Cole
I could feel the weight of her gaze even before I saw her. She was the same woman I had spent a fleeting night with at the hotel, and she was standing in front of me with wide, nervous eyes. Her legs wobbled slightly as she descended the stairs, looking every bit like she was about to fall. It was all I could do not to reach out, though I knew I’d only make it worse. Instead, I just watched, my face a mask of indifference as she regained her balance. The atmosphere seemed tense, and She wasn’t the only one who seemed to be struggling. I could see it in the way she nervously adjusted her clothes, trying to avoid meeting my eyes. It was clear she had no idea what I was thinking, just as I had no clue what she was thinking. But I did know one thing—I was furious. Furious that she had shown up here at my grandfather’s house, under these circumstances. Furious at the idea that she might have some ulterior motive, that she could be part of some scheme orchestrated by my stepmother. The butler’s voice broke through the heavy silence, announcing that lunch was served. Grandfather led us to the table, his voice warm as he gestured for us to sit. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he said, his tone gentle but expectant. “It’s good to have you here, Skylar.” Skylar… so that was her name. My eyes briefly met Skylar's. She nodded politely at grandfather, but her gaze was filled with uncertainty, and I could see a flicker of something else too—maybe fear. Every time I glanced at her, I could sense her eyes darting nervously away from mine. It was clear we both had our reservations, though neither of us was willing to voice them just yet. Halfway through the meal,Grandfather seemed to have sensed the tension, and cleared his throat after a few moments of silence. His eyes flicked between us as he paused mid-bite, before speaking with a smile. “Well, I think a change of scenery might help. Why don’t you two take a walk in the garden? It’s a beautiful day, and it will give you both a chance to get to know each other better.” My eyes met hers, and for a second, I could swear I saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. Was she scared of being alone with me? Grandfather’s gaze softened. “I’ll have a few words with your mother, Skylar. You two take your time.” We both stood up slowly, and she followed me without a word to the garden. As we stepped outside, the cool breeze hit my face, but it did little to ease the tightness in my heart. The garden stretched out before us, the flowers in full bloom, but I couldn’t focus on the beauty. All I could think about was the woman walking beside me. Her silence was louder than any words she could say. Finally, breaking the silence, I turned to her, my voice cutting through the stillness. “So, what is it that you really want, Skylar?” Her steps faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and faced me. “What do you mean?” she asked in a low voice, but I could sense the tension in her words. I narrowed my eyes, studying her carefully. “What’s your game? You even dared to appear in front of me?” I asked my tone sharp. “Aren’t you scared that I might expose your secret?” She stopped walking, her eyes wide with surprise as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. For a moment, she said nothing, but then, slowly, she spoke again. "I... I don't know why you're bringing this up, but if it's about that night at the hotel... I—I'm so sorry. It was a mistake, and I never meant for it to happen like that. I don’t want you to think badly of me," she said, her eyes avoiding his. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I’m really not that kind of woman. Please, don’t think of me like that." She looked at me, feeling her cheeks flush, then added, "After we marry, I’ll be with you, I swear. I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right between us.” Her apology was almost flawless—too flawless. As Skylar spoke, I watched her closely, my mind cataloging every shift in her tone, every flicker in her eyes. She was good, I’d give her that. Too good. The sincerity in her voice, the carefully measured regret—it felt like a well-rehearsed performance. I narrowed his eyes, my face expressionless but inside, I was long consumed by anger. Was this an apology or a provocation?! “I don’t want you to think badly of me,” she continued, her voice soft but steady. “I know I messed up. I didn’t mean for it to happen, and I’m sorry. I can promise you, I’m not that kind of woman.” I didn’t say anything, just let her words hang in the air as I leaned back slightly, studying her. She looked nervous, but not in the way someone caught lying would be. No, she was composed, controlled even. She had a psychological strength that I hadn’t accounted for. I’d clearly underestimated her. “Why are you apologizing? That night was a