Couples part

Chris POV

The days before the ball felt like a blur, a whirlwind of decisions, logistics, and constant demands. But beneath the surface of it all, Chris remained focused. His eyes were on the bigger picture—the empire, the Blackwood legacy, and, of course, the people who held the power to keep it all in place. The ball, while extravagant, wasn't just a celebration of his birthday; it was a demonstration of power, loyalty, and the unity of the Blackwood Union.

As Chris sat at his desk, reviewing the final guest list and security plans, his thoughts kept drifting to one person. Skylar.

She was, in every sense, the anchor of his life. Despite the wealth, power, and responsibilities that burdened him, Skylar had always been the one constant—a partner, a confidante, the mother of his children. His thoughts were never far from her, even in the midst of this chaotic preparation.

The door to his chamber opened softly, and there she stood. Her presence was like a calming breath in the suffocating pressure of the empire. Her sharp eyes met his, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade into the background.

"Skylar," Chris said, his voice softer than it had been in days. "How are you feeling about the ball? Are the arrangements to your liking?"

Skylar walked toward him, her steps light yet purposeful. She didn't sit, as if she knew better than to relax in such a tense atmosphere. "Everything is as it should be, Chris. But I see the weight you're carrying. Is it too much?"

Chris leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping absently on the polished surface of his desk. "Too much?" He chuckled bitterly. "It's never too much. Not when it comes to ensuring the future of the empire."

He paused, meeting her gaze. There was something about her expression that made him realize how much she had been shouldering as well. This wasn't just about him—Skylar was equally invested in the well-being of their family and their legacy. "But yes, it does feel heavy sometimes. For all that we've built, it still feels like we're teetering on the edge."

Skylar's eyes softened, her gaze steady and unwavering. "I know. But you're not alone in this, Chris. We're in this together. Always."

A weight lifted from his chest at her words, the calmness of her voice a reminder of the strength they had as a team. No matter how many obstacles they faced, Skylar was always there to anchor him.

"You've done more than your fair share. And the empire... the Blackwood Union, they will recognize that," Chris said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "This ball, this celebration—it's for both of us, but more than that, it's for our children. For Christiana. For Ethan. For the future."

Skylar nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind his words. "And we'll continue to make sure it's a future worth fighting for."

She stepped closer, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll be there with you every step of the way. Let the world see what we've built."

Chris reached out, pulling her into a brief embrace, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten. "Thank you, Skylar. I need you, now more than ever."

---

Skylar POV

Skylar's heart beat a little faster as she stood there in Chris's chamber, feeling the weight of his words sink deep within her. She had been by his side for so long now, weathering every storm, navigating every triumph, but she couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting with each passing day. The empire was growing, expanding, and now it was no longer just a matter of their survival—it was about ensuring that their legacy would not just endure but thrive.

But despite the grandeur of the ball, the attention of the guests, and the millions of eyes that would be on them, Skylar's focus remained on one thing: the family. It was always about the family.

"You know," Skylar began, her voice quiet but certain, "I've been thinking about Christiana."

Chris raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the direction of her thoughts. "Christiana? What about her?"

Skylar crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway as she gathered her thoughts. "She's growing into her power, Chris. I see it in her eyes. The way she carries herself, the way she speaks—it's only a matter of time before she'll be ready to take on even more responsibility. Perhaps it's time to consider her future as well."

Chris didn't respond immediately, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the edge of his desk. It was clear that he was deep in thought, weighing her words carefully. "You think she's ready?"

Skylar nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I do. She's been trained for this all her life. She's not like the others. Christiana is more than just our daughter; she's a leader in her own right. It's just... sometimes I wonder if she's ready to take on a larger role, a more visible one."

Chris's expression softened. "She's your daughter, Skylar. She'll make her own path, just as you did, just as I did."

Skylar moved closer to him, her tone turning more contemplative. "But what if she needs more than just guidance? What if she needs something... or someone else to help her see the bigger picture?"

Chris tilted his head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Skylar hesitated, knowing her words would carry weight. "A suitor, Chris. A partner who can not only share in her vision, but help her steer this empire when the time comes."

A silence hung in the air as Chris's mind worked through the possibilities. It was clear that Skylar was already thinking ahead—about Christiana's future, about how they could continue to shape the empire for generations to come.

"You're right," Chris finally said, his voice firm and resolute. "I'll make it happen. Christiana will have a partner who deserves her. A future partner who can help us continue to grow the Blackwood Union."

Skylar smiled, her heart lighter knowing that Chris understood. "I knew you would, Chris."

---

The preparations for the ball continued with ever-increasing intensity, but now, with each passing day, there was a growing sense of anticipation. Not just for the celebration itself, but for what was to come after. For Skylar, the ball was merely the beginning—there was much more at stake than just the grandeur of the event.

And as the days dwindled to hours, she couldn't help but wonder what changes the future would bring. But whatever they were, she knew one thing for sure: She and Chris would face them together.