AN: This chapter marks the beginning of Volume 3: Flower Path

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A week later. 

Scarlett felt significantly better after choosing the curettage* option a few days ago. Although she disliked the procedure, she admitted its necessity for her future pregnancy hopes.

The desire to have children flared up strongly in her. This was because Grandpa Riley longed to have great-grandchildren.

So far, only Doctor Tiffany and Grandpa Robert knew about her miscarriage. Even Logan who was always by her side wasn't aware of it yet. She planned to gradually tell others, especially Aunt Martha, as she got better. With each passing day, she felt stronger and hoped to share the news in the coming days.

Although Scarlett felt weak, she was eager to do some physical training, such as running or cycling. However, Xander was hesitant to allow her to engage in extreme exercise. Therefore, their current plan was to take a leisurely walk together every morning.

This morning, Scarlett and Xander headed to the garden behind their house to soak up the beautiful morning sun and get some exercise. 

As they walk, they engage in discussions about various topics. She can no longer contain her curiosity and finally asks Xander about his work, which had been postponed due to his sudden flight to accompany her here.

"Xander, what about Riley Group?" Scarlett asked with a hint of guilt in her eyes. "You come here out of the blue, and Carter is also unable to work—" As she locked eyes with him, her voice trailed off. She felt a lump in her throat, and her vision became blurry.

Scarlett felt a surge of emotion within him; During the last few months, so many things had happened in her life, and all of them succeeded in draining her emotions. She felt mentally exhausted and hoped that no more misfortunes would befall her or her family; she just yearned for peace and happiness.

Xander, walking quietly beside her, was taken aback by her question. When he met her teary eyes, he stopped walking and pulled her into his arms. Xander didn't even rush to speak or say anything to her; he just embraced her quietly. After a few moments, he guided her to sit on a bench near the lake.

With a gentle smile, he said, "Wife, Grandpa is still healthy enough to lead the company, so he's currently serving as the acting CEO," he paused as he noticed her gasp.

"Let's say Grandpa finally gave me a vacation after all these years of leading the company without a holiday..." Xander continued with a soft chuckle. His hand softly caressed her rosy cheeks and continued his words, "So, don't worry about it, okay? I'll be here with you. If you want to do anything, just let me know."

"Hmm, I will..." Scarlett paused. "Did Grandpa know about it?" she asked, concerned that he might already be aware and feeling sad and disappointed in her.

"I did tell him," Xander confirmed. However, upon noticing her slightly low mood, he quickly added, "He actually wanted to speak with you and to cheer you up, but I stopped him. I suggested he wait until you were ready to talk."

Scarlett finally spoke after a few moments of silence and only staring at the lake. "I'll give Grandpa Riley a call later. By the way, how's Carter doing?" She was unsure about his condition, as Xander didn't want anything to trouble her and didn't share any updates about the outside world, including Carter's well-being.

"Carter's surgery went smoothly; however, he won't regain his ability to walk immediately. Doctor Robert firmly believes he's on the right path and will eventually recover his walking ability sooner." Xander explained. 

Despite staying at home, Xander continued to engage with his grandfather about the company. He also kept in touch with Ben, who was now stationed at the hospital, to assist Carter and keep him informed about his condition.

Scarlett's relief hearing Xander's words as she finally broke into a smile. "I'm relieved to hear that. Aunt must be overjoyed..." 

"Would you like to pay him a visit? He's already able to receive visitors, and it's also an opportunity for you to meet Aunty in person," Xander suggested, hoping to divert her attention away from the painful topic of her miscarriage.

"Really? Can we really go there? Shall we head over there after lunch?" Scarlett's eyes sparkled with joy. She finally could visit Carter and Aunt Martha.

Xander's smile when he saw how happy she was. However, just before they could make their way back to the house, Logan emerged, approaching them. "What is it, Logan?" Xander inquired.

"Master, there's a guest waiting for the young madam in the living room," Logan conveyed, glancing at Scarlett quickly.

"A guest? For me?" Scarlett was taken aback, as the Royal Garden was off-limits to all unless granted entry. Yet, someone had managed to reach their house without their permission.

"Yes, ma'am," Logan confirmed, a tension apparent in his eyes.

"Is it Theodor?" Xander asks. Only Theodor could enter their home with such familiarity.

"No, Sir. It is His Highness Roland Gilwynn and His Majesty Simon Gilwynn," Logan clarified.

Scarlett's body tensed at the unexpected presence of the Gilwynns. "Why are they here?" she questioned Logan, who could only offer a helpless shrug. She turned to Xander, her gaze searching for answers. "Did you have any knowledge of this?"

Xander assisted Scarlett to stand before saying, "Let's find the reason behind their visit," he suggested. While Scarlett hadn't fully accepted Roland Gilwynn as her father, Xander recognized the significance of his presence as his father-in-law and couldn't simply ignore him.

Many questions now arise in Scarlett's mind about the two honorable guests in her house, especially Simon Gilwynn.

She was trying to find an answer to why Simon suddenly appeared here, even though he clearly didn't like her the last time they met. They had nothing more to talk about. She feels puzzled. 

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*[Note: The term "curettage" refers to a medical procedure where the lining of the uterus is removed for various reasons, including in cases of miscarriage.]

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