Chapter 2
After a few tense moments, Sophia actually managed to connect the video call.
The man on the screen was strikingly handsome, his sleeves casually rolled up. It was the renowned heir of the Cooper family. Seizing the moment when she was stunned, I finally snatched my phone back.
I ended the call immediately, planning to explain to him later, and turned to leave.
Disbelief washed over Sophia's face as she rushed forward, blocking my path.
"You're not going anywhere until you explain! Are you dating Skylar?"
Her reaction wasn't entirely unexpected.
Yes, to keep her from targeting another man in my life, I'd gone straight to the top, someone known for his discerning taste and zero tolerance for games.
After all, Skylar's reputation for being aloof and uninterested in women was well-known in our circle.
Even when he was occasionally spotted at bars, he never let anyone get close.
Being with a man like him felt incredibly secure.
Sure enough, as soon as Sophia learned about us, she couldn't contain herself.
"Chloe, guys like him might just be messing around with you. Maybe I should test him out for you..."
"No need!" I cut her off.
I shoved her away. "Seriously, don't get any ideas. He's been around every kind of woman you can imagine. He doesn't need you to check him out."
Her face flushed red at that.
Sophia shot back, "Just because your mind's all twisted doesn't mean everyone else is as messed up as you!"
I ignored her and walked away.
That evening, for Skylar's birthday, he'd reserved a private karaoke room and invited a few of his close friends, a casual chance for everyone to get to know each other.
The bass-heavy music pulsed through the room, vibrating in rhythm with my heartbeat.
His friends hadn't all arrived yet when my phone buzzed relentlessly, over a dozen calls from Sophia.
After a moment's hesitation, I finally picked up.
"Chloe, it's so loud there. Are you at a karaoke place?"
I couldn't help a cold laugh. "Since when do I report my plans to you?"
"Aww, are you still mad at me? Fine, I'll stop worrying about your life. It's just... some of us were thinking of going out for dinner tonight, and I wondered if you..."
"I'm busy tonight. Maybe another time."
I hung up before she could say more.
Skylar handed me a slice of cake, then asked casually, "Your sister?"
I hesitated, then nodded.
He smiled understandingly. "We should invite her to dinner sometime. I'd like to meet my future sister-in-law."
Yeah, maybe not.
I gave a noncommittal nod and stayed silent.
Just as I took my first bite of cake, a woman stumbled between Skylar and me, sending drinks, cake, and fruit platters crashing to the floor.
She tried to regain her balance but somehow twisted her ankle, collapsing dramatically against Skylar's chest.
"I... I'm so sorry! I think I sprained my ankle... It was an accident."
That sickly-sweet voice was unmistakable.
My eyes widened.
"Sophia? What are you doing here?"
The music drowned out my words as she pretended not to hear.
"I'm so clumsy! Here, let me clean that for you."
Flustered, she bent over, short skirt riding up, and pulled out a handkerchief, making a show of dabbing at his shirt. Few men could resist such an obvious display.
I glanced at Skylar.
His striking eyes, usually so captivating, now held clear distaste.
Honestly, I couldn't blame him.
Then again, it made sense. A man like him was constantly faced with advances from women, especially young ones, who threw themselves at him.
"No need."
He took the handkerchief from her, pushed her aside, and instead of wiping his own clothes, gently cleaned my hands.
Then he tossed the cloth in the trash, wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and guided me toward the door.
"Wait," Sophia called out.