Chapter 1741
Bernard, sensing the awkward tension, stepped forward with a welcoming grin. âZavier, this is your first time visiting our humble abode, and weâre all absolutely thrilled to have you. Weâve gone all out and prepared a welcome feast in your honor. Please, come in and make yourself at home.â
The Blue clan was treating Zavier with the pomp and circumstance befitting a
distinguished guest from afar, regardless of whether Zavier appreciated such fanfare or
not.
Today, Skyler, who had always been neglected and disregarded by them, also was treated with smiles and warmth, all thanks to Zavier.
But Skyler wasnât buying any of it. She couldnât care less for their sudden change of heart. Zavier, playing along, provided her with the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with Iris.
Once alone, Iris threw herself into Skylerâs arms and clung to her tightly, sobbing, âSkyler.â
Tears welled up in Skylerâs eyes as she comforted Iris, âIris, donât be scared. I am here for you now.â
Iris rubbed her face against Skyler over and over, seeking the maternal affection sheâd never received. To her, Skyler was as vital as a mother. âI was so afraid you didnât want me anymore, and I was so scared.âe2
Skyler softly stroked Irisâ hair, trying to soothe her fears. âIris, youâre the most important person in my life. How could I ever leave you?â
She had repeated these words countless times on the phone and through WhatsApp messages, but living in fear every day, Iris found it hard to trust any promises. After all, Skyler had once told her they would never be separated, yet she ended up being sent away to the distant Capital.
Iris looked up, wiping away her tears, âDoes⦠does my brother-in-law treat you well?â
The word âbrother-in-lawâ made Skyler blush slightly, âWeâre not married yet, Iris. Why are you calling him that already?â
Iris retorted with the logic of a child, âSooner or later, Iâll have to call him that.â
Skyler pinched Irisâ cheek playfully. âYouâre such a little thinker. From now on, you call him Mr. Zavier, not brother-in-law.â
âWhy not call me brother-in-law? I think it sounds quite nice.â Zavierâs voice came from behind them. He had managed to slip away from the others in the family.
Skyler was taken aback. âWerenât you dealing with my family? How did you end
up
here?â
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Zavier chuckled, âGettin rid of them was a piece of cake.â
Recognizing Zavierâs exceptional ability to handle any situation, and fully aware that the Riveras were no match for him, let alone the Blues, Skyler wisely chose not to pursue the issue any further.
Zavierâs gaze fell upon the young Iris, a ten-year-old girl with an undeveloped innocence, her features not yet resembling Skylerâs. âWere you and your sister born to the same parents?â
âOf course,â Skyler replied without hesitation.
Zavierâs curiosity piqued, âItâs just that you two donât seem to look much alike.â
âWho says we donât look alike?â Skyler was quick to defend, pulling out her phone and scrolling through her cloud album to find a picture from when she was about ten, âTake a look at this.â
Zavier leaned in closer, âIs this a photo of Iris?â
âThatâs me,â Skyler clarified. âItâs from when I was around Irisâ age.â
The girl in the photo was the spitting image of Iris as she was now-indistinguishable from one another.
Zavier scrutinized the photo for a moment longer, âYou two really look alike.â
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