Chapter 276: The Heir to the Classic

 (Skylar's POV)

The night had been a blur—a collision of power, control, and inevitability.

Chris had never been one to ask for permission. Not when he decided to take control of a nation. Not when he announced their marriage to the world. And certainly not when he finally claimed her.

Skylar sat on the edge of the bed, the silk sheets pooling around her. The dim glow of the city lights filtered through the massive windows, casting long shadows across the room. Beside her, Chris lay still, his breathing steady in the aftermath of the night.

She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling slowly.

This changed everything.

Not because of the wedding, not because of the power he wielded—but because she already knew.

Something was different.

She had felt it the moment she woke up. A shift. A quiet certainty.

Her fingers instinctively pressed against her stomach, and for the first time in years, a feeling she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge crept in.

Fear.

Chris stirred beside her.

She froze.

A second later, his hand reached for her wrist, his grip firm but not rough. Possessive. Unyielding.

"You're thinking too much," his voice was low, still laced with sleep.

Skylar swallowed, keeping her expression neutral. "I always do."

Chris's lips curved slightly. "And yet, here you are."

She pulled her wrist free and stood, reaching for the robe on the chair. His eyes followed her every movement. They always did.

"I need air," she muttered.

Chris didn't stop her, but his gaze lingered. "Don't forget, Skylar."

She paused at the door.

"You belong to me now," he said smoothly, as if stating an undeniable fact.

She didn't respond. Because she knew.

And now?

Now, there was someone else who did too.

The child growing inside her.