Chapter 1: Old Flames and New Frost
1210 Words
The scent of fresh pine mingled with the aroma of gingerbread cookies wafting from the kitchen as Scarlett adjusted the star on the top of the Christmas tree. Lila stood nearby, her small hands carefully arranging ornaments on the lower branches. The gentle hum of Christmas music played in the background, adding warmth to the cozy living room. Scarlett hadn’t felt this settled in years, though she knew better than to let her guard down completely.
For all its charm, Aspen Grove was full of ghosts—memories she had tried to bury, which lingered in every creak of the wooden floors and every familiar face in town. And now, one of those faces was back in her life.
Ethan Cross.
Scarlett caught herself glancing at the window, half-expecting to see his black SUV parked out front again. She had barely slept the night before, her mind replaying their brief encounter over and over. Why had he come? What did he mean when he said he wanted to talk? And why did seeing him again stir up feelings she had buried long ago?
“Mommy, look!” Lila’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Scarlett turned to see her daughter proudly holding up a handmade ornament—a reindeer crafted from popsicle sticks and googly eyes.
“Wow, Lila, that’s adorable!” Scarlett said, crouching down to admire it.
“It’s Rudolph,” Lila explained seriously. “He’s going right in the middle.”
Scarlett smiled as Lila carefully placed the ornament on the tree. Moments like this reminded her why she had fought so hard to leave James and build a life on her terms. Lila deserved a childhood filled with love and laughter, not one overshadowed by control and manipulation.
The doorbell rang, jolting Scarlett from her thoughts. She glanced at the clock. It was early, too early for a casual visit. Her heart tightened.
“Stay here, sweetie,” she told Lila, who was now busy untangling a strand of tinsel. Scarlett crossed the room, her bare feet silent on the hardwood floor.
When she opened the door, her breath hitched.
Ethan stood there, snow dusting his dark hair and coat. He held a steaming thermos in one hand and a paper bag in the other, his smile both sheepish and charming.
“Morning,” he said.
Scarlett blinked at him, momentarily at a loss for words. “Ethan. What are you doing here?”
“I figured you might need some caffeine,” he said, holding up the thermos. “And pastries. Everyone needs pastries.”
Scarlett hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. Lila was still engrossed in her decorating. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, stepping aside to let him in.
“I wanted to,” Ethan replied, his gaze sweeping over the living room as he entered. “It looks... cozy in here. You’ve got a good holiday vibe going.”
“Thanks,” Scarlett said, closing the door behind him. She gestured toward the kitchen. “You can set those down in there.”
Ethan nodded, heading toward the kitchen with the easy confidence of someone who had spent countless hours in this house. Scarlett followed, her nerves prickling.
“So,” she said, leaning against the counter as he unpacked the bag. “What’s the real reason you’re here?”
Ethan paused, his expression softening. “I wasn’t lying about wanting to check in on you,” he said. “But there’s something else I need to tell you.”
Scarlett’s stomach tightened. “What is it?”
Before he could answer, Lila appeared in the doorway, her eyes lighting up when she saw Ethan.
“You’re back!” she exclaimed.
Ethan crouched down to her level, grinning. “I couldn’t stay away. Did you finish decorating the tree?”
“Almost,” Lila said proudly. “You should come see!”
“I will in a minute,” Ethan promised. He ruffled her hair gently before standing up.
Lila beamed at him before darting back to the living room.
Scarlett crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. “Ethan, you’re starting to worry me. What’s going on?”
Ethan hesitated, his jaw tightening. “It’s about James.”
Scarlett’s heart sank. Just hearing his name was enough to send a chill down her spine. “What about him?”
“I’ve been looking into him,” Ethan admitted, his voice low. “Scarlett, he’s not just some controlling ex-husband. He’s dangerous.”
Scarlett stiffened. “I know that. Why do you think I left him?”
Ethan shook his head. “I don’t think you know the full extent of it. He’s involved in some shady business dealings that could put you and Lila at risk.”
Scarlett’s pulse quickened. “How do you know this?”
Ethan hesitated again, weighing how much to reveal. “Let’s just say I’ve been working on something for a while now. Uncovering secrets, exposing people like James.”
Scarlett stared at him, the pieces slowly clicking into place. “You’re not just here because Daniel asked you to check on me, are you?”
“No,” Ethan admitted, his gaze steady. “I’m here because I want to protect you. And because I think James might still have you in his sights.”
Scarlett’s legs felt weak. She gripped the edge of the counter to steady herself. “Why would he come after me now? The divorce is final. He got what he wanted.”
“Not everything,” Ethan said grimly. “You left him, Scarlett. That bruised his ego. Men like James don’t let things like that go easily.”
Scarlett closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. She thought she had left James and his toxic influence behind, but now it seemed he was still casting a shadow over her life.
“What do you want me to do?” she asked finally.
“For now, just stay alert,” Ethan said. “Don’t let your guard down. And if you see or hear anything unusual, call me.”
Scarlett nodded, though the knot in her chest didn’t loosen. “Okay.”
Ethan reached out, his hand brushing hers. “You’re not alone in this, Scarlett,” he said softly. “I’ll make sure you and Lila are safe.”
His touch was steady, reassuring, but it sent an unexpected jolt through Scarlett. She pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushing.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan nodded, stepping back. “I should go. But I’ll check in again soon.”
Scarlett walked him to the door, her mind racing with everything he had just told her. As he stepped outside, the snow falling softly around him, she felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite name—fear, gratitude, and something else entirely.
“Be careful, Ethan,” she said.
He turned back, his green eyes locking onto hers. “You too.”
Scarlett watched him drive away, her heart heavy with worry and questions. She didn’t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: her quiet life in Aspen Grove was about to get much more complicated.
- Writer