memorable one for me, and I'm guessing it was for you, too? Or do ...... you have another story to tell about that night?” I asked her with a smile as I resisted the urge to strangle the woman in front of me. She frowned as if she wanted to say something but eventually just sighed, “I know it's hard to get you to let go of your prejudices but I'm going to prove it to you ...... After we're married, you'll see what kind of person I really am on a daily basis!” I almost laughed. Married? The word itself felt like a provocation coming from her. She had no idea what she was walking into. Liar! Just imagine how bold she sounded! How much of this was her manipulative way of getting into my family, that she wanted to live with me and infiltrate my life? And how much of it was a calculated move by Vanessa whom she was working for? Either way, I realized something important: this woman wasn’t going to break easily. She was no fool; she was here to play the long game, and I was going to use this game to my advantage by spying on her. “Well, you’re ambitious, I’ll give you that,” I said, stepping closer to her. I didn’t miss the way she stiffened slightly, her breath catching for a split second. “But don’t think for a second that I don’t see through you.” “I don’t know what you mean,” she murmured in a low voice. “It's okay, you'll understand later,” I bent closer to her, my LIPS brushing her ear, my voice dropping lower…… “Let’s settle this, then. I’ll marry you.” Her head snapped up and our distance shortened to the point where I could kiss her pink LIPS if I lowered my head, but I wouldn't back down. Her face slowly turned red like a ripe tomato as I watched. Was she shy? Or was this her disguise? Before I could understand, she took a step back. “You... what?” “You heard me,” I said smoothly. “But let’s be clear—this isn’t some romantic fairytale. This is a contract marriage. Three years, and we’re done. No strings, no complications.” She looked stunned, her mouth parting as if to protest, but no words came. I stepped even closer, closing the distance between us until I could see the conflict written plainly across her face—part disbelief, part anger, and a hint of something else. “Are we in agreement??” I asked, my voice firm. Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. But instead, she swallowed hard and nodded. “If that’s what it takes,” she said quietly. Hearing her words, I smiled, satisfied. No matter what exactly her purpose was and what kind of game she wanted to play with me, the rules of the game were still up to me. I smoothly picked a white rose from the side and pinned it behind her ear, raising an eyebrow at the sight of her face, which was more beautiful than the flower. As I stepped back, I caught the flush in her cheeks and the defiance in her gaze. It was satisfying, in a way. Skylar might think she could navigate this, but she had no idea what she was really getting into.Skylar I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. My mind was still hazy. It took me a moment to gather my thoughts, but as my eyes adjusted to the morning light coming through the curtains, I noticed a neatly wrapped box resting at the foot of my bed. Frowning slightly, I pushed myself up and reached for it. The deep blue ribbon was tied with some kind of expertise, the paper smooth and elegant. I was about to call my mom to ask who owned the package, but mom beat me to it and knocked on my door. As she walked in, I greeted. “Good morning Mom. Who-” She cut me off before I could finish. “Cole Buckman sent it earlier this morning.” Cole Buckman sent me a package? She left shortly after, giving me a small smile. Curious, I pulled the package apart, my breath hitching as I lifted the lid. Inside lay a breathtaking white dress—simple yet refined, with delicate embroidery adorning the edges. The fabric felt soft beneath my fingertips. He actually sent this?! T
ColeThe car ride back had been quiet. After signing the marriage agreement, I decided to take Skylar back to her home.Outside, the city lights flickered past in a blur, and I let myself relax against the driver’s seat, one hand on the wheel. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable. If anything, it felt like a quiet understanding had settled between us.But that peace shattered in an instant.The first thing I noticed was the faint haze in the distance. At first, I thought it was just fog rolling in, but then the acrid scent of smoke drifted into the car. My throat tightened, and my grip on the wheel instinctively clenched.Skylar noticed it too. She straightened in her seat, her fingers curling against her lap.“Do you smell that?” she asked in a low, concerned voice.I didn’t answer, my eyes locked on the thickening smoke ahead. The closer we got, the more obvious it became—this wasn’t just some small fire. This was something bigger. Then, as we turned the last corner, the scene unfolded
