Chapter 13
Meanwhile, Renee Callahan was abroad,
The morning light streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, flooding into the room as she slowly woke up in the lavish, princess–style canopy bed, stretching with a relaxed, sleepy
grace.
She was no longer Scarlett. She’d gone back to her birth name.
A week had passed since her reunion with her biological parents, Dwight Callahan and Celine Hatherly. Now, she stood as the eldest daughter of the wealthlest family in the country–the Callahans.
The soft chime of the bedside bellechoed through the room, followed by the sound of brisk, purposeful footsteps drawing near from the hallway.
A line of housekeepers entered, pushing rolling racks loaded with haute couture gowns, dresses, shoes, and jewelry. The display was like a private fashion show set up just for her.
“Ms. Callahan, what would you like to wear today?” the head housekeeper asked with a smile, her voice soft and full of respect.
Renee rubbed her eyes, her gaze wandering over the racks of clothing before coming to rest on a delicate lavender lace
gown.
She motioned toward it and spoke quietly, “This one, please.”
The housekeepers moved swiftly, assisting her into the gown and pairing it with diamond- studded heels and a beautiful pearl necklace.
Renee caught her reflection in the mirror, her features flawless, her presence graceful, as though she had walked straight out of a fairy tale.
As she made her way down the stairs, the sharp tones of a heated argument drifted up to meet
her.
“Renee’s going to love the breakfast I’ve prepared! I made sure to learn some Caelerian recipes. She used to be crazy about bacon cheddar rolls when she was younger!” said Celine, her voice filled with pride.
“You really think your rolls can compete with my Falrenian croissants? Renee’s been in Caeleria for so long. ‘She’s probably craving something new by now!” Dwight shot back, hist voice dripping with confidence.
“Mom, Dad, can you two give it a rest?”
Eamon sighed, rubbing his forehead as he gestured toward the table, overflowing with more breakfast dishes than anyone could finish.
“The chefs whipped up all this because you couldn’t stop making demands. And now you’ve piled your own stuff on top of it. Are you trying to stuff Renee, or what?” he muttered.
Dwight and Celine glared at him, their voices merging. “And what about you? Have you seen all the food you’ve prepared?
Eamon shrugged, his voice carrying a hint of affection. “I’ve spent years perfecting my cooking just so I could make meals for Renee of course, I’m going to take a little pride in it.”
Celine couldn’t suppress a laugh, her voice light as she teased, “If you’re that attached to Renee, you might scare off anyone who’d ever consider marrying you.”
Eamon raised an eyebrow, his tone casual. “How would you know if I’m even interested in getting married? I’m perfectly content spoiling Renee for the rest of my life.”
Renee stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching them, a gentle warmth blooming in her chest. For the past week, it had been as though she were living in a dream come true.
Dwight, Celine, and Eamon had showered her with so much love. It felt as though they were making up for every moment she’d lost.
Dwight made it a point to sit with her every day asking about her favorite things, and what she wanted from life. Celine carefully selected clothes and jewelry for Renee, as though she
were set on giving her the finest the world had to offer.
And Eamon was always by her side, concerned she might face even the slightest discomfort.
“Renee, you’re awake?” Eamon was the first to notice her and quickly walked over, his voice gentle. “Come on over for breakfast. Take your pick.”
Dwight and Celine moved in quickly, their faces bright with welcoming smiles. “Renee, come taste what we’ve made!”
They led her to the dining table, where a beautiful spread of dishes awaited, each one more appetizing than the last.
With every bite she took, Dwight, Celine, and Eamon watched intently, waiting for her reaction as if her approval mattered more than anything from a professional.
“This is incredible!” Renee’s eyes brightened as she savored the sunny–side–up eggs Eamon had made.
Eamon couldn’t help but grin, throwing a smug look at Dwight and Celine. “I told you my cooking would win Renee over.”
Not about to let him have the last word, Dwight and Celine eagerly pushed their dishes closer to her. “Renee, you’ve got to try this next!‘
Renee nodded with a smile, savoring each dish thoughtfully. When she was done, she patted her full stomach with a playful sigh. “I’m stuffed. One more bite and I’ll be as round as a
Chapter 13
balloon.‘
The room erupted in laughter, the kind that made everything feel perfect.
After breakfast, Dwight, Celine, and Eamon got ight back to it, each eager to take charge of planning her day.
“Renee, how about coming to the company within show you the ropes. You’re the
today? I’ll future of the Callahans, after all!” Dwight said, his voice full of enthusiasm.
Celine jumped in right away. “Who wants to spend the day cooped up in an office? That
sounds exhausting! Renee, come shopping with me instead. I’ll treat you to the newest clothes and bags!”
With a grin, Eamon spoke up. “Renee, how about coming to the auction with me? I heard there’s a one–of–a–kind piece up for grabs today. I think you’d really like it.’
Renee looked over at them, their faces flushed from the banter, and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Actually… There’s something I’d like to do,” she said quietly.
The room fell silent, all eyes shifting to her.
“I love music, and I want to be a singer.” Renee’s voice was soft yet resolute.
Dwight, Celine, and Eamon shared a glance, their faces lighting up with warm, supportive
smiles.
“That’s amazing! Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ve got your back, Renee!” Dwight said, his tone brimming with confidence.
“I know a lot of people in the music industry. I’ll get in touch with them first thing tomorrow, “Celine said, already pulling out her phone and scrolling through her contacts.
Eamon patted Renee’s shoulder, his voice filled with affection. “I’ll get a music studio set up for you. Just tell me what equipment you need, and I’ll make sure it’s yours.”
Renee looked at them, a wave of gratitude rising in her chest.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes glistening slightly.
Eamon ran his fingers through her hair, his voice soft. “Come on, there’s no need for that. You’re our pride and joy. All we want is to see you shine like the star you are.”
At that moment, the scars of her past seemed to vanish completely. She wasn’t Scarlett, the one who had been abandoned and shattered. Now, she was Renee, cherished by the family who kept her close.
Chapter 14
