Chapter 1738
Skyler retorted, âShut up!â
She snapped back before spinning on her heel and dashing into the bathroom. The sound of the faucet echoed as she splashed cold water on her face, a desperate attempt to calm the storm within her. Although the two were engaged, they were still quite young, and there were many uncertainties ahead for them.
Could they truly make it to the altar? It was anyoneâs guess.
Some choices were made in the heat of the moment, a fleeting happiness that could lead to a lifetime of regret. And Skyler couldnât afford any regrets.
Thankfully, Zavier hadnât pushed her further, instead giving her space to think. When she finally emerged, refreshed and more composed, she found him on the balcony, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
She couldnât help herself. âHow many times do I have to tell you to cut down on smoking?â she chastised, her voice laced with concern.
This time, Zavier actually listened, snuffing out the cigarette. âLetâs get some rest. Tomorrow weâll need to be on top form to meet the Blue family.âe2
âOkay,â Skyler murmured, her voice soft. âIâll crash on the couch. You take the bed.â
âAs you wish,â he replied.
Exhaustion claimed her quickly, and she was soon adrift in sleep on the sofa. Time blurred until she felt herself lifted, a warm cocoon enveloping her as she was gently placed in the bed.
Blinking awake, she saw Zavier tucking her in. âZavier, youâre giving up the bed for me again?â
He didnât offer an explanation, just a quiet, âDid I wake you?â
She shook her head slightly and he playfully poked her cheek-a tender gesture that carried no sting. âSleep,â he whispered.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and sleep reclaimed her. Zavier sat by her side, watching her peaceful expression. She seemed so serene, undisturbed by nightmares.
He remembered when she first arrived in the Capital, those early days when they were forced by their families to share a room. Her sleep was restless, haunted by bad dreams that would wake her-and him-several times a night.
It wasnât that he cared particularly. It was just that his light sleep was disturbed by her startled movements. Heâd watched her, impassive, as she fought her demons night after night.
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07:46
But times changed. Months passed, and Skyler had slowly found her purpose and strength. Sheâd learned to fend for herself, her confidence growing. Most importantly, she was away from the suffocating presence of the Blue family, and the oppression that had once been her daily life.
Now, she was not only more confident but less intimidated by others. She even dared to snap back at him when provoked.
Unable to contain the flutter in his heart, Zavier gently prodded Skylerâs cheek again. She seemed healthier. Her cheeks were fuller than when they first met.
Feeling the disturbance, Skyler swatted in her sleep at the nuisance on her face. Zavier caught her hand in his, holding it firmly. âScaredy-cat,â he murmured with a promise only for himself, âIâll make myself strong so no one can bully you again.â
Yes. He was determined to become strong. He wouldnât let anyone force him to do things he didnât want to do anymore.
Skyler slept on, undisturbed by the world. When she awoke, the room was bathed in sunlight, the sheer curtains turning the rays into a golden haze.
âYou sleepyhead, finally up?â Zavierâs melodious voice suddenly rang in the ears.
Turning her head, Skyler saw him sitting at the edge of the bed, his laptop now resting beside him. He must have been handling business while she slept.
Closing the laptop, he asked gently, âDid you sleep well?â
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