She took the bag from him. “Leave it to me, you can go back to your other tasks,” she added with a smile.
“But…” Zane hesitated, looking at the dressing room. He knew Dave didn’t like Skylar much, so he wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to let her handle it alone.
He worried that Dave might get upset with him if he let Skylar enter without permission.
Skylar noticed his hesitation and felt a bit upset. She softened her tone and said, “Zane, Dave’s grandpa had asked me to help him change. We all need to follow his wishes, don’t we?”
Skylar gently reminded Zane of Lucas’s authority.
Understanding the situation, Zane reluctantly agreed. He realized that Lucas might still want Dave paired with Skylar, and if he got in the way, he could be sent out of Edenfield the next day.
“Of course, Miss Larson! Thank you. I’ll leave now,” Zane said, his voice tense.
Skylar smiled as she watched him leave.
Holding back her excitement, she turned and knocked on the dressing room door.
Thinking it was Zane, Dave called out loudly, inviting him in.
Skylar couldn’t help but chuckle softly, trying to keep a serious face as she pushed the door open. A white screen separated them, but she couldn’t help but be curious about the silhouette of the tall, well-shaped man on the other side.
“Just put them there,” Dave said, tossing his wet clothes out. “Take them for dry-cleaning.”
There was a brief silence, and he wondered why Zane was still standing outside.
Feeling irritated, Dave turned around and pulled aside the screen. To his surprise, it wasn’t Zane standing there, but Skylar.
Skylar was taken aback by the sight of Dave half-naked. His muscular chest and broad shoulders made a strong impression, and his waist was strong, cinched by a belt.
She couldn’t help but feel drawn to his strong physique.
Avoiding eye contact, she looked down to hide her flushed cheeks.
Then, to her surprise, she noticed that his belt was from a random brand, worn out, and of poor quality.
“Why are you here?” Dave asked, seeing her and quickly pulling the screen between them. His frown showed his annoyance.
Skylar took a moment to compose herself. “I just brought you some clothes,” she said calmly, offering a friendly smile.
“Where’s Zane?” Dave asked, gritting his teeth.
Skylar cleared her throat and explained, “Zane… had some other matters to take care of.”
Dave’s expression turned grim. He couldn’t understand why Zane would act this way. Did he want to get fired?
He wanted to yell at her but held back, remembering that his grandpa had asked Skylar to help him.
“Just leave the clothes on the chair and go,” Dave said, pinching his eyebrows in frustration.
“Sure,” Skylar murmured, gently placing the clothes down. Looking up at the man behind the screen, she hesitated, unsure if she should say anything.
“Why are you still here?” Dave’s voice was filled with impatience.
“Um, Dave…” Skylar began, her voice uncertain as she bit her lip.
After a brief pause, she said softly, “Do you remember your promise to me?”
Dave’s expression slightly changed as he sensed the seriousness of her words. He remembered his promise but couldn’t understand why she was bringing it up now.
“Sure,” Dave replied in a cold voice.
“I’ve made up my mind about my wish,” Skylar said, standing tall as she looked at Dave’s silhouette through the screen. “But I’m not sure if you’ll grant it,” she added, her voice uncertain.
“I’ll keep my promise as long as it’s within legal and ethical bounds. You can trust me on that,” Dave replied calmly.
“Absolutely,” Skylar smiled. Then, with a firm voice, she continued, “My wish is quite simple. I wish you’ll marry me.”
Dave raised an eyebrow and opened the screen, looking directly into Skylar’s eyes. “What did you just say?”
Skylar looked into his eyes calmly, wearing a serious vibe, “Dave, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. I know I’ve said I didn’t want this marriage, but your grandfather’s greatest wish is for us to marry. He’s like a second grandfather to me, and now that he’s seriously ill, I don’t want him worrying about our marriage or feeling hurt. So, please marry me, even if it’s just for show. Let’s spare him any more pain.”
Dave frowned deeply, then lowered his eyes. “Skylar, I would promise you anything else, but not this one.”
“Why not? It’s not wrong or illegal. Why can’t you agree? You promised you’d fulfill any wish of mine. It’s your vow!” Skylar’s usual calm tone now held a touch of frustration.
Turning away, Dave stared out the window at the autumn leaves falling.
“Skylar, I’ll only marry the woman I love in this lifetime. No one else.” His voice was firm. “I can promise you anything else, but I won’t enter a loveless marriage with you. It is non-negotiable.”
Skylar had hoped that by mentioning Lucas’s illness, she could make Dave reconsider. She thought that under the pressure of his grandfather’s condition, he might agree to marry her, not wanting to risk his grandpa’s health for the sake of a woman.
But Dave’s firm response caught her off guard.
Clenching her fists, Skylar bit her lip, her eyes clouding with frustration. She took a deep breath and finally asked, “Is Bianca the woman you love?”
Dave was stunned by her words. Turning around, he became more guarded, his voice turning cold. “So, it was you who invited Bianca to our engagement party?”
Skylar tried to stay calm as she looked at Dave. “Dave, you must understand that your grandfather strongly opposes your relationship with Bianca. I did this for your own good. There are so many women from wealthy families. Why choose someone from a lower background and go against him?”
“You have no right to talk about her!” Dave’s movements were quick as he grabbed Skylar’s wrist and pinned it against the door. The force made Skylar wince in pain, her eyebrows furrowing.
“How did you find out about this?”
“Your uncle Rupert told me,” Skylar said, her face twisted in pain and tears welling up. “Please, Dave. Believe me. I haven’t told anyone, not even your grandfather. I’m on your side. I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for you.”
Dave’s eyes turned cold and sharp.
Why was it Rupert again? Had Rupert forgotten the evidence he had?
How could Rupert reveal his connection with Bianca to Skylar?
Was he trying to harm Bianca by involving Skylar?
But Dave couldn’t let Rupert’s plan succeed.
He released Skylar and stepped back, putting some space between them, staring at her coldly.