THE SCAR

Some people believe scars fade with time. Mine only learned how to hide.

I stare down at him. He looks so peaceful while asleep. Lucian Nightingale—my husband, my savior, my second chance at love.

I absentmindedly trace the jagged scar on my left arm, the one that throbs on cold nights. The one he gave me. Elliot.

They say first love never dies. They're wrong. Mine died the day he pushed me... the day she betrayed me... the day I bled on that cold floor and realized that the people you love most can destroy you the fastest.

Elliot Ryder and Scarlet Monroe taught me that love is a weapon. Lucian Nightingale taught me it can also be a shield.

The baby in my womb kicks, pulling me back from the edge of those dark memories. I should let it go. I should stop remembering. But the mind is cruel—it makes you relive your worst moments during your sweetest moments.

The baby kicks again.

Suddenly, I'm seventeen again.

At that party.

Stained.

Humiliated.

And then—

Those amber eyes.

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"Make sure you're home early, Avery. You know your dad doesn't like late-night outings,"

my mum shouted from the balcony behind the kitchen.

"Sure, Mum. It isn't going to take long. I'll be home earlier than you expect,"

I replied, struggling with the zipper on my Aphrodite jeans.

I was going to attend Scarlet's birthday party. She'd invited me a few days earlier, and I wasn't going to disappoint her again—

not this time. I didn't know then that this party would change everything.

I checked myself in the mirror and loved the figure staring back at me. I twirled around, smiling proudly before walking through the airy hallway to the kitchen.

"Hey, Mum, how do I look in this outfit?"

I asked, striking a pose and making a funny face.

"You look perfect, dear. You look like your mother's daughter," she beamed, reaching up to adjust a strand of hair that had slipped across my face.

The word perfect sent a surge of confidence through me.

I kissed her cheek and headed out to hail a cab.

"Hey, Mama! You're early,"

Scarlet squealed.

"Yeah, I thought I should keep my promise with a touch of glamour" I laughed.

She looked absolutely stunning—gorgeous and radiant in her birthday outfit.

Seriously, I have the prettiest friends.

"Before I forget, I got you a present" I said, handing her the carefully wrapped gift box.

"Aww! Thank you so much, sweetheart!" She linked her arm through mine.

"Come on, let's go inside. Tonight is gonna be unforgettable"

I smiled.

Moments like these reminded me why Scarlet had always felt more like a sister than a friend.

Her party was a spectacle. Music thundered through the house, making the floor vibrate beneath our feet. Neon lights painted the walls in shifting colours, balloons floated from every corner, and the scent of cake and perfume filled the air. The place was packed with people. Her parents must have spent a fortune.

We made our way upstairs to the teens' gathering.

"Avery, I didn't tell you—Jason just asked me out! Yoo!"

The excitement in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Oh... that's nice,"

I replied, forcing a smile.

She knew I didn't like conversations about dating. I couldn't understand why she still brought them up.

" Is that all you can say?" Scarlet asked, her warm voice suddenly turning cold.

Oh no... I didn't mean to upset her.

I tried to apologize, but the words refused to come.

She disappeared into the crowd before I could stop her.

Scarlet had always been temperamental although, she forgives easily. I wanted to run after her and make things right, but something told me it would only worsen things.

So I stayed where I was. That's when I became aware of my surroundings.

Everyone was staring at me. A chill crawled down my spine.

I spotted a small empty table across the room. Unable to bear the weight of so many eyes, I hurried over and collapsed into the chair, burying my face in my phone as I scrolled aimlessly.

Why is everyone staring? Is something wrong with my outfit?

Do I have a wardrobe malfunction? I couldn't figure it out.

"Hi."

A smooth masculine voice came from behind me. I looked up. Our eyes met.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with warm amber eyes that seemed to glow beneath the party lights. Dark hair framed a face that was effortlessly handsome, and for one impossible second, the music around me disappeared. My heart forgot how to beat.

"I just thought I should tell you that you're stained. You should probably go check yourself," he said gently.

The words shattered my thoughts.Then it clicked.

The staring. The whispers. I was stained. My period !

Gosh!... why now? Why here? Why didn't I even feel it?

Mortification washed over me. I wanted to thank him, but I couldn't trust my voice. Instead, I looked into his eyes.

Somehow... he understood.

"I'll be over there if you need m." he said softly, pointing toward another table before walking away.

I watched him sit alone. A sharp cramp below my abdomen snapped me back to reality. What do I do now?

I emerged from the restroom, smoothing down the burgundy gown Scarlet had lent me. I glanced toward his table. He was still there.Taking a deep breath, I walked over.

"Umm... hi. I just wanted to thank you for telling me that I was... you know..." Guilt and shame couldn't let me complete my sentence,I would only stutter if I'd continued.

"It's okay," he smiled warmly.

"I'm Elliot Ryder. But my friends call me Elly." He held out his hand. I slipped mine into his.

"I'm Avery Laurent."

His grip was warm and gentle savouring every breath in my lungs as she rubbed my palm delicately.

For a few seconds, the rest of the room disappeared. Then, my wristwatch beeped.

Eight o'clock. Time to go. "Elly, I think I should head home. It's getting late." Did I just call him Elly? OMG!

"Oh... okay." He reached into his pocket and handed me a small blue card. "Here's my number... in case you ever need it."

I smiled. Did he really have to say that? "Thank you."

Reluctantly, he let go of my hand.

I walked out into the cool night. Halfway down the street,

O shit! I'd forgotten to say goodbye to Scarlet. She'll probably be upset again

I sighed and flagged down a cab. But I couldn't focus. Elliot occupied every corner of my thoughts.

Those amber eyes. That smile. His kindness.

What is happening to me? Well, I never knew. All I knew was that I'd met a boy with amber eyes. I smiled all the way home, completely unaware that I had just stepped into the story that would change my life forever.