Pt.2: 10: The Coaxing Advice

After taking some rest, Skylar freshened herself up, and instead of being the intimidating CEO, her wavy hair was cascading down, and she wore casual clothing like black shaper jeans that hugged her well-toned legs. She even looked approachable due to her comfy checkered crimson polo with three loose buttons that go well on her dark trench coat and black topsider Sperry Snickers. She was more relaxed looking simple, like she was not even running two growing companies. With her dark eyeglasses, her intimidating façade was still on the spot as she waltzed inside the Rose Net Café Bar that a trusted business partner owned.

"You did well around here," Skylar complimented as she met the chill but sophisticated co-owner of the small computer café, Verosha Park-Kim. She might look domestic and simple, but at their main business, Mood de Fragrance, she was like Skylar, intimidatingly dangerous.

"Well, this is my husband's and my hobby." Verosha chuckled as she showed Skylar around the café, which was very spacious and clean.

"Computer?" Skylar teasingly guessed, making Verosha smile.

"Well, I'm married to a bit geeky husband," she answered, and Skylar chuckled slightly because if Verosha's husband was a geek, Verosha was the neat freak, which she decided not to speak of.

"So, what do you think I need to do to keep my husband from freaking out too much?" Skylar wondered as soon as they entered the café's office and sat on the couch like she owned the venue. Verosha prepares their teas before joining her on the sofa.

"First, what did you do? From what I knew about him, he is a very understanding husband, so what happened?" she wondered first before she could give her input that could help her friend with her problem.

"Well, I told him that I'll call or text him, whatever case makes me run late, but you know my night job does, and my team didn't even think about reminding me about time, so, yeah, that happened." Skylar briefed her, and Verosha listened attentively.

"And this is your first time not meeting your words, am I right?" she guessed, making Skylar nod with a heavy sigh before sipping her tea.

"Yeah, and this morning he suddenly snapped at me like I don't have any rights to do anything around the house." She even added, making Verosha chuckle.

"Well, you're not flexible when it comes to household chores. So, I understand where he's coming from." She teased, making Skylar glare.

"Verosha, that's not helping." She whined in such defeat.

"Alright, I know you want to do something around the house to return the favor, but there are ways of doing that. If he's acting like a wife in the house, then you better be the man in the house. If you're not washing dishes, do hard chores around the house by doing plumbing, electrical, building, or lifting something." With a genuine smile, Verosha suggested before sipping her tea.

"Don't you think that will be too much since he's the man?" Skylar carefully wondered, making Verosha chuckle.

"A husband doing what a wife is supposed to be doing isn't bad at all." Verosha teased before adding more suggestions might help Skylar handle her marriage. "And besides, being married isn't run by egos or pride; it is more about balancing where the two individuals could work together by talking things out whenever there are problems, go on dates, and spend quality time together to get to know each other better. And maybe, you could ask him to teach you a little thing or two around the house, and you could do the same thing for him. It's a give-and-take favor to balance your marriage."

"But how can I do that when both of us are hot at the moment?" With worry in her tone, she wondered.

"Hm, take some breathers, but don't let it take more than a week that later will turn into months. Don't let any argument be unsettled since it could be a big issue later on. But, if the two of you could sit it all out in one night, then much better, but if you're still hot like you said, then take some time. Be considerate and cautious about the time to talk about your problems. Observe your husband's mood, tone, and expressions before you calmly talk it all." She gave Skylar sincere advice carefully based on her experience before adding, "Another thing, don't drown yourself with work or your nightlife if your husband is already your heart and life."

"Nightlife, I wish I could tell him that part of me, but I'm still scared of what he'll react or do once he learn them." She sighed heavily, which Verosha understood well. She was once in her position, but not anymore, and Skylar, they needed to figure it out on their own for the sake of their marriage.

"You're scared because you love him more than you know. But Skylar, as a piece of advice, focus on your love for each other and not the fears of whatifs. Always be strong and ready for the day when all of your secrets needed to be heard by Vincencio." With calmness, Verosha sternly reminded her.

"I hope that I could." She replied hopefully followed by a sigh.

"You will, just have faith." Verosha smiled encouragingly before changing the subject about a serious matter. "And speaking of night jobs, here's the latest information you're looking for."

"Oh, thanks. I almost forgot them because of my hubby." With a sad chuckle, Skylar checked the file that Verosha personally handed to her.

"You can hold it for a moment if your husband matters." She reminded her despite knowing Skylar wouldn't go with that suggestion.

"He is as much as my thirst for their blood." Skylar's tone suddenly turned grim, and Verosha grinned while shaking her head.

"If you say so. But be careful since they have connections you need to consider not to mess with," she reminded her friend, being worried for Skylar's safety.

"After what they've done, I'm not easy to mess with, as I'm the slayer they can't escape from." With a sinister grin, Skylar confidently said and reread the file.

CLASSIFIED CODE ORANGE

Name: Ike Malcove

Code: I.M.

Age: 50

Gender: Male

Day of Birth: Jun 11, 1975

Place of Birth: Avalon Medical Institute

Hometown: Maestropolitan City

Address: Sigma Motel Room 609, Maestropolitan City, Avalon Kingdom

Occupation: Janitor at the Municipio de Chevalier City

Police Record: Drug user and rehabilitated for a year. Jailed for two years for attempted rape on a minor and high schooler.

