ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.©

'Choice' including all prologues, chapters, teasers, epilogue and other associated content is COPYRIGHTED. All Rights Reserved by the owner and creator of this work, Ella (Paperpetals-) and any unauthorized copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of copyright is punishable by law.

CHAPTER ONE

[ S C A R L E T'S P.O.V ]

"So, graduated! Now what are your plans?" Kate asked as she and I walked out of a shop with heavy shopping bags.

"I don't know, I am never so planned about future. Right now, I am thinking about enjoying my sister's wedding to the fullest and then go to University to study further maybe," I said, as I pushed the strand of my hair behind the ear. My eyes glanced at her and her hazel eyes were widened at me, as if I said something so offensive.

I crooked a brow, "What?"

She shook her head as if she came back from her day dream, she licked her bottom lip and then squealed in a deep and light tone in my ear, "You didn't tell me that Irene is getting married, I am so fucking excited."

"I am sorry, actually my parents haven't told anyone about this, only our families know. You know how media twists news so we are keeping it a secret for now. But you know, I am actually hearing about this news that one of the Anderson girl is getting married and blah blah. I think it got leaked somehow. It will definitely be a big occasion but as for now, it is not hot cake. Don't spread it."

I batted my lashes at her and gave her a sheepish and hopeful smile. That wasn't a big secret but still, I didn't want to be a reason of anything wrong or else my parents would have sued me.

She nodded, her eyes then glinted with a flare of excitement. "Who is the guy?"

That question left me juggled, because that wasn't what it was. It was all confusing. Before I could answer her or make any sort of excuse or could come up with a lie, I got a call from my sister. I excused from Kate, "Hello, Irene?"

"Where are you, Scarlet?" Irene asked, worried. Well, her life wasn't really going easy so I expected it. Kate signaled me that she was going to Calvin Klein outlet so I nodded at her and stayed outside at the corridor of mall with my phone glued to my ears.

"I am shopping, why? Is everything alright?" I questioned and a slight crunch appeared on my brows, making me look like I was so damn worried but I wasn't that much.

"No, Not really. I was thinking if we can have some talk." Irene Anderson was being nice to Scarlet Anderson, it was a shocker for me. Why would she want to talk to me? My mind was still processing. I never had a perfect sisterly bonding with her so does with my parents. I ran my hand through my hair and got nervous for a moment.

"Alright, we can have it but after I return from shopping. I am buying cool and hot stuff for your wedding." I heard her let out a snort, why? She sounded lazy and I could imagine her rolling her Icy blue eyes at me.

"Sure," That was all she said before shutting the phone, I tried to think clearly about what did that all mean exactly but then suddenly, I looked at my shopping bags and thought that they were so less. Careless me!

Kate came out and a huge grin on her perfect face was screaming that she had shopped so much and so well, "What do you wanna buy? I have actually done mine," she asked, looking straight at me, "You look tensed?" she questioned, she read me like always.

Even though, I tried to let go of all the drama in my life related to my family's unusual behavior at some moments, I couldn't just let go. The sudden call from Irene was unexpected and I really hated unexpected things.

"Um, nothing. Let's do the shopping," I said as I held her hand and walked towards the dresses' shops. "I want to buy a dress which is suitable for Irene's wedding but also casual. But I don't know, I have already tried every latest style." I pursed my lips and peeked at Kate with puppy eyes.

She pointed at the shop that was quiet huge and the glass covering could easily gave us a good look of the dresses hanged on dummies. "Let's get inside this shop, we'll get something elegant." I walked inside with Kate, we looked around the shop with our jaw slightly dropped. The shine of pearls, stones on dresses was a competition to the shine of stars.

We sat on the chairs and I asked the shopkeeper to show me the best of them, he asked "Are you Scarlet Anderson?"

I looked at Kate and she had a smirk plastered on her face, I crooked a small smile at him and answered, "Yeah, I am."

He nodded. I was struggling with being a daughter of one of most successful business man. I hated attention even though my family loved it, I wished I could have a life which was ordinary, lovely, peaceful and enjoyable.

