Chapter 32: "29. Scarlett" – Cooking, Vulnerability, and the Ex Who Broke Her

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Asher takes Scarlett on a mysterious date, revealing only a “nice but casual” dress code. He brings her to a grand private residence owned by Sebastian Laurent, chief marketing officer of the Laurent Restaurant Group. The date is a private cooking class. Scarlett struggles with the cooking but enjoys herself thoroughly. A backup meal is served after she burns her steak. Over dinner, Scarlett opens up about her ex-boyfriend, Rafael Pessoa, a footballer who broke up with her a month after her accident and began dating someone else two weeks later. She admits that his abandonment caused her deep-seated trust issues and led to her “no-footballers” rule. Asher listens without judgment and reassures her. The evening ends with a cake featuring a fondant Pluto figurine and the words “Justice for Pluto,” a playful nod to an inside joke.

Key Events

Asher refuses to reveal the date plans; only gives a “nice but casual” dress code.
Scarlett’s friends Carina and Brooklyn speculate in a group chat about the date.
Asher brings Scarlett to a redbrick mansion owned by Sebastian Laurent.
Sebastian Laurent, CMO of Laurent Restaurant Group, acts as their cooking instructor after the original chef gets food poisoning.
Scarlett tries her best but overcooks the steak and struggles with the meal.
Asher has a backup meal prepared, joking that he anticipated her cooking mishap.
During dinner, Scarlett tells Asher about her ex-boyfriend Rafe: they dated for three years, he broke up with her a month after her accident, and he started a new relationship two weeks later.
Scarlett admits that Rafe’s actions caused her trust issues and her rule against dating footballers.
Asher listens sympathetically and calls Rafe a “fucker,” then says Scarlett is better off without him.
Asher surprises her with a custom “Justice for Pluto” cake as a final touch to the date.

Character Development

Scarlett DuBois: For the first time, Scarlett explains in detail why she swore off footballers. She reveals deep vulnerability, discussing her accident, her ex’s abandonment, and how she conflated the sport with his shortcomings. Her openness shows growing trust in Asher.
Asher Donovan: He demonstrates thoughtfulness by planning a date tailored to Scarlett’s love of structure (a cooking class with clear steps). He also shows emotional maturity by listening without judgment and by not making her feel bad about her failed cooking. His anger at Rafe reveals his protective side.
Sebastian Laurent: A minor but charming character, he provides a gracious host and instructor. His connection to Asher hints at a broader social network.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The past as a shadow: Scarlett’s history with Rafe directly shapes her present fears and rules. This chapter makes explicit the link between her accident, her ex’s betrayal, and her reluctance to trust Asher fully.
Cooking as a metaphor for relationship building: The structured recipe parallels the careful steps Scarlett and Asher are taking to build intimacy. Scarlett’s failure at cooking (and Asher’s backup plan) mirrors how relationship expectations can go wrong but still be salvageable with care.
The “Justice for Pluto” cake: A lighthearted symbol of Asher’s attention to detail and his desire to make Scarlett smile. It references a previous shared joke (Pluto’s demotion from planet status) and reinforces their private connection.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 32 is a pivotal emotional turning point. Scarlett finally voices the trauma that made her guard herself against footballers, giving Asher (and the reader) a clear understanding of her internal barriers. Asher’s reaction—quiet support without pressure—proves he is different from Rafe. The chapter solidifies their bond and sets the stage for whether Scarlett will fully let go of her rule. It also enriches the backstory of her accident and adds depth to her character beyond the “control freak” persona.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Scarlett break her “no-footballers” rule for Asher?
Scarlett explains that she swore off footballers after her ex-boyfriend Rafe abandoned her post-accident. But Asher consistently shows he is not like Rafe: he is thoughtful, vulnerable, and makes her feel safe. In this chapter, she admits she used to think Asher was an arrogant playboy, but his actions—like planning a meaningful date and listening without judgment—have changed her mind.

2. How does Asher’s choice of a cooking class reflect his understanding of Scarlett?
Scarlett loves structure, and Asher notes that cooking follows a step-by-step guide. Rather than choosing a flashy, over-the-top date (which her ex would have done), Asher picks an interactive, intimate activity that lets them bond while respecting her personality. This shows he pays attention to her needs rather than seeking external validation.

3. What does the “Justice for Pluto” cake symbolize in this scene?
The cake is a callback to a previous inside joke about Pluto no longer being considered a planet. It represents Asher’s memory and effort to create private, meaningful moments. It lightens the mood after the heavy discussion about Rafe and reinforces that their relationship has its own unique, playful language.