Chapter 1709
Even with a choice, Skyler knew she wasnât really calling the shots, âI can eat anything. Iâm not a picky eater.â
Zavierâs response was a silent stare if she could bring a bit of her work demeanor into her personal life, she wouldnât be bullied so much, a punching doll for everyone.
Rosie grabbed Skylerâs hand, âLetâs get out of here.â
âOkay,â Skyler agreed.
Trailing behind them, Lucas turned to Zavier, âWhatâs your deal with this surprise fiancée of yours, Zavier?â
Watching Skylerâs delicate figure ahead, Zavier mused, âShe just seems so fragile, like a gentle breeze could knock her over. I feel like taking care of her.â
Lucas wasnât buying it, âCome on, Zavier. Weâve known each other for years, and since when have you had the heart of a saint?âe2 âWell, now you know,â Zavier quipped.
âNo real feelings for the girl?â Lucas pressed.
âNone,â Zavier affirmed.
Lucas patted him on the shoulder, âIf youâre not planning to marry her, donât get her hopes up. Leading her on and then bailing out would be the real harm.â
Zavier replied, âWith the way she doesnât seem to care about me, do you really think I can hurt her?â
âSo itâs because sheâs not into you that you donât want to like her?â Lucas probed.
Zavier chuckled, âYouâre reading too much into it.â
âItâs fine for me to overthink, but donât let the girl do the same,â Lucas warned.
âI know my limits,â Zavier said.
âThe Blue family is really something, arenât they? Using their own flesh and blood as a bargaining chip,â Lucas scorned.
Lighting up a cigarette, Zavier took a drag, âArenât we all pawns in our familyâs games?â
âNot Rosie and me,â Lucas countered.
âYou and Rosie have that childhood betrothal, and youâre saying youâre not?â Zavier challenged.
âAs kids, our parents joked about it, sure. But my feelings for Rosie, my desire to marry her, theyâre real. I want to protect her for life,â Lucas declared.
âAnd youâre sure Rosie feels the same about you?â Zavier asked.
âOf course, she does. Who else could she like? Sheâs spent her life around me more than any other guy,â Lucas asserted confidently.
Zavier laughed, âHave you ever actually asked her? Maybe all this time youâve been wishful thinking, and she sees you more as a brother.â
Lucasâ face darkened, âThatâs impossible.â
âSo youâve never asked her if she likes you in that way?â Zavier prodded.
Lucas fell silent, then, mimicking Zavier, lit up a cigarette and took a couple of puffs, âBefore we sign any papers, Iâll make sure to ask her.â
But it was just asking, not letting her choose. He would never allow his girl to marry another man.
Zavier snuffed out his cigarette, âLetâs go!â
âYeah,â Lucas agreed, though the thought of Rosieâs feelings being more fraternal than romantic ruined his appetite.
Throughout dinner, he busily passed dishes to Rosie, who, with her carefree nature, didnât notice his unusual behavior.
After dinner, the group split up. Zavier drove Skyler back to campus. The ride was typically quiet until Zavier parked outside the campus and broke the silence, âIâm sorry!â
Skyler, confused by his sudden apology, blinked her doe eyes at him.
Zavier clarified, âI didnât come through with the help I promised. Your parents donât want your sister coming to the Capitalâ
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