I had it, but there was not the thing I wanted the most; love.

"Here it is, it is one of the newest collection of JC." He showed me a white floor length gown which was strapless, it was flowy and had beads of golden color making an elegant design on the chest area. Kate gave an approving look to me as her eyes glinted with admiration for that piece. But, I wasn't satisfied. I loved the way it shone and gave a simple, decent look but that wasn't what I wanted.

We checked out some other dresses as well, the one that caught my attention was a grey color, one shoulder plain straight gown. It had a flowery design made by big crystals on the center. It looked so beautiful, I tried it as well. When I came out of trying room, Kate immediately wore a frown. She snapped, "No Grey. Please, your wardrobe is filled with this color. People have seen you wearing this color like thousands of time."

"Okay, I'll try something different." I said, disappointed. I knew she was right, even the shirt I wore that day was also in dark grey color, with a bright green blazer. I returned the dress.

Kate was a sucker for cocktail super short hot dresses so she pushed me to consider them too. "I want a gown, Kate."

"It is not your marriage, you can wear this." She carried a knee length, golden shimmery dress in front of me, which looked amazing. It had a deep cut from back, which I liked. But, I desired a dress. I wanted to do some different style on me.

My eyes immediately fell on a gown, Kate could see the the desiring glimmer in my eyes so she followed my gaze and peered at where my eyes were stuck. The words flowed out of our tongues in unison, "That is perfect!" We looked at each other and gave a toothy grin.

She winked and whispered, "Try that."

I went to trying room, after few minuted I finally emerged out of it. Kate's eyes were stretched and her lips mumbled some stuff that I couldn't catch. I headed near her and asked, "How is this?" I pointed at my body which was covered with a body fitted cream colored, full sleeved dress. It was backless but had had a deep round neck, It was fully plain and covered. The fishtail design looked good on me, more than I expected. It hugged my body so well at the right places. The soft fabric felt so soothing on which there had some embroidery of the same color done.My heart pounded so hard in happiness of finding a piece like that. It had no work done on it, except the sleeves. The full sleeves were having a beautiful design of pearls and some emerald colored stones on it.

"It is absolutely gorgeous, you look so hot!" Kate squealed, finally we found it. I sighed and smiled. "I am no boyfriend to you, stop blushing." Kate pinched my cheek.

I bit my lip, "Oh shut up! I am not blushing," I exclaimed.

"Guys are going to admire you, babes." Kate wiggled her brows at me, making me roll my eyes at him.

"Oh please, I don't need their admiration to tell me that I'm good enough," I said, too rudely maybe.

"Yeah, Yeah. I know your crap. I know that you don't want their admiration but the one's who would make you fall in love every time you look at him and who would make you feel safe in his embrace and who would make your heartbeat dance in pleasure and blah blah." Kate rolled her eyes, I let out a snort.

"Yeah, and the boys you are referring just only want me for their own purposes. They don't love like I want. At least, some of them are like what I said. I am not judging all," I said and I walked again towards the dressing room to change.

I paid for my dress and then we decided to grab a coffee. She got her Cafe Latte and I, my mocha. We enjoyed the sweet taste of it while we wandered in the mall and bought some jewelry. I glanced at my watch, and freaked out. I had to reach home before mum lost her temper. She hated me hanging out for too long, I hated her thinking.

I had a life, I had a right to live just the way I wanted but her over possessiveness always murdered my happiness and enjoyment. Being a daughter of one of the most successful actresses wasn't too good as well. I hated all the restrictions, I hated all the attention of cameras, news articles and all but I got it the most due to my high profile parents.

"I am leaving Kate, you know my mum." I sighed in defeat. She nodded, we both exited the mall. Outside, my Mercedes was present. I headed towards it, "You got your car?" I asked Kate, she pointed at hers and said, "I came by myself, Scarlet. I brought a car." She smiled at me.

I hugged her, "Thanks for giving me company in this." We parted away, she genuinely smiled at me and we shook our hands.

"It's nothing, call me if you need my company any other time." I nodded. We both walked towards our car, I placed all the bags at the back seat then I sat on the driver seat, before I could start the car.

