✴ Scarlett ✴
The chill of the late December morning crept through the cracks of the window, but the house was filled with a warmth that came from the lingering spirit of Christmas. Despite the festivities, I couldn’t fully shake the cloud that Damien had left in his wake. Every smile, every laugh, felt like I was forcing myself to be present while a part of me kept replaying our brief Christmas call. But life didn’t stop for heartache. Today was important. Today was the day I would make my final pitch to Dad about the changes I believed Matthews Couture desperately needed. I had spent hours poring over data and compiling reports, and I had prepared a streamlined plan that would prove to him these changes weren’t just necessary – they were the future. I smoothed my blazer as I stood outsid