SkylarWhen I woke up the next morning, the room felt too big, too empty. The unfamiliar ceiling above me reminded me that this was not my home. My home… The memory of the flames and smoke filled my mind again, and I felt a dull ache in my chest. Everything I had known was gone in a single night. I took a deep breath, not wanting to get emotional this early morning. Then, I remembered him- Cole. Despite all his coldness, he had taken me in last night. He hadn’t mocked me, hadn’t thrown me out, and hadn't treated me like a burden. He had simply let me stay. The memory of his arms around me, the way he had supported me when I was too numb to stand on my own, sent a strange warmth through my chest.I never expected kindness from Cole. Our marriage was nothing more than an arrangement, and he had never given me any reason to believe he cared about me. But last night… Last night had been different.I pulled the covers off and sat up. I had to do something. Cole had done so much fo
ColeThe bar was loud and lively, filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter. People were talking, drinking, and enjoying themselves, but I wasn’t paying much attention. It had been a long time since I last saw my friends, and the moment they learned I was back in the country, they insisted on throwing a small celebration for my return. I sat with them, sipping my drink, feeling the familiar burn of alcohol in my throat. Across from me, my friends were engaged in a lively discussion, but I only half-listened, my thoughts drifting. "Still the same cold bastard," Adrian, one of them teased, nudging me with his elbow. "He's probably thinking about a multi billion contract even while drinking," Fred chimed in. I smirked, but I didn't argue as I took another sip of my drink, the familiar burn of whiskey trailing down my throat as I exhaled. They weren’t entirely wrong. A blonde woman slid into the seat beside me, her long manicured nails lightly grazing my arm as she
Skylar I stayed in bed longer than usual, pretending I needed more sleep. But in reality, I was just avoiding Cole. After what happened last night, facing him felt impossible. My heart still raced when I thought about it—the weight of his body, the heat of his breath so close to mine, the way his lips had barely brushed against the corner of my mouth. Just thinking about it made my face burn. I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. Maybe if I stayed here longer, he would have gone to work and I wouldn’t have to see him. I waited, watching as time slowly passed by, but my stomach betrayed me, grumbling loud enough to remind me that I needed food. With a sigh, I finally got up and freshened myself before heading downstairs, telling myself that he must have left for work by now.I came to an abrupt stop at the bottom of the stairs. My eyes widened, and a soft gasp escaped before I could stop it. He was seated by the counter, casually scrolling through his tablet as if he had
Skylar “Finally! I was starting to think you had disappeared off the face of the earth,” Amber exclaimed the moment she saw me and pulled me into a tight hug.After spending some time with my father, I decided to meet up with Amber, my close friend. It had been too long since we last caught up. I needed a distraction, and spending time with Amber was the perfect way to clear my mind.I laughed. “I’ve been… busy.”We found a table and sat down, and the moment they did, Amber gave me a curious look. “Busy with what? Work?”But before I could respond, Amber’s gaze turned to Xaiver, standing a few steps behind me. Her eyes lingered on him a little too long, and she leaned in, whispering, "Who’s that?""Oh, that's Xaiver…"Amber's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she studied him. “Wait a second… When did you change boyfriends?” I blinked, caught off guard. “What? No, Xavier isn’t—” But she wasn’t listening. Instead, she crossed her arms and nodded in approval, a smug grin sp
Skylar"I can't believe you’re wasting your beauty like this, Sky! You have such a great figure, yet you insist on dressing like you’re some boring secretary in a dull office drama,” Amber rolled her eyes as she pushed me toward a high-end clothing store. She had been nagging me for nearly twenty minutes after we met at the Cafe. Ever since she found out I was married to Cole, she had been criticizing my lack of effort in dressing up as a ‘billionaire’s wife'.I let out a tired sigh, already knowing this conversation was going nowhere. "Amber, I really don’t see the big deal. They’re just clothes." Amber gasped, placing a hand over her chest like I had just uttered something blasphemous. "Just clothes? Sky, that’s an insult to someone like me! Fashion is an art, a language. It tells the world who you are before you even open your mouth. And right now, you’re practically telling people you don’t exist!" She flipped her hair dramatically and gestured to herself. "Look at me! Do y
