Chapter 1738


    Chapter 1738


    Skyler retorted, “Shut up!”


    She snapped back before spinning on her heel and dashing into the bathroom. The sound of the faucet


    echoed as she sshed cold water on her face, a desperate attempt to calm the storm within her.


    Although the two were engaged, they were still quite young, and there were many uncertainties ahead


    for them.


    Could they truly make it to the altar? It was anyone’s guess.


    Some choices were made in the heat of the moment, a fleeting happiness that could lead to a lifetime


    of regret. And Skyler couldn’t afford any regrets.


    Thankfully, Zavier hadn’t pushed her further, instead giving her space to think. When she finally


    emerged, refreshed and moreposed, she found him on the balcony, a cigarette dangling from his


    lips.


    She couldn’t help herself. “How many times do I have to tell you to cut down on smoking?” she


    chastised, her voiceced with concern.


    This time, Zavier actually listened, snuffing out the cigarette. “Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow we’ll need


    to be on top form to meet the Blue family.”e2


    “Okay,” Skyler murmured, her voice soft. “I’ll crash on the couch. You take the bed.”


    “As you wish,” he replied.


    Exhaustion imed her quickly, and she was soon adrift in sleep on the sofa. Time blurred until she felt


    herself lifted, a warm cocoon enveloping her as she was gently ced in the bed.


    Blinking awake, she saw Zavier tucking her in. “Zavier, you’re giving up the bed for me again?”


    He didn’t offer an exnation, just a quiet, “Did I wake you?”


    She shook her head slightly and he yfully poked her cheek-a tender gesture that carried no sting.


    “Sleep,” he whispered.


    Her eyes fluttered closed, and sleep reimed her. Zavier sat by her side, watching her peaceful


    expression. She seemed so serene, undisturbed by nightmares.


    He remembered when she first arrived in the Capital, those early days when they were forced by their


    families to share a room. Her sleep was restless, haunted by bad dreams that would wake her-and


    him-several times a night.


    It wasn’t that he cared particrly. It was just that his light sleep was disturbed by her startled


    movements. He’d watched her, impassive, as she fought her demons night after night.


    But times changed. Months passed, and Skyler had slowly found her purpose and strength. She’d


    learned to fend for herself, her confidence growing. Most importantly, she was away from the


    suffocating presence of the Blue family, and the oppression that had once been her daily life.


    Now, she was not only more confident but less intimidated by others. She even dared to snap back at


    him when provoked.


    Unable to contain the flutter in his heart, Zavier gently prodded Skyler’s cheek again. She seemed


    healthier. Her cheeks were fuller than when they first met.


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    Feeling the disturbance, Skyler swatted in her sleep at the nuisance on her face. Zavier caught her


    hand in his, holding it firmly. “Scaredy-cat,” he murmured with a promise only for himself, “I’ll make


    myself strong so no one can bully you again.”


    Yes. He was determined to be strong. He wouldn’t let anyone force him to do things he didn’t


    want to do anymore.


    Skyler slept on, undisturbed by the world. When she awoke, the room was bathed in sunlight, the sheer


    curtains turning the rays into a golden haze.


    “You sleepyhead, finally up?” Zavier’s melodious voice suddenly rang in the ears.


    Turning her head, Skyler saw him sitting at the edge of the bed, hisptop now resting beside him. He


    must have been handling business while she slept.


    Closing theptop, he asked gently, “Did you sleep well?”