My eyes fell on the lean but muscular figure stepping out of his BMW that stopped right in front of my car, his deep chocolate brown hair were tousled to one side. His face was kissed by sun's beams making it look even more beautiful. He was in formal wear, navy blue suit was complementing his muscles so well. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and his full lips were pursed, his eyes were hooded by shades. He put it off, then I got a brief look of those familiar blue eyes. And that perfect prominent jawline on which girls used to swoon.

I rolled my eyes, I hated looking at him. His gracious presence used to intimidate and allure other girls but not me. Not that I hated him or anything though. I started my car and then with a decent speed, my car passed by his. After almost twenty peaceful minutes, I reached my home. The guards opened the grill, I leaded my car inside. I gave the key to Mr Angelo to park my car, a great guard of Anderson Mansion who we respected a lot. He was in mid thirties may be. I walked inside the mansion with my hands grabbing my shopping bags like they were the most precious things for me.

Soon as I entered in great and huge hall, which was enlightened by beautiful chandeliers, my mum's voice was boomed in my ear, "Where have you been?" I peered at her, she was comfortably sitting on a dark chocolate brown sofa having cushions of Iranian embroidery with her legs elegantly crossed, with her face having a bit too much amount of makeup and sipping her tea in an expensive cup of Corelle dinnerware probably. Being a person, who would rather have limited and basic luxuries so seeing such arrangements for just a freaking tea was not my cup of tea.

"Was in funeral, got clothes of deceased person as a gift for attending." I smirked at her and pointed to the bags I was holding, she rolled her eyes at me. Her face stiffened and her green eyes darkened in irritation. Well, she should have known that I was in mall as I told Irene and her as well when I was leaving.

"You should have gone with Mark, your guards are supposed to go with you," She scolded basically.

"Mum, no one gives a damn about me but when I am with guards, people make it a big issue that I'm Emma Anderson and Andrew Anderson's daughter. I don't like people hovering around me or clicking pictures or asking about you or dad or making stupid articles. I am neither a celebrity like you nor a business figure like dad so I shouldn't be in limelight. I am just your daughter. I have a life, I have dreams and desires. I shouldn't be giving them up because you think I should. Guards, extreme level of care attract people's attention so please, don't force me. I am living a life that is okay for me, don't make it hard for me." I sighed in annoyance. I was fed up with all of that.

"Is it a good way to talk to your mother, Scarlet. I care for you," she said, as if she did really find my speech offensive. She never cared about me, it has always been Irene.

"I didn't misbehave, I just showed my annoyance. I am sick of it, mum. I really am. I can't keep up with your over protective nature now. Why do you not allow me to live my life to the fullest? There are many people who are celebrities or daughter of celebrity. They are not restricted this much.So why me? There is no rival of dad or yours who can hurt me at all so why?" I asked, anticipation crawled in my body. I wanted answer, it was too much.

"You've always been stubborn, it is of no use to talk to you. Go to your room, I don't wanna discuss this again." She got busy in her phone, as if I was no important to her. I was sure that if Irene had been in place of me, she would have been trying so hard to make Irene happy or satisfy her. I grabbed my bags again that I put on table when I was trying to make my mum understand things. I headed to my room.

I decided to have a bath, I let myself feel relaxed by those thick drop of water, I massaged my hair and I felt all the headache was vanishing. My body responded to each and every drop and glowed. After few good minutes, the peaceful bath ended. I wrapped a towel around my wet body and let my drenched hair pool over my shoulder. I walked out of the shower.

I slipped in my comfortable black Pjs and white baggy shirt. I dried my hair and then jumped on my king sized bed. I closed my eyes and tried to have some sleep. I still couldn't get over the fact that my mum was not pleased by me. Like always. But, I hated to hurt her, I never had intention to do or say such things but her actions gave me reason all the time. Her undefinable love for Irene, her intense passion whenever she used to find Irene in any trouble or dancing in happiness always hurt me. Why did she never treat me like she treated Irene? The question never left me mind.

