Chapter 4
Securing this project would cement his position as the sole successor of his family's corporation.
He had every reason to accept her offer.
"Shall we discuss this outside, Ms. Flores?"
His voice was calm, almost magnetic.
I stayed silent, watching him.
The atmosphere grew tense.
"Chloe, this project is crucial for me. I need her assistance," he explained, his tone earnest. "It's strictly business. Once everything is settled, we'll officially announce our engagement."
Then he let go of my hand and walked out.
Sophia shot me a triumphant look before quickly following him, leaving me alone in the room.
For days after that, Skylar didn't message me.
That wasn't like him. Since we'd started dating, he'd always been attentive and respectful, keeping me updated throughout his day.
Waiting for his messages had become a part of my routine.
He'd always tell me about his day.
But now, the silence felt heavy.
Worried something had happened, I sent several texts, but received no reply.
It wasn't until one of my video calls was about to time out that he finally picked up.
But it wasn't just him on the screen. Sophia was there too, laughing, playfully hitting his shoulder. From a distance, it looked like flirting.
"Here, it's your girlfriend," she said, handing him the phone.
"Chloe, I'm sorry. I've been tied up with meetings and didn't see your messages. It won't happen again."
He looked tired but sincere.
"There were some issues with the project. Everything between Sophia and me is strictly professional. You have nothing to worry about.
"You know you're the only one I want."
Just then, Sophia approached with two glasses of red wine. Leaning over, she smiled into the camera.
"Skylar can be such a workaholic, Chloe. You've really picked a good one this time."
Before I could process it all, the call ended.
A cold unease settled in my chest.
I'd seen the way Skylar didn't refuse the wine, how he'd accepted it with a faint, almost comfortable smile.
The way their eyes had met, something unspoken passing between them.
My mind went blank.
I turned off my phone, buried my face in the pillow, and tried to shut everything out.
A week later, Skylar finally reached out.
As soon as I answered, he invited me to a celebration dinner that evening.
I stayed silent, still upset he'd been so distant.
He didn't seem to notice, or maybe he didn't care.
Casually, he added, "Let's invite Sophia too. She helped a lot with the project. It's only right we thank her properly."
I froze. "I thought it would be just the two of us."
"Next time," he said dismissively. "Let's do it this way for now.
"Since she's your sister, it's only proper that you bring her along."
It felt like the only reason he'd called was to invite Sophia. Something about it didn't sit right with me.
Pretending I was fine with it would be a lie.
But his reasoning was hard to argue with.
In the end, I went to find Sophia in my role as Skylar's girlfriend.
As soon as I saw her, I called him.
"No need to invite her. She already has plans with my ex."
There was a pause on the other end. "She's still in touch with your ex?"
I watched as Morris, holding a bouquet, pouring his heart out, was gently rejected by Sophia.
A bitter smile touched my lips.
"He fell for my sister and is confessing to her now, though it seems she's not interested in him anymore."
"I happen to be nearby. Wait for me."
Skylar hung up.
Nearby? Was it just a coincidence?
Before I could dwell on it, I turned and saw Skylar approaching from not far away.