hapter 5
Chapter 5
“Look at the lovebirds!”
“At this rate, I’ll be planning a wedding soon!” Uncle Dan’s booming laugh echoed from behind.
His voice snapped Skylar back to reality.
She quickly captured the moment the gala’s crowning scene preserved in perfect detail.
The couple broke apart, and Victoria waved up to the balcony with feigned shyness.
“That’s all for tonight, Skylar. Thanks for your hard work!”
Relieved, Skylar packed her gear and joined her mother and Uncle Dan downstairs.
Her mother was chatting warmly with Victoria, holding her hands. “I hope you don’t mind us being late, dear. We
hit some traffic.”
“Not at all! You’re just in time for cake,” Victoria beamed.
Uncle Dan clapped Callias on the shoulder, his face glowing with pride. “Son, I’m thrilled you’re settling down. Now that you’ve given Victoria the family necklace, maybe we should invite the Winters over to discuss wedding plans?”
Victoria blushed, looking at Callias with adoring eyes before turning to Skylar.
“I’d love that. Though I don’t have many friends here… Skylar, would you be my bridesmaid?”
Skylar was massaging her cramped hands, barely listening.
Her mother had to nudge her to repeat the question.
She looked up, her face a perfect mask of indifference.
“I’m sorry, I’ll be busy. But I sincerely wish my brother and future sister–in–law every happiness.”
Everyone smiled except Callias.
His dark gaze fixed on Skylar. The smirk died on his lips.
Back home, Skylar headed straight for a shower.
As she emerged, exhausted, a strong hand slammed her against the hallway wall.
His kisses rained down her damp neck, leaving marks, hungry and possessive.
Skylar nearly screamed.
She bit her tongue, fighting down the sound, trying to escape his grip.
09:29
Addio To The Stand–In Past. This Time I Chose To Reclaim My Own Life
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Chapter 5
Her struggles only made him kiss her more fiercely until he gripped her chin.
She heard footsteps on the stairs, her panic mounting
“Are you insane?”
Callias laughed darkly against her car, his eyes wild. “Yes, I am. Why don’t you scream? Let everyone see what their perfect son does to his little stepsister. Let them see how I make you wet with just a kiss.”
Only when the footsteps retreated did Skylar’s racing heart slow.
She wrenched away from him, voice shaking. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
His eyes followed her, dark with rage.
“What’s wrong with me? Who gave you permission to call me ‘brother‘ and her ‘sister–in–law?”
Skylar froze.
She couldn’t understand. If he was just using her for revenge, why did these little things matter?
“Why shouldn’t I? You’re getting married, aren’t you? Making out right in front of me!”
“Skylar! How many times do I have to explain? It’s all an act! I only kissed Victoria because I saw our parents!”
His voice was raw with what seemed like genuine anger.
Skylar couldn’t tell what was real anymore.
But instinctively assuming it was all part of his game, she nodded.
“Right. You’re quite the actor.”
How much further would he take this charade?
Wasn’t she broken enough for his satisfaction?
The words caught in her throat as tears finally spilled down her cheeks.
She was exhausted. She couldn’t play his game anymore.
When would he finally let her go?
