Desperation

I left the restaurant feeling dazed, my mind consumed by Cole Buckman’s words.

“I want you to be with me. To live with me.”

Did Cole Buckman really offer a marriage proposal to me or had I been hallucinating?

As soon as I got home, I grabbed my laptop and searched for information on the Buckman family. My fingers trembled slightly as I typed. I had grown up hearing about their wealth and influence, but I had never paid much attention to their inner workings.

Countless articles flooded my screen, but one in particular caught my eye.

"The Buckman Heir Tradition—A Marriage Requirement?"

I clicked on it, my pulse racing.

The article speculated that for generations, every Buckman heir had been married before taking over the family empire. It wasn’t an official rule, but it was a deeply ingrained tradition. Those who failed to comply had either been stripped of their inheritance or mysteriously disappeared from the public eye.

So Cole had been telling the truth. Despite being the eldest son, if he didn’t get married, he would lose everything.

But why me? He could have chosen anyone—someone from his world, a woman with status and power. Yet, he had sought me out.

And what did he mean by ‘You’re more important than you think, Skylar.’

Was I missing something here?

I frowned, rubbing my temples. There had to be something I was missing.

Before I could think further, my phone rang, startling me. I grabbed it and saw Steve, my manager’s name flashing on the screen.

"Hello?" I answered.

There was a slight hesitation on the other end. "Skylar, I wanted to inform you that… you don’t have to come to work for the time being."

A sinking feeling formed in my chest. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no," Steve said quickly, but his tone was strained. "It’s just… your identity has been exposed. Some of our customers are giving bad reviews to our restaurant because you’re working here as our pianist. Due to your family scandal, business has declined rapidly and it is seriously affecting the restaurant’s image."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "So… you’re firing me?"

"It’s not like that, Skylar," he said gently. "Just take a break. We’ll call you when things settle down. I'm sorry."

I knew what that meant. They weren’t going to call me back.

The call ended, leaving me gripping my phone tightly. My major source of income was gone.

But before I could process the blow, my phone rang again.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"Miss McLair, this is Dr. Reynolds from the hospital. I’m calling regarding your father’s situation."

A chill ran down my spine. "What happened? Is he okay?"

"Your father’s hospital address was leaked to the public," the doctor said gravely. "A group of reporters and protesters have gathered outside. This situation is making it difficult for us to continue treating him. The hospital values its reputation, so we suggest you find another facility for him as soon as possible."

I clutched the phone, my nails digging into my palm. "What? How could this be? Please, just give me some time—"

"Miss McLair, I’m sorry, but this decision is final."

And the call ended. My fingers trembled as I wondered what was really going on?!

Why was I getting bad news upon bad news all in one day! How did the public even get to know my father's hospital address?

We had been discreet all these while; how did things get to this level?!!

No! I couldn't just sit back and watch everything tear apart…I had to fix this.

Throwing on my coat, I rushed to the hospital to see the hospital management in person and reason with him. But as soon as I arrived, I saw the chaos outside.

Dozens of reporters and furious protesters blocked the entrance, waving signs and chanting.

"A criminal’s family doesn’t deserve treatment!"

"Get out of our city!"

“He doesn't deserve medical care!”

My stomach twisted. I immediately put on my face mask and black cap, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

I tried to push through the crowd, struggling to find a way in. Hands grabbed at me, and angry voices filled the air. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get past the crowd.

Realizing it was useless, I clenched my fists. Staying here wouldn’t help. I needed another way. Taking a deep breath, I turned and walked away from the crowd.

Breathing heavily, I reached into my bag to bring out my phone—Then I felt it.

My bag was lighter.

Panic shot through me as I searched inside.

My wallet was gone.

“Great! Just great!” I muttered under my breath in annoyance.

How the hell was I supposed to get home with no money?!

I felt utterly confused and frustrated. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes, but I held it back. I couldn't possibly break down now; my family needed me to be strong for them.

Just then, my phone rang again. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions intact. I didn’t recognize the number, but I answered anyway.

“Hello.”

"Did you like my gift, Skylar?"

My blood ran cold. "Ethan?"

His chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. "You sound surprised. But you shouldn’t be. You know I always get what I want."

My fists clenched. "You did this?"

"You should keep those accusations to yourself," Ethan said smoothly. "After all, this only happened because of you."

"Because of me?!" My voice cracked with fury. "My parents never wronged you! My father never did anything to you! Why would you do this?!"

Ethan sighed. "Whether that’s true or not doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that I want you. And I don’t have much patience, Skylar."

I gritted my teeth. "I will never—"

"Careful," he cut me off, his voice turning icy. "I gave you a small taste of what I can do. If you refuse me again, I’ll send you a much bigger gift. Believe me, Skylar, you won't see it coming."

He had the guts to add arrogantly, “ Whatever I want; I get. You can't escape from me, Sweetheart.”

“You-”

And the line went dead.

I stood on the sidewalk, staring blankly ahead.

The city around me continued moving—cars rushing by, people chatting and laughing. But I felt utterly alone.

I had no friends to turn to. No job. Nowhere to turn.

Like a switch, something inside me snapped.

I couldn't continue living this way. Ethan thought he could control me. The world thought they could crush me. But I refused to let them win.

Taking a shaky breath, I dialed the number on the business card Cole had given me.

The call connected almost instantly.

"Skylar," his voice was smooth, expectant. "I think you’ve made a decision.”