Cole"How long do you plan to stay in my arms?” I asked in a cold, stern tone. Skylar briefly met my eyes before quickly pulling away as she regained her composure.I'd just left the building where I went to see a client when I saw Skylar heading toward the busy street. In an instant, a car came speeding down the road. I didn’t think twice. I ran after her and reached her just in time. I grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the danger. The truck roared past us, and for a moment, my heart pounded with relief, as well as anger. I couldn’t believe that Skylar would run into traffic like that. It felt as if she did not care about her own safety at all.Without wasting time, I carried Skylar into my car. As I pulled her inside, my eyes burned with both worry and anger. Did she even know how close she was to being hit by the truck?! The thought made my heart pound as my hand tightened on the steering wheel. She had no idea—no idea how one small mistake could have cost her life!“What
Skylar I never thought a simple night out would turn into something like this.Paul’s grip on my wrist was tight, his smug expression making my stomach twist in disgust. But what truly shocked me was the way he looked at Cole—like he was someone beneath him, someone insignificant.“And who the hell are you?” Paul sneered, his arrogance on full display.Cole didn’t respond. He just stood there, calm and composed, his dark eyes unreadable.Paul took that silence as weakness. His smirk widened as he straightened his shoulders. “Listen, pretty boy, I don’t know what you’re trying to do here, but you need to mind your own business. Walk away now, or you’ll regret it.”I could feel Amber tense beside me, too stunned to even utter a word. I also wanted to speak up, but Cole’s presence kept me rooted in place. He wasn’t reacting—wasn’t angry or offended. He was just watching Paul.Then, without a word, Cole turned slightly, as if ready to take me away again, but Paul moved to block him.“Wh
ColeThe moment I stepped out of the meeting room, I let out a deep breath. That was exhausting. My friend, Justin, who had recently returned from overseas, and I, along with some board members, had been exploring a business opportunity to increase sales and expand our market presence.The meeting had taken long hours, but it had been successful.“Man, that was draining,” Justin groaned, rolling his shoulders as we exited the meeting room. “You could say that again. But I'm glad we could get everyone on board.”Justin smiled. “You’re right. Why don't we hit a bar and unwind? I really need a drink before I lose my mind.” I nodded, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. Let’s go.” We headed to one of the most exclusive bars in the city and settled in the VIP section, a place meant to keep people like us away from unnecessary attention. The dim lighting and soft music were meant to be relaxing, but
Skylar I stared at the bar manager in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. Did he just say two hundred thousand dollars? For a second, I thought I had misheard, but the stern expression on his face told me otherwise. My mouth went dry. I didn’t have that kind of money—not even close. Before I could react, Amber stepped forward, her voice firm. “I’ll pay for it.” I turned to her, eyes wide with both relief and concern. Amber had always been bold, never one to let anyone look down on her. I could tell she didn’t want Paul or his friend to think we were helpless. With a determined look, she pulled out her card and handed it to the bar manager. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. At least the situation was about to be resolved. But then, the manager’s expression didn’t change as he handed the card back. “Declined.” Amber frowned. “What? That’s impossible. Try again.” The manager sw
Skylar I frowned slightly, my eyes scanning the man who had just appeared in front of us. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place his face. He was tall, messy black hair, a lazy grin that probably worked on some women—but not on me.Where had I known him from?His smirk faltered when he noticed my blank expression. His jaw tightened, and a flicker of frustration crossed his face. “You don’t remember me?” he asked in an angry voice. Amber let out a low chuckle, crossing her arms. “Wow, this is quite unexpected. Three years of chasing after Skylar, and she doesn’t even know who you are.” Three years? The realization clicked. Paul— he was one of the men I had rejected in the past. One of the many suitors I had long forgotten. “Oh,” I murmured, finally recalling. “It's you.”He stood with his arm lazily draped around a curvy blonde woman, his gaze sharp as he shot me a pointed look. That s
