Page 73 of Keeping Skylar
For the briefest moment, a flicker of guilt and shame crosses Kaden’s face, but he quickly masks it with a sneer. “You really think you’re the better choice?” he growls. “Let me tell you something,Heath, Skylar might be caught up in all the heat and excitement right now, but sooner or later, reality will set in. She’ll remember what we had, the life we built, and the love we still have for each other, deep down. And when that happens, I’ll be right there, reminding her exactly who she belongs to.” His smirk creeps back, sharper and more venomous than before.
Making him believe he’s won this round; I hold his gaze and smirk. “Does your so-called plan to win you wife back also include your mistress? Or is it, girlfriend now?”
He winces at the mention of his lover, who he seems to have suddenly forgotten about. “I’ve already told Sky that she means more to me than anyone else. If she chooses to stay with me, she knows I’ll always put her first. She’s the only woman for me.”
“Right. And what does your girlfriend think of that?” I jab.
“I don’t need to explain myself to you!” he spits out. “You’re just a temporary fix for Sky, a distraction. Someone who she can fool around with for now until she gets bored. Then once it’s all out of her system, she’ll come running back to me—her husband, and I’ll be right here waiting, with arms wide open.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Kaden, but you could be waiting for a very long time. You see, I won’t be going anywhere unless Skylar asks me to. Unlike you, she actually trusts me, and I’d never betray that. And just so we’re clear”—I take a deliberatestep closer, meeting his gaze head on— “every night when she’s curled up inmyarms, she’s not thinking about you. Not once does your name cross her lips, not once does she reminisce about the life you two had. Honestly, it’s like you’ve been wiped from her memory—erased, as if you never existed at all.”I lift one shoulder in a lazy shrug, fully aware I’ve landed the blow right where it hurts most.
I catch a glimpse of sadness in his eyes, fleeting, but unmistakable. “I didn’t know you two were living together,” he says softly, his voice catching slightly before he exhales a heavy sigh. But just as quickly, the vulnerability vanishes behind a hardened mask. “It doesn’t matter,” he continues, voice steeled. “I’m going to fight like hell to get my wife back. And there’s nothing you, or anyone else, can do to stop me.”
He turns sharply and strides towards the door, but just as he reaches it, Kaden pauses. He spins back around, locking eyes with me, his gaze glinting with challenge. “Oh, and Heath,” he says with a smug grin, “may the best man win.”
My frown deepens, and I raise my voice just enough for him to hear. “She’s not some goddamn prize to be won, dipshit!” The words hang in the air, slicing through the tension and stopping him dead in his tracks.
He doesn’t look back at me or utter another word. He simply shakes his head and chuckles under his breath like the arrogant prick he is, and saunters out of the restaurant, leaving me to dwell on his final words.
I would never manipulate Skylar into picking me. She’s a strong, intelligent woman—more than capable of making her own decisions. What Kaden doesn’t realise is that, no matter how hard he tries to charm her with sweet nothings, his words no longer hold any weight with her.
For someone like Skylar, who finds it hard to trust others, what she needs most are genuine actions—someone who demonstrates respect, kindness, honesty, and loyalty. And that’s exactly what I’m determined to do: show her that she’s truly worth it and deserves to be treated like the queen she is.
If Kaden wants a fight, I’m more than ready to give him one. He may have a long history with my girl, but I’m the one who’s earned her trust. And I’m the one who’ll help her piece together her fractured heart. No matter how this plays out, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to her I’m not going anywhere, that I’m exactly where I belong—right by her side.
CHAPTER 32
Skylar
Love hangs thick in the air, so strong I can almost taste it. Today is Hannah and Nate’s wedding day, and there’s nothing more enchanting than watching two souls intertwine—becoming one.
The ceremony feels like a scene pulled straight from a fairy tale movie. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Guests are gathered beneath a grand oak tree draped with low-hanging lanterns, just outside Bedford Manor, the cherished estate once owned by Hannah and Heath’s late grandparents.
Eighty of their closest friends and family sit on elegantly crafted wooden benches lining a white-carpeted aisle, each row adorned with stunning floral arrangements. The entire setting is just as intimate as it is magical.
I’m sitting in the front row alongside Heath and Hannah’s parents, Carol and Howard, watching the bride and groom exchange their vows.
They’ve chosen to stick with traditional vows rather than write their own—mostly due to Nate’s habit of slipping sexual innuendos into just about every conversation or speech, which likely wouldn’t go over well with either family. So far, though, he’s managed to behave himself.
Hannah looks absolutely radiant in her strapless mermaid lace gown, every detail embodying a sense of classic elegance.Nate, in his sharp black tux, is a far cry from his usual larrikin self—he looks every bit the devoted groom. And the way he’s been gazingat his bride all afternoon stirs up a whirlwind of emotions inside me.
Standing beside Nate as his best man is the one person I haven’t been able to take my eyes off since he stepped onto the scene. Heath stands tall and poised, his well-fitted tux making him look like he’s just walked off the runway of a high-end men’s fashion show.
Even amidst the beauty of the bride and the grandeur of the ceremony, Heath draws his own share of attention, evident from the countless admiring glances cast his way. And honestly, who could blame them? The man is effortlessly and undeniably irresistible.
The bridal party includes Hannah’s three closest friends from primary and secondary school: Natasha, her maid of honour, along with her two bridesmaids, Kelly and Caitlyn. Nate’s groomsmen are Heath, his cousin, Josh, and his long-time colleague and friend, Tom.
My eyes narrow as I spot Natasha—a striking, tall blonde with flawless high cheekbones and a slender frame—sending a flirty smile in Heath’s direction. He meets her gaze with a smile of his own, and a sharp pang of jealousy stirs within me as I watch their exchange unfold. I glance down at my hands, clenched tightly in my lap, trying to hide the irritation creeping into my expression.
Suddenly, I feel the weight of someone’s gaze on me. When I slowly look up, I find Heath watching me; his brow furrows slightly, as if he can sense the shift in my mood—then his lips curl into a warm, reassuring smile. He mouths ‘beautiful’, followed by a sexy wink that always leaves me blushing. Despite the lingering frustration, a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. How can I be mad at that handsome face?
The celebrant announces Nate and Hannah as husband and wife, and the delighted couple leans in for a deep kiss beforemaking their way down the aisle hand-in-hand. The bridal party follows closely behind, and we all rise to cheer on the newly married couple.
As the bride and groom pass by, my attention shifts to Natasha, clinging tightly to Heath’s arm like she’s claiming him all for herself. And as they walk away, I can’t help but silently hope he’ll glance back at me—just once. But he never does.
The reception is in full swing, and once again, I find myself seated with Hannah’s parents, who’ve been nothing but warm and gracious since our first introduction. They know me as Hannah’s friend and colleague, and Heath’s roommate. But judging by the lack of raised eyebrows and curious questions, I’m guessing they haven’t caught on that there’s something more than just a shared lease between their son and me.
Carol is every bit as beautiful and graceful as her daughter, with her chestnut bob, vibrant blue eyes, and petite frame. But it’s Howard who truly draws my attention. He bears an uncanny resemblance to Heath, even in his mid-fifties. With his salt-and-pepper hair, sturdy build, and piercing blue eyes, it feels like I’m staring at Heath twenty years from now.
