[TIDK] 119 – Incite Jealousy

A voice suddenly broke the silence, coming from outside the window and interrupting Scarlett's thoughts. She quickly opened the curtains and saw her neighbour, Liv, in her pyjamas, calling out to her urgently.

"Scarlett, do you know there are naval officers in front of your house?" Liv exclaimed.

"Now?" Scarlett responded, her heart racing.

"I've been here for a while. I woke up a little while ago and saw them out there," Liv explained.

"Thank you," Scarlett replied, a sense of urgency filling her.

Without wasting a moment, Scarlett hastily changed into her outerwear and dashed out of the building. As she reached the front, her eyes fell upon Viktor, standing there. Scarlett stood at the door, facing him directly.

"People feel threatened," she stated, trying to make sense of the situation.

"That's great," Viktor replied, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction.

"What's good about it?" Scarlett questioned; her confusion evident.

"At least no one will think you're easy," Viktor explained, his words leaving Scarlett exasperated.

She sighed and asked him directly, "How long are you going to stay?"

"I was going to go before you woke up," Viktor replied casually.

"Why?" Scarlett inquired, trying to understand his intentions.

"It's crazy if I stay until you wake up," Viktor remarked cryptically.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but... where are you going?" Scarlett asked, hoping for a more straightforward answer.

"The lake. To skate," Viktor answered, his words leaving Scarlett puzzled.

"Why are you going at night?" she questioned further, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"There are men during the day," Viktor responded, leaving Scarlett even more perplexed than before.

Despite Viktor's reputation for taking down pirates, some of them had managed to infiltrate the capital, causing occasional disturbances, especially during the night. The crowded streets where many people resided provided a sense of safety, but it was the desolate and dimly lit streets where one could feel isolated and vulnerable. However, Viktor Dumfelt had the power to send shivers down the spines of those pirates, making them flee at the mere sight of him.

Scarlett glanced at Viktor, who had been patiently waiting in the freezing weather, and reluctantly spoke up, her voice filled with hesitation.

"Okay."

Viktor noticed her lack of proper attire and asked, "You didn't buy a coat, did you?"

Scarlett sighed softly and replied, "...No."

Viktor motioned towards the carriage, and Blythe retrieved a white cashmere coat from inside. Scarlett slipped it on, feeling its softness and warmth, and couldn't help but express her admiration.

"It's so pretty. And so warm," she remarked, appreciating the coat's beauty.

As Scarlett marvelled at her new attire, Viktor positioned himself in front of the carriage and extended his hand. Reluctantly, Scarlett followed him and entered the carriage.

Upon arriving at the lake, they found it deserted. Despite the lack of people, the entire area was illuminated as if lights were shining from every corner. Scarlett sat on a bench, already wearing her skates, while observing Viktor tightly holding onto his own pair.

Taking a step onto the frozen lake, Scarlett almost lost her balance, but Viktor swiftly caught her, preventing her from falling. Scarlett, feeling embarrassed, mumbled to herself.

"It's been a while since I rode it, so it's hard..." Scarlett muttered, quickly freeing her hand from Viktor's grasp. She cautiously attempted to move forward, taking small steps but ended up slipping and falling onto her hips.

"Oh..." Scarlett let out a pained sound, her face reddening from embarrassment. She instinctively covered her face, trying to hide her shame.

"Why can't I... I used to be really good at skating when I was young. I think my athleticism has declined from sitting and working every day," she lamented but remained on the ground, afraid of another fall.

Viktor extended his arm and helped her up, his expression indifferent. "I don't think you ever had much in terms of motor skills."

"It may seem that way compared to you," Scarlett replied, her tone tinged with resentment. She despised Viktor for bringing back memories through the skates. It seemed he knew all too well how to appeal to her.

What was his intention in seducing her and reigniting her feelings? Scarlett couldn't help but feel sorry for herself for impulsively following him without a second thought.

As Scarlett was trying to regain her balance on the skates, a group of individuals emerged in the distance, catching her attention. Among them, she immediately recognised Nina Hunter, the lover of the prince and once Viktor's lover as well. Scarlett's face paled at the sight of her. The last encounter with Nina had been chaotic, to say the least.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Scarlett found her voice. "Viktor."

"Yes?" he responded.

"If you're attempting to incite jealousy, this is not the right approach," she said, her tone firm.

Viktor tilted his head slightly, seemingly puzzled by her words. Given their significant height difference, Scarlett wanted to whisper her concerns to him, but her skates betrayed her, and she began to slip. Just in time, Viktor reached out and caught her, preventing another fall. It was only then that Scarlett continued her train of thought.

"Skating with your ex-wife won't succeed in provoking jealousy," she remarked, her words laced with a touch of bitterness.

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