"Skyler, long time no see."
A young and gentle man walked toward Skyler’s table with a smile. He was Sophia’s older brother, James.
James reached out and ruffled Skyler’s dark hair. "It’s been so long, and you’ve become even more beautiful, Skyler. Here, this is a gift from me to you."
James had watched Skyler grow up and treated her almost like his own little sister.
He handed Skyler a beautifully wrapped gift box.
"Wow, big brother, you’re biased! You always bring a gift for Skyler when you see her. What about me? Where’s my gift?" Sophia pouted playfully.
"I knew you would say that. Your gift is already in your room," James teased, giving his sister a playful tap on the nose before taking his seat.
Skyler held the heavy, beautifully wrapped gift box in her hands, feeling a little dazed.
It had been so long since she had received a gift that was meant just for her.
But...
"James, I can’t accept this..."
"There’s nothing you can’t accept. Skyler, I know all about your situation. If I hadn’t been out of the country at the time and Sophia hadn’t convinced our father, I wouldn’t have let you be..."
James couldn’t bear to continue. A hint of pity flashed across his handsome face.
"Never mind, let’s not talk about it. Anyway, this is a gift to celebrate your new job. You can’t refuse it."
"Yes, that’s right. I’m your big brother, and you used to be more relaxed with me, Skyler. Anyway, you have to accept this gift," Sophia insisted.
Skyler reluctantly accepted the gift.
"By the way, Skyler, how’s your love life now? Do you have a boyfriend?" Sophia suddenly asked.
She had always wanted to set her friend up with her big brother, but unfortunately, Skyler and her big brother had never shown any interest in each other over the years.
"My... my love life..." Skyler’s voice faltered, and she unconsciously bit her lip.
Logan’s sharp and stern features flashed before her eyes.
"Since my mother’s health isn’t good, I’m not planning to date anyone for the time being."
Sorry, she lied to Sophia and James.
She couldn’t bring herself to tell them the truth about her marital status—that she had married a man she had only known for less than a day.
"It’s good that you don’t have a boyfriend... I mean, your aunt’s health is more important. Skyler, come and eat... Big brother, what are you waiting for? Pour Skyler a drink," Sophia said, changing the subject.
The atmosphere at the dining table suddenly became lively again.
Skyler didn’t notice Sophia’s hesitation or the hidden meaning in her words. She just felt relieved that her friend had stopped asking about her love life.
As a result, her smile became more relaxed, and she chatted with Sophia and James about their past experiences.
However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. As the meal went on, she felt a chilling sensation on her back, as if a sinister gaze was watching her from somewhere.
After lunch, James drove the two of them back to the studio.
Although Sophia was her best friend, Skyler was very serious about her work and didn’t slack off.
She spent the whole afternoon in the studio, and when she looked up, she realized it was almost 7 p.m.
"Oh no!"
Skyler panicked and quickly packed up her things.
"Sophia, I don’t have time to stay. I’ll take these with me and bring them to you tomorrow."
"It’s okay, don’t worry. How about we grab dinner first and then go to my brother’s place together..."
Before Sophia could finish her sentence, she saw Skyler running away with her bag.
Sophia: "..."
Strange. Aunt is in the hospital, and Skyler is living alone. Why is she in such a hurry to go back?