Issue: Drug involvement and human trafficking.

Conclusion: Under the influence of drugs, I.M. has been involved in a crime that was staged by high officials and blamed on another high-profile soldier.

"This is funny, Lady Rose." With a dangerous smile, Skylar chuckled grimly as she cracked her fingers.

"I know you'll love it." Verosha agreed amusingly over Skylar's duality.

"Pretty much, and he'll eat the rest as I prepare his deathbed." With her devilish grin, Skylar stood up and took the file with her.

"I know you will, but remember about your private life with Vincencio." With a sincere reminder, Verosha sternly told her.

"I know that's why I want to eradicate all of them." With a determined voice, Skylar said as she went toward the door.

"If you say so." Verosha watched her in understanding when she recalled something that Skylar had to know. "Oh, before I forget, I heard they're back."

"Who?" Skylar stopped midway and asked.

"The Sterling; Gregory, your ex," Verosha coldly answered since she knew what happened in Skylar's past.

"Then it means so does she?" With an amused tone, Skylar guessed, making Verosha confirm it with a nod. She chuckled grimly before whispering. "Everything will come into play in their time, but thanks for informing me."

"Always will. Best of luck in both lives." With a reassuring smile, Verosha wished her the best.

"Same goes with you, and thanks for the advice." Skylar genuinely smiled before opening the door.

"Anytime," she replied as she watched Skylar leave the office before whispering. "You have grown strong since I saved you from dying in their schemes. Now, the table will turn into a great storm that they won't see coming in their lives."

***

There was no time Skylar didn't miss her husband, but since they needed space to cool things off, she had been staying either at the company or her old penthouse for two nights. It was not only because of their problem at home but also with work and a plan. Vincencio noticed how tight his wife's schedule became when he saw her walking at the company's hall or dropping by their department like this moment.

"Mr. Brown, can I have a moment?" With her usual cold voice, Skylar asked the design department head as soon as she stepped in their floor.

"Yes, boss, right this way." Antonio led the way to his office for them to talk privately. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Private matters. How's Vincencio?" Skylar might be sounding cold, but there was worry in her tone when she asked.

"Diligent around his job, but there were times I caught him gazing at you whenever you dropped by or walked across the hall," Antonio honestly responded. And despite his confusion, he didn't wonder about their personal married life.

"I see." She nodded while her eyes fixated on the city view, thinking about him. "I miss you too, Hubby."

In a few seconds, silence filled the office and Skylar stood still, lost in her thoughts about her husband. Antonio noticed and spoke his concern.

"Ahm, Auntie, I know I'm not in the position, but whatever is going on in your marriage with Vincencio, don't run away from it. Sit and talk about it since that's what marriage is about, right? You can't just do everything by yourself because you're not alone anymore; you two are one now," he sincerely advised her and it hits Skylar.

"Since when did you have that kind of wisdom, kiddo?" Slightly caught off guard, Skylar amusingly teased the young man.

"Ever since I saw how my parents failed in that part, it affected me. I don't want it to happen to you or your family one day. So, whatever it is, talk it out and let the truth out since you're one." With sincerity in his tone, Antonio smiled genuinely at her.

"He's right. I'm married, and in God's eyes, we're one. I have to make our marriage work," Skylar thought as she patted Antonio's shoulder. "Thank you, kiddo. Go back to work. I have a marriage to save."

"Good luck, boss." Antonio grinned proudly at her, and Skylar left his office.

Skylar might be the coolest and most intimidating CEO, but not now. She stood tall as she searched for someone in particular, but there was no sign of her husband around the department, making her check their cabin. However, arriving at the front door of the shared cabin with the department secretary and project design manager, Skylar's heart began beating hard and her hands trembled. It never happened before, but she had to. She gathered herself and entered after a knock, which immediately caught Vincencio's attention.

"Hubby, you're joining me for dinner. We have to discuss something." A demanding tone suddenly rolled out from her lips, making Skylar want to slap herself for not controlling her CEO's façade during work. "What happened to wanting to coax her husband? Stupid, Sky."

"Private matters or work-related, Boss?" Holding his cold façade, Vincencio calmly wondered while not looking.

"Damn, he's still upset and not looking at me," Skylar thought but sighed before responding. "Both."

"Okay, anything else, boss?" He nodded, making Skylar frown.

"Hubby…" she whined, trying to coax him with her cuteness, making Vincencio finally look back at her. There was a glint of amusement that flickered in his eyes as soon as their eyes met, and Skylar saw them but didn't tease him.

"What?" With coldness, he wondered while hiding his amusement.

"Still mad?" She pouted as she removed her dark sunglasses, hoping he'd give in to her charm since it was one of her best physical assets—her deep hazel cat eyes.

"A little." With their eyes locked, he admitted, though deep inside he wanted to hug her. Skylar knew it was a start and liked it more.

"Fine, I'll be a demanding boss and insist you head home early since we're taking a vacation starting tomorrow." Skylar coldly demanded as his boss but also as a determined wife.

"Vacation? Why all of a sudden?" With confusion, he carefully studied his wife.