Maybe because I was my dad's mistake, the one night stand that resulted me. The one night stand that drifted my parents soul apart. But it was not my mistake so why was I paying? Her useless excuses on anything that I used to do always pissed me off. She never stopped Irene for anything but mostly she did to me.

The feeling and pain of being left out or being not cared and loved was all I felt since I opened my eyes. Dad spent a night with someone who was my birth mother but it was not my fault. Still, I paid. I got my father's hatred, I got my step mother's ignorance. Even though I did nothing to deserve all this.

"Scarlet," My sister's voice howled in my ear and that was when I was pulled out my depressing thoughts. "So, did you get it?" Her blue eyes sparkled. And I mind slapped myself.

"You forgot to bring the only thing I asked, Scarlet? Right?" She grunted, I looked down.

"It took a lot of time in my shopping and then I thought about mum, who hates when I am out of home for too long so I hurried and came back. I am sorry, I forget it but I'll go again and get that dress for you," I explained, she looked a bit calm.

"But that was the only one piece left. What if it is sold? That was no famous designer dress but it was so pretty. I wanted it." She ran her hand through her blonde locks and looked at me in disappointment.

"Why didn't you buy when you went to mall with Shawn and Cara?" I asked, furiously.

"You know Cara and Shawn, they both are so shopaholics. They dragged me to every shop that fascinated them and in all this, I was caught up and forgot to buy that dress so when I got to know you were going, I suggested you to bring me that," She explained then she said "Leave it, Scarlet. Show me your dress that you've bought for my wedding."

She groaned after mentioning her marriage.

I showed her my all dresses and accessories, she admired them and that was the most awkward moment, I was having because Irene never showed interest in me or my things ever before but she was there in front of me, adoring my choices. It was hard to process but it felt good, I felt some new, rare feelings. Maybe getting love from my sister was also my dream. But I couldn't figure out if it was real or just an act. Irene had always been moody though.

Our hearts always used to be distant, her way of thinking differed as well so did her way of executing her plans. She never used to have a bonding with me, I can't say if she hated me or not but she never really cared for me or liked me. She just accepted me as her sister. Her blue gaze was wandering on my things that I'd bought but then I diverted her attention, asking, "Why did you call me? You wanted to have some talk, right?"

The glint of excitement, temptation she had in her eyes was faded. She looked neutral, like she always used to be. "Uh, Yeah. I actually wanted to tell you about something," she responded in a very rough but anticipated tone. Her face lost its glow indicating that she was troubled.

"About what?" I asked, my brows knitted and my mind started to guess what could that be.

"About my, uh. Um, decision and a deal which will actually," She stopped at the mid and then my mind was left boggled. The pieces of puzzle was scattered in my mind and I couldn't figure out that what was it.

She spoke up, "About nothing, Scarlet. Sorry, I disturbed your rest." She got up my bed and put my stuff back in bags then passed a forced smile at me, her ocean blue eyes that always used to be mysterious for me, glimmered with genuine concern for me. I wasn't getting anything. She then walked towards the door.

My voice stopped her footsteps, she moved back and turned towards me. "I saw him today."

She asked, blankly. "Who?"

I blurted out, "Caleb Pierce, your soon to be husband."

She didn't look as if she felt sparks in her body or her eyes didn't gleam with some enticing desires or her lips didn't form a huge grin immediately at his future husband's name like mostly every girl used to feel whenever her husband's name was mentioned. She just asked so plainly, "Where?"

"He got out of his car in front of mall when I got in mine to return home. He was there may be directly from office as he was still in his office formal attire," I responded in a suspicious way.

"Oh, Alright." She left then.

I know that Caleb Pierce and Irene Anderson's marriage dynamic was a bit confused but then it was all resolved in a way so why did she react so differently and ignorant. Why did she seem so uninterested about the most important decision of her life?

Maybe I was overreacting? But yeah, any one who knew Caleb Pierce even a little had right to behave so uninterested about him because he had nothing that could hook anyone except his most beautiful face and his desirable body.

Reviews and Votes guys :)

If you like this, please check out 'Mafia's Beautiful Silence'.