Chapter 1622
Skyler nodded obediently.
But ultimately, it was Zavierâs decision; if he wanted to leave, there was so little someone as insignificant as her could do to stop him.
The butler was quite pleased with how sensible and well-behaved Skyler was. âBut you know how he is; even Mr. Hudson canât control him. Youâll have to take it slow with him.â
âYes,â Skyler replied softly.
âThe familyâs all waiting for you. Hurry along to dinner,â the butler encouraged.
With a gentle hum of acknowledgment, Skyler followed the butler inside.
Both families were seated at the dining table, with two empty chairs beside the patriarch reserved, quite obviously, for Zavier and Skyler.e2
In Zavierâs absence, Skyler was unsure where to seat herself, but Hudson beckoned her with a smile. âKid, come sit here.â
âYes,â Skyler said, taking her place beside him. Thatâs when Hudson asked, âDid that rascal Zavier take off again?â
Skyler nodded.
âZavier just celebrated his twentieth birthday last month. Heâs young and reckless, and does not think of consequences. But now that heâs got someone to look after him, he ought to settle down a bit.â He looked at Skyler with a sigh, as if making a significant decision. âSkyler, today Iâm officially entrusting him to you.â
âOkay,â was all Skyler could muster, not knowing what else to say-or if she could say anything else at all.
Zavier was his own person. A very strong-willed young man at that. Everyone expected Skyler to handle him, overestimating her capabilities.
Or perhaps they knew she couldnât handle him and were just adding pressure for the fun of it.
Sierra, Zavierâs aunt, with a twinkling laugh, chimed in, âYou can rest easy. Skylerâs a real catch, pretty as a picture. Even I get a bit jealous, let alone those young lads. I bet it wonât be long before Zavierâs eating out of her hand.â
Her words sounded like a compliment, but the underlying implication was clear-Skyler was to win Zavier over with her charms.
As the junior at the table, Skyler couldnât speak up. She looked to her parents for support, but Barbara seemingly misunderstood Sierraâs insinuation, adding, âYou all can relax. Skylerâs a sensible girl; sheâll serve Zavier well.â
Her parentsâ words stung like barbs, and Skyler clenched her fists at her sides, maintaining a polite smile.
âClearly, Zavierâs in for a treat,â Sierra said, while brazenly serving Skyler more food. âEat up, dear, youâll need your strength tonight.â
The insinuation was even more blatant. Regardless of whether Skyler was Zavierâs choice, their engagement meant she was now part of the Rivera household, Kaleneâs future daughter-in-law.
Kalene wouldnât let her family be slighted, âSpeaking of which, howâs Dustin doing lately? Havenât seen him around for a while.â
She deflected the conversation skillfully to Dustin, causing Zavierâs aunt to glance nervously at Hudson, who thankfully didnât show any displeasure. âHeâs been studying hard, making good progress.â
âThatâs great to hear. Maybe we should invite him over for dinner sometime,â Kalene suggested.
âHeâs not the focus today. Letâs not talk about him,â Sierra conceded, knowing full well Kalene was protecting her own.
The rest of the meal passed without further incident.
The Blue family had business to attend to and had to return to the south overnight. Before leaving, Skylerâs mother took her hands, her words laced with urgency, âSkyler, even though you and Zavier are engaged, and youâre rightfully his fiancée, that boy is proud and may not follow through with the
marriage. You must find a way to bear his child soon, to secure your place as his wife.â