Page 78 of Keeping Skylar
Lucia,
Congratulations on the baby. I really do wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy.
As for Kaden, I have no idea why he’s stopped all communication with you, but it might have something to do with him trying to win me back. Suddenly, he’s developed a conscience and feels guilty for cheating on me with you, and now he’s desperate to fight for our marriage.
Don’t worry though, your relationship is perfectly safe. I want absolutely nothing to do with my ex-husband. He’s aliar, a cheat, and a selfish bastard, and now, he’s all yours. No self-respecting woman would ever want a man like that, so by all means, enjoy him. The truth is, I don’t spare a second thought for either of you anymore. I’ve moved on, and while Kaden has seen that for himself, he’s still hoping I’ll give him another chance.
I’m sorry you’re having trouble reaching him, but that’s the man you’ve chosen to be with, someone immature and unreliable. I have no interest in where he is or what he’s doing, but if by some chance we cross paths, which I sincerely hope we don’t, I’ll make sure to pass along your message.
This is the last time you’ll ever hear from me. I’m done holding onto the trash and negativity in my life. I wish you well, and all the best with your new child, as well as the other one—if you manage to finally track him down. Goodluck (you’re certainly going to need it).
Sincerely,
Skylar Rivera
Sent from my iPhone
I hit send and immediately block her contact. I never want to see or hear from her again. Just replying to her email leaves me feeling dirty and gross. But I’ve said everything I needed to say, and this will be the last time. Shaking off the lingering disgust, I move on to the next task. I open my phone’s keypad and tap in Kaden’s number, the one etched permanently into my memory.
Me:Hey, it’s Skylar. What time do you finish work? I was just wondering if you’d like to join me for dinnertonight?
Kaden:Wow! Now, isn’t this a surprise. I thought I’d never hear from you again. I’d be honoured to go out for dinner with you. Where are we going?
Me:Great! Can you meet me at the Decadence Hotel at 6pm? There’s a restaurant in there I’ve been dying to try.
Kaden:Sounds like a great plan! I look forward to seeing you there, beautiful.
That settles it, I guess I’m finally going to have that heart to heart with my ex-husband after all.
CHAPTER 34
Skylar
The sharp clicking of my heels echoes off the marble floor as I stride into the hotel’s restaurant, my heart pounding beneath a carefully composed facade. Across the room, my eyes instantly land on my ex-husband, already seated at a corner table. The moment he spots me, he springs to his feet, a wide, overly eager grin stretching across his face. I don’t rush towards him. Instead, I take my time crossing the room, every step carefully measured.
He quickly pulls me into a gentle hug; the first touch I’ve allowed from him since I walked away. His eyes sweep over me with a look that’s equal parts lust and admiration, lingering on the short, form-fitting burgundy dress I’m wearing that clings on to every curve and dip. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner, Skylar. Aren’t you a vision tonight.” He smiles appreciatively.
I lower myself into the chair he pulls out for me, a smile escaping my lips as a silent thank you. “I do apologise for the late notice. I hadn’t planned on doing this until the very last minute. So, thanks for agreeing to come.”
He settles into the seat across from me, and his smile blooms with a warmth I haven’t felt or seen in so long, a genuine affection that brings to mind the early days of us, before he went and destroyed everything. “It’s my pleasure. You know I’ll do anything for you,” he promises.
Being in the same room with him feels so different now. It’s as though we’ve transformed into strangers, our connection so frayed that we’ve forgotten how to interact with each other.
“I hope you don’t mind; I’ve ordered us some white wine and the Venetian crab linguine for dinner?”
I nod and smile. “Sounds great.”
Two minutes later, the waiter arrives with a bottle of Pinot Grigio and two glasses, setting them down in front of us. He fills each glass, and we thank him as he retreats.
Just as I reach for my glass, Kaden’s hand unexpectedly closes around mine, pulling it gently towards his lips. “I’ve missed you so much,” he says softly, keeping his eyes tethered to mine as I pull my hand away. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but what made you suddenly want to see me?”
“Well, I’ve had some time to think things over, and I’m finally ready to talk.”
He flashes a broad smile. “I’ve been waiting patiently to hear from you. I thought you might’ve needed some time to reflect on our last conversation. Now I can see I made the right decision, because here you are.” He gestures to where I’m sitting.
“Here I am,” I repeat.
In the same moment, our waiter appears, setting our food on the table. The mouthwatering aroma wafts from the dish, instantly making my stomach growl. I glance back to Kaden, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I walked into the restaurant.
