♡ 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
The next day...♡ Skylar ♡"That'll be all," Lara said as she angled the camera back to herself."So ma'am, what do you think?" Lara asked with a hopeful smile. I ran my hand down my hair."The proposal is nice. I can work with it""You know what to do. We'll see tomorrow""Yes ma'am" she smiled. I hung up and stood from the stool walking up to the refrigerator. I had taken the day off. Not necessarily my decision, it was Dad's mandatory order for Sam and me to take two days every month for a break. And today I saw the perfect opportunity to take a break after my chaotic night.I pulled the refrigerator open and after giving it a cursory glance, I grabbed a canned lemon drink and closed the refrigerator. I sank back on the stool and peeled the can open."Oh my goodness!" I heard Hannah yell. I looked towards the door as she rushed into the kitchen."What?" I asked, raising the can to my lips and taking a long gulp. She drew out the stool beside me and sat, turning her phone's screen
♡ Skylar ♡Slowly, he closed the small gap between us, his hands resting on my waist as my fingers found their way into his hair, tangling in it as our tongues battled for dominance."...Red."My fingers froze in his hair as those words escaped my lips, my eyes widened and I pulled back to look at him. He seemed surprised, and all I could think was, 'What the heck?'I let my hands drop to my sides and took a step back, creating some distance between us."I'm sorry, I didn't-" The words got stuck in my throat as I watched him shake his head and take a step closer, and another, until he had me trapped again. He reached for my cheeks, his thumb gently caressing them. I could feel the walls I had built over the years slowly crumbling down."Say it," he whispered, guiding my face to meet his gaze."What?" I managed to utter, my breath quickening."Say it again, call me red," he whispered, his thumb still brushing against my cheeks, teasing my senses, trying to break through my defenses. I
♡ Skylar ♡I pushed open the door to Alfred's office and stormed in, gripping the envelope tightly. He turned around, phone to his ear, and looked surprised to see me. "I'll call you back, Xander," he said, putting the phone down on his desk. "Skylar.." he began."You must be feeling pretty satisfied right now," I interrupted, forcing a smile."Skylar, listen, I didn't know my dad would do this," he said.I scoffed, briefly glancing to the side before returning my glare to him."Just like the way I didn't know you and your dad made a deal to manipulate him for my inheritance!" I replied. He froze, his eyes widening. "You-""Yes, I found out," I yelled."Why? Did you think you could get away with it?" I added, lowering my voice to a whisper. He took a step towards me. "If you come any closer, I swear, you'll regret it for the rest of your life," I seethed, and he stopped in his tracks. I raised the envelope and threw it at his face, the papers falling to the floor beside him. His e