A Different Kind of Threat

Skylar's POV

I had enemies, but receiving Threat at my own mailbox? That was new.

"Your time is numbered."

I stared at the small paper for a while before tossing it aside. This wasn't the first time I'd received such a threat. Being a public figure came with a lot of problems. For some people, my existence alone was enough to make them despise me.

Dropping my bag on the dressing table, I sat in a chair, slipping on my favorite heels.

My phone rang just as I straightened.

Mia.

I fought back a smile, smoothing the skirt of my dress. "What's popping?"

"Just checking to make sure you're still alive after all that drinking yesterday. By the way, Joan is coming over, we're heading to your aunt's house warming party together."

"After ghosting us for days. That girl needs some spanking." I shook my head glancing at the clock. I'll see you guys later at the party, Jace is heading to pick me up."

Her laughter echoed through the speaker.

"What?"

"Nothing." She chuckled. "I was just thinking... you really are the luckiest woman on earth."

"I know, right?"

"I mean it." Her voice dropped low. "A handsome fiancé, a successful career... some people really do get everything."

"Later, duh." I rolled my eyes before ending the call.

The door swung open. Jace stepped inside, his frame blocking the doorway before quietly shutting the door behind him.

"You didn't even notice someone came in. What about the security guard?" he inquired, dropping onto a couch and loosening his tie.

"They ought to be at their posts, if I'm not mistaken."

The paper was still on the floor. I moved toward it and pushed it underneath the couch. There was no point in worrying anyone over something I received all the time.

I wrapped my arms around him, taking in his familiar scent. His body stiffened before he pulled my hands away.

"Not now, please," he muttered, taking his phone out of his pocket.

"Is that the reason you ignored all the texts I sent? We haven't had a proper conversation for a while, and you don't even look happy to see me."

"Lower your voice, please. I'm talking to someone." He waved a hand at me and pressed the phone closer to his ear.

"Seriously? Then what do you think about this dress?" I asked, striking a pose in the long floral dress, my eyes finding him.

He looked up from his phone and studied me for a moment. "Not that bad."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I eyed him, crossing my arms.

"You should cut down on what you eat, Skylar."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged without tearing his eyes from his phone. "It means you've put on a little weight. Nothing serious, but the dress would fit better if you watched what you ate."

I stared at him, unsure whether I had heard him correctly. "I asked how the dress looked, and what's wrong if I gained a little weight?"

"I'm just being honest. Our wedding is coming up soon. Do you want to look like an elephant in your dress?"

I searched his face, hoping he was joking. He wasn't. The casualness of his tone irritated me more than the comment itself.

"You must be out of your mind." I ground my teeth as I faced the mirror, brushing through my hair.

"You should also adjust the back of your dress," he murmured. "Do you want the whole world staring at that scar?"

I adjusted the off-the-shoulder sleeves, pulling them into place without sparing him a glance.

He let out a sigh. "Your aunt is already blowing up my phone with messages. We need to be there on time. Hurry up, please."

I glanced back at him, watching him slip his phone into his pocket.

"I don't know why I have to drive a grown-ass woman everywhere," he mumbled under his breath.

Ignoring his words, I grabbed my bag, brushing past him.

The drive to my aunt's house was quiet. Neither of us seemed interested in starting a conversation. I kept my eyes on the passing streets, trying to shake off the unpleasant feeling his words had left me.

…..

Aunty Bianca stood with some business associates. She adjusted the scarf around her neck and laughed at something someone had whispered in her ear.

As soon as she spotted me, she closed the distance between us, pulling me into a hug before offering Jace a handshake.

"Wow, Skylar is getting robust. Is it the wedding effect or what?" A small grin formed on her lips.

"You don't know how exhausting it has been;arranging, booking, designing, and so on," I pouted.

"But you have Jace."

I turned back to Jace, whose attention was obviously elsewhere, but immediately his gaze shifted to us. He gave a tight smile.

She gave me a playful nudge. "Your cousin's already over there greeting the guests. Go on, before she charms them all without you."

"I'm too tired for that right now," I said, forcing a smile, unfazed by the pointed look she shot me.

"Skylar, you're hurt," Jace said, pointing down at my feet.

I glanced at my feet. He was right. My heels were digging into my feet, leaving red marks.

"Should I give you mine?" he asked, reaching down to take his shoes off.

Why was he acting caring all of a sudden? Because of my aunt? It was normally the soon-to-be brides who were always snappy, but I didn't know grooms could have mood swings too.

Yes, mood swings, because that was how I would describe Jace right now.

"Oppressing a widow?" Aunty Bianca fanned her face, wiping away invisible tears.

"I need to borrow your lover boy for a minute. He has some work to do for me before the party commences." She pointed to the wall adjacent to us. "It's too plain. He can help me hang a painting."

Before Jace could protest, she grabbed his hand, pulling him away.

"I'll be back," he mouthed.

I nodded in understanding and walked toward a table.

My mouth watered at the sight of the food. Get a grip, Skylar.

My gaze drifted away, scanning the room. Mia and Joan were nowhere to be seen.

With nothing else to do, I wandered away from the crowded living room, admiring the décor. The house was beautiful, no doubt.

I stopped in front of a painting. The young girl in it was smiling, yet there was a sadness hidden behind her smile that reminded me of someone.

Reaching for my phone in my bag, I stared at the time for a few seconds. Jace was taking too long, and it was starting to get boring with no one to talk to.

While dialing his number and using the time to check out the rooms, a phone rang somewhere nearby.

I followed the sound, heading down the hallway. It grew louder with every step I took.

That was Jace's ringtone, though. Was he actually ignoring my calls? Or was I being too pushy?

I ended the call and turned away. The last thing I wanted was to look like a desperate bitch chasing after her fiancé everywhere he went.

A muffled laugh followed, as if someone was trying so hard to suppress it.

That voice sounded familiar. I shifted my gaze toward the source of the sound again.

"Jace, don't stop," a feminine voice moaned as I stepped closer.

My stomach twisted painfully. Jace?

There had to be another Jace here. It couldn't be mine.

My legs were heavy as I forced myself to walk. If it wasn't what I was thinking, then I would simply apologize, right? I just needed to confirm something.

I paused at the restroom door before pushing it open.

My bag slipped from my arm, hitting the floor with a loud thud.

No way was this happening. I stepped back, shaking my head in disbelief at the unpleasant sight before me.