SkylarAfter the call with Jason, Ingrid began to help me get dressed, carefully zipping up my dress and smoothing my hair down with her gentle hands.I glanced at the clock. No rushing to the office today. Tara had said I could take the day off—something about not needing me urgently at the company.I was very grateful and lucky to be working with a rare gem like Tara. Coincidentally, Jason had invited me to that program for expectant mothers, hence my day wouldn't be so boring. Ingrid, however, was not as enthusiastic. As she pinned a small clip into my hair, she gave me a cautious look.“Skylar,” she said softly, “please be careful. Jason is a gentleman, yes, but you are married. A married woman and a single man shouldn’t spend too much time together… not even as friends.”I smiled, fighting the urge to make a teasing remark. Ingrid was starting to sound like one of those old grannies who’d warn a girl that spending so much time with a man who wasn't her husband was a bad omen. Bu
ColeSkylar had just finished her breakfast when she reached for the glass of freshly squeezed orange juice sitting next to her plate. I had made sure she ate something healthy. Lately, I’d been extra careful with everything concerning her—her food, her rest, and her medications.I sat across from her, slowly sipping my black coffee while scrolling through a few reports on my tablet.Then, her phone rang.Skylar picked it up and smiled when she saw the caller.“It’s Jason,” she said, before placing it on loudspeaker.Jason?My fingers froze slightly on the tablet screen, and I raised my eyes briefly from the report. What could Jason want this early in the day? And why was he calling Skylar and not me?“Hey Skylar,” Jason’s voice rang out cheerfully. “How are you feeling today?”“I’m good,” Skylar replied, still smiling. “I’ve been taking those teas you got me. They’re amazing.”I silently sipped my coffee, watching her.Jason continued on, “That’s great to hear. I’m glad you like them
AmeliaI sat in my room, numb. Since last night, everything around me felt like a blur, like I was watching someone else live this horrible moment. Skylar… she was pregnant. Pregnant for Cole.No.No, no, no.I blinked rapidly, trying to stop the burning sensation behind my eyes. But it didn’t help. That sick feeling in my stomach only grew worse the more I thought about it. I had seen the documents. The contract between Cole and Skylar.Even though I hadn’t combed through every detail, I thought I understood what it meant. I had assumed Skylar was just a trophy wife to meet some business and family arrangement. Nothing more. Nothing meaningful.But I had been wrong. Completely, foolishly wrong.He got her pregnant.That was no accident. That was real. That was intimacy. That was… love?I clutched the bedsheet with trembling fingers. My heart felt like someone had wrapped it in barbed wire and kept twisting. I had to bite my lower lip to keep from screaming out loud. Betrayal was such
EthanThe tires screeched as I made a sharp turn, barely missing a parked car. My knuckles were white from how tightly I gripped the steering wheel. I was boiling with rage.Tonight had pushed me over the edge.Grandfather had done it again. He insulted my mother in front of the damn whole family at the dining table!He painted her like some damn mistress that was eager and desperate to climb on a married man's bed for peanuts! And the worst part was that he had made her cry!My mother rarely cried. Not even when she was sick. Not when we had to live far from the Buckman mansion. But tonight? That old man reduced her to tears.I punched the steering wheel with a loud thud. “Damn it!”No matter what we did, we were never truly accepted in that cursed family.After comforting my mother, I met Skylar in the sitting room. I thought maybe I could confront her and express my disappointment. Like how could she have gotten pregnant for Cole?! What was she even thinking?As much as I hated the
SkylarAs we were about to leave, I said my goodbyes to Grandpa and walked toward the car with Cole.When we reached the car, he opened the door for me like he always did lately—attentive and gentle.I smiled at him, sliding into the passenger seat as he shut the door softly behind me and moved around to the driver’s side.He got in and leaned toward me without hesitation, buckling my seatbelt with such care it made me chuckle.“I can do that myself, you know,” I teased lightly.Cole smirked as he started the engine. “I know.”As we headed home, I turned to him. “Why did you say yes to Ethan’s invitation?”Cole glanced sideways with a raised brow. “You mean his engagement party?”I nodded. “You know he and his fiancée aren’t exactly best friends with us. I expected you to turn him down.”Cole chuckled under his breath. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”I blinked. “You want to go?”“Of course,” he replied smoothly. “Don’t you want to know what the ‘big announcement’ i
Cole After Vanessa and Ethan left the dining hall, Grandpa also stood up. “Cole,” he called. “Come with me to the study. There’s something I need to discuss with you.” I turned slightly, eyes meeting his, and nodded. I leaned toward Skylar. “I’ll be right back,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Skylar smiled. “Go on. I’ll wait here.” I looked around quickly. With Grandpa’s butler standing close by and some staff loitering near the hallway, I felt a little more at ease because I didn't want anyone disturbing or troubling Skylar while I was gone. “No one will bother you while he’s here,” I added, nodding toward the butler. “And if you need anything, just let him know or you could just call me.” Skylar chuckled softly. “Cole, I’m fine. Go.” I leaned down, kissed her gently on the cheek, and then straightened. “Okay. I won’t take long.” I followed Grandpa down the long corridor and entered the study. Grandpa walked to his desk, his pace slower than usual. H