The Villain's Redemption

Scarlette

The smell of sweet perfume, sweat, and alcohol was the first thing that Scarlette noticed when she walked inside John's office. Then, the hint of cigarette struck her lungs like a tornado. She scowled but didn't say anything. She thought she was getting used to it. She was wrong.

She hated how he always smoke.

She tried to tell him how she hated the smell of cigars but he wouldn't listen.

"You called me?" she sat on the couch, her backpack which contained her laptop was conveniently placed on her lap.

"You look overdressed."

"I am going to a party," Scarlette answered the man who had his back on her. He was staring at the one-way glass which would let him see the chaotic club.

"Wearing a long gown while carrying a backpack…"

"I thought you need me to hack into something?"

"I can see that I am still your priority despite your busy schedule." His voice was deep, enigmatic, and undeniably sensual. It could easily seduce any female around him. This was John. The John.

"Of course, I knew how you wanted to help people. You know that I am always here for you."

"You sound so sure that you would never leave?"

"Hm?" Scarlette lifted an eyebrow and watched as John approached her. "You are drunk."

"And you look gorgeous."

"John? Are you alright?"

"Of course."

Scarlette nodded. John was a mysterious and charismatic man who was respected by many people. Sadly, he would become Grant's enemy in the future. Years from now, John would end up in an asylum for killing some people.

Scarlette couldn't remember all details about that massacre. All she knew was the fact that this man would declare himself as God soon. However, before all the craziness started, John was actually a man with a purpose. He had a goal and that is to help people.

Street children and the homeless ones loved him.

They worshiped him like a god.

"What's wrong?" Scarlette leaned back when John suddenly sat next to her, attempting to kiss her cheeks. "I told you… I need to go somewhere after this."

John stared at her in response.

"Did something happen?" Scarlette asked.

"I don't know… you tell me."

"John?" She held his arm, hoping it would calm him down. "Is this about the police? The corrupt officials again?"As someone who loved helping people, John always hated the police and the corrupt mayor. This man always had the tendency to react to useless projects and arrests of the innocents. And she…

Well… she was always here to comfort him. She was here to make sure that he wouldn't succumb to his insanity. At least not now. Not when she needed his help the most.

"Scarlette? Are you hiding things from me?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You heard me. "

"I don't understand what you are talking— ."

"Are you hiding things from me!?" John hissed, surprising her. She flinched and stared at him in disbelief. This was the first time that she saw such a reaction from the crazed man.

"John, I don't know what you are talking about? If you are asking me if I have secrets then the answer is yes. Of course, I do. However, I didn't deliberately hide them from you. I just thought they are not relevant to what we were doing. It's not relevant for our goal."

"You are a smooth talker," John snorted. "I give you that." He withdrew and got himself a glass of his rum. "I am a good person, Scarlette. I like helping people. However, I would never let anyone betray my goal."

"I know… I know you are kind John."

"And yet you dared to betray me."

Her brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"The folder in front of you, open it."

She complied and almost immediately, her face blanched. "You— "

"I confirmed it. I have foolproof evidence that you are stealing from me, Scarlette. Now, I want to hear an excuse." He narrowed his eyes on her. "A valid excuse."

"Who gave you this?" Of course, her first concern was the identity of the person who found out her stash of money abroad. Not many people are capable of tracking her. Was it Grant? Was it really him?

She couldn't help but wonder.

"Answer me, Scarlette."

"I—"

"You said that you would never leave! You said, that we are in this together! And yet you are slowly stealing from me!" His eyes bulged just as he raised his voice. "How dare you lie to me!"

"John, I didn't…" Who the hell told him that she was leaving? "I am not going to leave! I already told you that. I am here to help!"

"And yet you actually have stash your money abroad. Tell me…" John approached her once again. Now, he was standing in front of her, glowering. "Tell me the truth… are you planning to run away with all of the people's money? Are you planning to run away with another man? Why did you do it Scarlette?"

"John, I can explain…"

"Then speak before I forget that you are the woman that I liked!"

After a few minutes of telling him her excuse, John finally showed signs of calming down. "So… you were traumatized by your childhood?"

Scarlette nodded. "I wasn't planning on running away, I was just scared not to have money. It was…"

"Then leave your job."

Scarlette stared at him, horror apparent in her eyes. "What are you talking about?" The real reason why she had all those money is that she wanted to leave this country if something goes wrong with John! She was planning to use that money to support herself once this man goes crazy.

"Since you said, you are not leaving me then… work under me. Full time. I can give you the same salary and benefits. Stay by my side. Forever."

"John, you know I can't do that. I love my job. I — "

"Do you love your job more than you love our cause?"

Scarlette didn't say anything. Rather, she couldn't say anything to refute him. Our cause? What cause?

"See? I always knew you love our cause more than anything in this world. So, from now on, you should live here, work for me and let's achieve our goals together!"