Skylar I lay on my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Even though the family dinner and its drama had ended the night before, I still felt drained.The expectations, the scrutiny, and the pressure—it had all been suffocating, but Cole had handled it all.The sound of my phone ringing jolted me from my thoughts. I reached for it and saw Amber’s name flashing on the screen. A small smile tugged at my lips as I answered. “Hey.” Amber sighed loudly on the other end. “Skylar, I need a drink.” I immediately frowned, sensing something wrong. “What happened? You don't sound so good.” “I’m not,” she admitted. “My dad’s driving me insane.”That was all she needed to say. I knew how controlling and strict her father could be. “What is the matter this time?” I asked.“Can you imagine? My father wants to set me up in an arranged marriage!”I nearly sprang out of bed in shock at her words. Amber… in an arranged marriage? No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t picture it.Amber was
SkylarThe ride home was silent. Too silent. Cole drove with his usual calm demeanor, his fingers resting lightly on the steering wheel, his expression unreadable. I sat beside him, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, my heart hammering against my ribs. I stole glances at him from time to time, trying to gauge his mood, but his face remained impassive, giving nothing away. How long had he been standing there, just watching and listening to Ethan and I? Did he hear anything at all? I couldn't tell, and that really terrified me. I wanted to say something... anything. To casually ask a question that would help me gauge exactly what he knew. But what if I phrased it wrong? What if I ended up revealing more than I intended? One wrong step, one slip of the tongue, and I could make an even bigger mistake. My throat felt dry, and my palms were clammy against my lap. I clenched my fingers together, willing myself to stay still. Cole, on the other hand, remained completely unfazed.
The moment I stepped out into the garden, the cool evening breeze hit my red face, sweeping away the heat from the alcohol. I inhaled deeply, savoring the night air as it cleared my mind. The laughter and chatter from the banquet hall faded and turned distant as I walked away further into the garden. I needed this. Just a few minutes to breathe, to be away from the scrutiny of everyone watching, judging. I lowered myself onto a chair near the hedge, closing my eyes briefly. My thoughts drifted back to the banquet, to the moment Cole had taken the glass of wine meant for me and downed it without hesitation. The teasing remarks from the guests still echoed in my mind. "Cole really cares about his wife, doesn’t he?" Their laughter had filled the room, entertained by the fact that Cole had taken the glass from me. But they all had sat there in silence and had pretended not to see the way Ethan made things difficult for me. The only consolation I got was the way that scumbag’s fa
Skylar “Sorry I'm late.”The moment I heard that deep, familiar voice coming from the door, I almost forgot how to breathe. I just sat there frozen. I tried to turn to see the person who had just arrived, to confirm my doubts, but my body just wasn't cooperating. The moment he walked towards the table and stood across from me; I saw his familiar face, and every single word on my lips instantly dried up and vanished. My throat tightened, my pulse pounded in my ears, and an unbearable coldness spread through my body. Ethan. He was right there, sitting across from me. A face I never thought I would see again. A past I had buried, locked away, and sworn to forget. Yet, here he was, looking at me with those sharp, unreadable eyes. I barely heard Cole’s voice as he made the introduction. "Skylar, this is my stepbrother, Ethan." My heart stopped. My vision blurred for a second. His ste
ColeI couldn’t help but notice that Vanessa was giving Skylar a long, measuring look. She seemed to be watching Skylar’s every move, and then her eyes fixed on Skylar’s chest, lingering over the necklace that I had given to her.Vanessa was smiling, but I could see the hunger in her eyes. She kept staring at Skylar’s necklace—the Princess Victoria Rose rare and expensive jewelry piece. From my intel, I knew It was the final piece Vanessa needed to complete her royal jewelry entire collection, the very one she had been obsessed with for years. Too bad for her… she was never going to get it. I saw the exact moment Vanessa lost control. She couldn't help but reach out, her fingers grazing the necklace as if admiring it, but I knew she was trying to test its authenticity, to confirm if Skylar was actually wearing the real necklace.A warm smile played on her lips, but I wasn’t fooled. Her tone seemed light, almost playful, as she most likely asked