unable to resist, she threw on a coat and eased her bedroom door open with the stealth of a cat, only to find Caden sitting across the hallway, legs crossed, regarding her with a poker face.
Scarlette shivered, forcing a weak smile. "Dad..."
"Don't bother checking," Caden stated bluntly. "He hasn't left."
Scarlette's eyes widened in disbelief. "He's been out there this whole time?"
"It's hardly a blizzard," Caden remarked, his displeasure evident. "What's a little waiting in the cold? Yet, here you are, fretting over him at the slightest breeze. Why not direct some of that concern toward yourself?"
Scarlette twisted her fingers nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not concerned about him. He's probably just here to apologize. Don't worry. I won't forgive him."
Caden let out a harsh laugh. "Keep dreaming. His visit has nothing to do with you. He's here to apologize to me on behalf of his father."
His words left Scarlette speechless.
"This matter is between me and the Reed family. It doesn't concern you. Go back to sleep," Caden commanded, rising from his seat.
Returning to the master bedroom, Caden stood at the window, his gaze fixed on the scene below.
Kenji remained stationed by his car, his stance suggesting he'd wait until the end of time if necessary.
Alicia observed the same sight. "How long do you intend to leave him out there?" she asked quietly.
"Until he freezes," Caden replied, Alicia cast a knowing glance at her husband. "Scarlette will worry herself sick long before that happens."
Caden's troubled expression deepened.
"Nobody comes into this world knowing how to love," Alicia mused softly. "You can't condemn him forever for one mistake. Even if you dismiss the Reed family entirely, think of Scarlette. Kenji holds a special place in her heart—he was her first love."