Just then, a movement beside him snapped him out of his thoughts.
Skylar stretched and slowly opened her eyes.
At first, a soft smile appeared on Skylar’s lips. But it quickly faded, replaced by shock and disbelief.
“Reece, what happened last night? What did you do to me?!” Skylar’s voice shook with fear, and her eyes widened with confusion as she clutched the comforter to her chest.
Seeing her distress, a wave of remorse hit Reece, and heavy guilt filled his heart.
He couldn’t bring himself to look at her.
“It’s… it’s my first time,” Skylar admitted, tears filling her eyes again.
When Reece saw her cry, his heart softened.
He couldn’t stand seeing her upset. He turned to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’ll take responsibility for what happened. I promise,” he said quietly, looking into her eyes.
“Be responsible? How?” Skylar’s voice shook as her tear-filled eyes met Reece’s.
Seeing her pain broke Reece’s heart. He gently took her hand, his thumb softly moving over her skin. “I’ll talk to Dave. I’ll make him see that we belong together. He should let you go. He’s chosen Bianca. He never really planned to marry you. He doesn’t love you. Skylar, I promise I’ll make you happy if you’re with me.”
Skylar pulled her hand away, and her eyes burned with anger. “Reece, do you even hear yourself? Dave may not be thinking clearly now, but I will marry him. Lucas has invested so much in me. He sent me abroad and trained me to be Dave’s wife. He’s even told influential families about it. If he finds out about us, he’ll stop at nothing-even kill us!”
Reece froze, a chill running through him. He remembered the stories about Lucas’s ruthless nature.
His grandfather had warned him about how the Evans family stayed on top, with Lucas willing to sacrifice anyone, even family, for his goals.
Lucas’s actions were known to be extreme, even in the world of powerful elites.
His reputation for being unpredictable and cruel was well-known. Betrayal was not just taboo; it was a death sentence.
Skylar was right. She was meant to be Dave’s wife.
Lucas had already prepared her for him, and her public introduction meant any scandal would hurt not only her but the entire Evans family.
Their lives were at risk.
The thought of facing such power made Reece shiver.
“Skylar,” he started, “I’m really sorry about last night. I drank too much.” His voice was full of regret and frustration as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Reece grimaced, angry with himself for losing control the night before. Regret ate at him.
“Don’t worry,” he quickly added, trying to make things right. “I won’t tell anyone about last night. Can we just pretend it never happened?”
Seeing the fear in his eyes, Skylar felt a mix of disdain and strength. She couldn’t let him off that easily.
She needed an ally since Lucas had abandoned her, and Reece seemed like the right choice. If she could win his loyalty, maybe she could finally ruin Bianca’s reputation.
“But you promised to take responsibility,” she said, her voice filled with resentment. “How can you just pretend it never happened?”
Tears filled Skylar’s eyes again as she cried. “You told me you loved me last night. Was it all a lie? You just wanted sex, didn’t you? Now that you got what you wanted, you’re throwing me away. Reece, I thought you were different, but I guess I was wrong. You’re just like the others-heartless and selfish. I’m done. I’d rather just die!” she cried, her voice shaking in pain.
As she finished, Skylar moved to leave, pulling the comforter off to get out of bed.
Shocked, Reece quickly pulled her back into his arms.
Their naked bodies were pressed together. Reece’s mind went blank, and guilt hit him hard. “Skylar, I didn’t mean what I said. I really want to take responsibility for you. But you have to understand, I can’t go against the Evans family!” he said, desperation in his voice.
Skylar nestled against him, feeling his heartbeat. A soft smile appeared on her lips. “If you truly want to take responsibility, help me. You’re the only one I can trust,” she whispered, her voice full of vulnerability.
Overcome by the moment, Reece quickly said, “Okay, I’ll help you. I’ll stand by you, no matter what. I’ll do anything, even if it means going through hell.”
“Are you sure? You’re not lying, right?” Skylar asked, her eyes filled with affection.
Reece raised his hand seriously. “I swear to God, everything I said is true!”
Skylar’s face softened. She wrapped her arms around him, feeling his warmth. The touch sent a shiver down Reece’s spine, triggering emotions he had tried to ignore.
“I knew you were the best,” she whispered.
“Actually, there’s something I’ve never told you,” Skylar said, looking into Reece’s eyes.
“I love you too,” she whispered.
Her words made Reece’s heart pounded and his mind spin. He pulled her back onto the bed and their bodies felt each other’s warmth.
His breath came in quick, and heated emotions burst up, instantly mixed with hers.
“You’re not drunk now. Do you still want to continue?” Skylar asked with a playful glint in her eyes, and her fingers ran down his chest.
Reece’s eyes stayed on her messy hair and tempting lips.
Even though he was sober, the desire inside him was undeniable. In a rough voice, he answered, “Yes.”
Her confession of love aroused a deep longing in him.
Reece gave in to the pull of love, fully aware and alive in the moment.
****
Before the final episode was filmed, something unexpected happened.
Leonel called Bianca to tell her that the obesity medication would be launched the next day. As the ambassador, Reese had to attend the launch.
“But didn’t you promise to consider Reese’s schedule?” Bianca said, trying to stay calm while holding the phone.
Leonel sighed. “I did promise, but the higher-ups decided to release it tomorrow. I only just found out.”
“Is there no way to reschedule it?”
“They carefully chose the date. They won’t change it for just one artist. Bianc, I really need your help this time. I recommended Reese for this role. If she misses this event, it will break her contract and hurt me too.”
Bianca didn’t know what to say after hearing Leonel’s request.
She understood his problem. Since Reese had signed the agreement, she had to go. But the Star Search finale was important, especially since Reese’s popularity was rising, partly because of Blake’s influence.
If she dropped out because of business, it would cause a lot of anger and hurt her reputation.