Skylar brought Reece to the garden, a wide stretch of private land.
Flowers grew in many spots. Most had wilted with the season, but the chrysanthemums were still bright and full.
The night was quiet. No one else was around. Lamps gave off a soft light, making the garden look calm and beautiful.
“This place is amazing,” Reece said. He couldn’t take his eyes off the chrysanthemums.
Right after he spoke, he felt warmth in his hand. Skylar had gently taken it.
Reece turned to her and saw the softness in her eyes.
“Reece, did you really come here just to see the garden?” she asked gently.
His heart beat faster. “Then… what do you want from me?”
Skylar walked closer. She stood so near he could smell her sweet scent and feel her breath. It stirred something deep in him.
“I miss you,” she whispered as her eyes stared at his face. She leaned in and slightly brushed her lips on his ear.
Reece felt his chest tighten. A warm rush of emotion rose to his heart. He looked at her, unable to resist. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a tight embrace. Then he kissed her intently, showering all his feelings.
Skylar wrapped her arms tightly around him and returned his kiss with equal passion.
Nestled at the heart of the garden, the chrysanthemum field offered a secluded sanctuary. After working hard all day, the gardeners had left, giving the two of them some quiet privacy.
The kiss ignited Reece’s longing for Skylar. With intense tenderness, he lifted her, laid her down on the soft grass, and positioned himself on top of her.
“Reece, I want you. Skylar panted heavily, her cheeks flushed brightly.
Drawn irresistibly by the moment, Reece removed the last garment beneath her skirt and thrust inside her. Their emotions reached a peak as they held each other close, surrounded by the calm beauty of the garden.
Skylar let out a soft gasp as she looked at the man in front of her. A small, knowing smile formed on her lips.
When it was over, they lay on the grass, letting the calm settle in. The cool night breeze dried the sweat on Reece’s skin as he stared at the stars above. The feeling was new to him. His heart beat fast with a mix of thrill and joy.
The moment pulled him in even more. His thoughts were filled with her.
“Reece,” Skylar whispered, resting in his arms. She traced gentle lines on his chest. “Does your promise to me still stand?”
Reece looked down into her eyes. His voice was firm. “Yes. It does.”
Skylar spoke softly, “Bianca is the real problem. Even if she loses the case, Dave will still support her. She won’t suffer much. Unless…”
Reece held her tighter. “Are you asking me to say yes to Lucas and make sure Bianca ends up in jail?”
Skylar bit her lip. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “You’re not doing it for him. You’re doing it for me.” She leaned in and her eyes was full of emotion. “Reece, if you help me now, I promise-I’ll be yours forever.”
Reece’s eyes widened. A silent pain appeared in his expression. “You’re about to marry Dave. How can I say you’re mine when you already belong to someone else? Unless…”
He gently held her hand and his eyes were soft as he looked at her.
“Skylar, if you choose to leave Dave and be with me, I promise I’ll take you somewhere we can be truly free. I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happy.”
Skylar was stunned. She never imagined Reece would propose such an idea.
Run away with him? How could that even be possible?
She dreamed of becoming the matriarch of the Evans family, proudly standing by Dave’s side.
“Reece, Bianca has always been a problem for me. She’s hurt me so much. I won’t find peace until she’s gone.”
Skylar gently ran her fingers through Reece’s hair, her eyes fixed on his glowing face.
“I can’t wait to leave with you after we take care of her-as long as you stay with me.”
“Really?” Reece leaned in, holding Skylar’s hands gently. “Are you really ready to leave Dave and run away with me?”
Skylar nodded. “I’ve realized that being Mrs. Evans doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. What matters is being with the one I love. I can’t stand the thought of Bianca living happily. If I walk away now, she’ll marry Dave and take the place I fought for. I won’t let that happen. Let him marry anyone-just not her.”
“Reece,” Skylar said, her voice trembling, tears filling her eyes, “will you go against everything you believe in and help me get rid of Bianca?”
Reece was completely drawn to Skylar. Hearing she was ready to run away with him made him forget everything else.
He placed her hands on his chest and looked into her eyes. “Alright. I’ll help you get what you want. But you have to promise me-once this is over, we leave. I’ll give up my job and everything I have. I just want to be with you.”
“I promise,” Skylar said with a smile.
“Let’s seal it with a pinky swear.” Reece held out his pinky finger.
Skylar’s face briefly showed a hint of dislike, but she quickly smiled and linked her pinky finger with his.
Finally convinced, Reece stood up, looking satisfied. “Let’s go. I’ll tell Mr. Evans I’m in.”
Skylar gave him a sweet smile and walked after him.
But once his back was turned, her smile vanished. Her eyes grew cold as she watched him. She slowly clenched her fists.
What a fool. She would never run away with him. After Bianca was gone, he would be next.
Inside the house, Lucas and Caleb stepped out of the study. Caleb looked happy and in a very good mood.
As they reached the first floor, they suddenly came across Skylar and Reece, who had just come back.
Lucas looked a bit surprised. “Did you two go out together?” he asked.
A hint of panic crossed Reece’s face.
But Skylar stayed calm. With a gentle smile, she said, “Reece felt a little full after dinner, so I took him for a walk in the garden.”
Lucas smiled and nodded. “Good idea. A walk after dinner keeps the doctor away!”
He then laughed with Caleb.