♡ Skylar ♡"It's getting late. Would you like to grab something to eat?" Alfred asked, approaching me. I looked up from the ground, letting go of the twig in my hand. Forcing a smile, I shook my head."No, I'm fine, just a little tired," I replied.He narrowed his eyes, doubt evident in his gaze. Sighing, he turned and headed towards his car. I watched as he returned, this time with a bottle of water in hand. He extended it towards me, and I opened it, gulping down the water."You seem upset about something," he added, taking a seat on the rock beside me. I played with the cap of the bottle, sighing loudly."You can talk to me about anything, you know that, Amore?"I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. He sighed, his lips forming a thin smile."It's okay if you don't want to talk about it now," he said.I blinked and sat upright."I-""Excuse me, sir, ma'am."His gaze lingered on me for a moment before shifting to the person who had interrupted us."I just wanted to let you know that
Next Day♡ Alfred ♡Ding. The doorbell sounded for the second time. I adjusted my tie and made my way to the door."Dude, what are you-" I stopped halfway, realizing it wasn't Xander and just a delivery man."Oh,""Good morning, sir, a package for you," he said, handing me an envelope."From who?" I asked, cautiously taking the envelope from him."It doesn't specify," he replied."Hm. Thank you. " I closed the door and carefully carried the box inside. Standing behind the sofa, I placed it on the chair and tore open the seal.Inside were pictures. Pictures of Skylar and me. Numerous shots of us at her office and even from last night. I tightened my grip on the envelope.My brain replayed the incident in her office, the man with the camera. I hadn't given it much thought at the time. I didn't even consider it. But last night... Who would stay up so late to follow us? The person must have planned it meticulously. I scoffed, shaking my head slightly. Of course, who else but Logan Mil
♡ Skylar ♡"That's all for today," Lara concluded. Everyone at the table stood up, and I followed suit. Bowing slightly, I smiled. "Thank you for staying with us all these months.""Don't mention it, Ms. DeNovo. Our investments have been worth it," one of the investors replied. I let out a warm smile."Thank you once again."They nodded and started to leave one by one. Once it was just Lara and me in the conference room, I sank back into my chair. Letting out a loud sigh, I rubbed my temples."Would you like me to get something for you?" Lara asked as she closed the laptop. I waved my hand, declining her offer. "I'm good."I sat up straight and began organizing the files I had used. Once I had them properly packed, I handed them over to Lara. "Drop these off on your way to lunch.""Sure, ma'am," she smiled, carefully taking the documents."I forgot to remind you, Mr. Jun booked an appointment with you tomorrow morning at eight. Do you want me to cancel if it's not convenient?""No,
♡ Skylar ♡Dinner was amazing, and it brought me one step closer to achieving my goals. Jake suggested we stop by the park playground. We had a little wine and were both a bit tipsy, so it seemed like the best option to sober up a bit.Sitting side by side on the swing, we continued our conversation from earlier. I tried to sound casual, and he didn't seem to suspect anything, or at least he made me believe that. About an hour later, we were on our way back to my house in his car."I guess this is it," Jake muttered as he pulled up in front of my house. I smiled."I had an amazing time tonight. It was the best way I've de-stressed in weeks," I replied, undoing my seatbelt."Well, I'm glad."He unlocked the doors, and I pushed it open, stepping out of his car. I took a deep breath as the cold night air hit my face. I had almost forgotten that the year was coming to an end. Standing in front of Jake, I carefully removed his suit jacket from my shoulder and handed it back to him."Thank
♡ Skylar ♡ His lips curled into a smirk as he said that, and I rolled my eyes."You're annoying, you know.""What can I say?" He shrugged. I turned away from him and started walking to the elevator, with him trailing behind me."Come on, Love, are you still mad at me?" He asked as we stepped into the elevator. I rolled my eyes, avoiding his gaze as I watched the doors slide shut.How could I even stay mad with those blue eyes looking at me like that?"How about I buy you and Aurora dinner?""I have plans.""My friends are coming over tonight. It's been a while since I had dinner with them.""Then I'll tag along."I turned to look at him immediately, raising my eyebrows."Ethan is going to be there.""Even more reason I should come."I exhaled, turning away from him. There was no way I could stop him from doing whatever he wanted. Arguing was a no-no.The elevator dinged, and the door slid open. We both stepped out, heading for the main exit.As I placed my hand on my car's door handle
♡ Skylar ♡"This way ma'am" A junior Chef greeted, bowing slightly as she stopped in front of Sam and me. "This way" she added and led us to the main kitchen. We followed her to the large counter where all the tasting cakes were spread out."That will be all, thank you" Sam ended her phone call and looked at me."Everything's ready. We'll take a look there in the evening," she said.I nodded and turned my attention back to the cakes."Should we start?" I asked."Yeah," she nodded, crossing her arms.The lady who led us in handed us two forks. Samantha cut a piece of the first cake and then moved on to the next flavor. I followed suit.Chocolate. Vanilla. Red velvet. Carrot. Strawberry."Vanilla," "Red velvet," Sam and I said simultaneously. I turned to look at her immediately."I think the red velvet is best," I calmly added.She scoffed. "Vanilla.""It's mom's favorite.""Well, we can always try something different. I'm sure she won't mind. It's not like she's going to eat every bi
The next evening...♡ Skylar ♡"There you go," I whispered to Aurora after helping her put on the bow headband Alfred got for her. She took a step back and twirled, giggling with excitement. I smiled and grabbed my bag, holding Aurora's hand as we walked out of the house. I helped her into the car and got in the front seat. Starting the car, I drove out of the parking space.An hour later, we arrived at the hotel. Holding Aurora's hand tightly, I headed to the main entrance. I exchanged pleasantries with some of the guests before entering the elevator that took us to the top floor where the hall was located. The hall was almost filled with guests, and the dim lights gave it a magical atmosphere. I nodded at the lady checking invitations at the desk and walked past the security guards into the hall.Samantha and I may have argued while planning, but the hall turned out perfectly. The glass walls provided a stunning view of the starry night. I smiled and nodded at the guests I recogni
Earlier that day...♡ Alfred ♡"What do you mean I have to walk in with Catherine?" I gritted out.Dad chuckled over the phone. "Exactly what you just heard"I scoffed as I leaned my back on the seat headrest. "And you think I'll do that?""Of course, you don't want her finding out what you are up to right?" I knew for sure he had a smirk on his face as those words rolled out of his mouth. I clenched my fists tightly as they dropped to rest on my thighs. I should have known this was going to happen. I should have known better than to make a deal like that with my father of all people."We'll only be walking in and that's it""Sure, son" He snickered. I rolled my eyes and tucked my phone in my suit pocket. Opening the car door, I got out. The door of the car beside mine opened at the same time and Catherine stepped out. She waved and rounded the car to meet me. Straightening out the rough lines on her gown, she smiled at me."How convenient" I snickered. Her smile brightened. "I gues