Page 44 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Skylar

It’s been almost a week since Heath told me he loved me, and I’ve been floating on air ever since.

When we returned to the wedding reception, hand-in-hand, it felt like the entire room stopped to take us in.

Though a few, namely Natasha and Liam, barely masked their disapproval, it was his family who welcomed us back with open arms, their faces lit with warm, unguarded joy.

Heath wasted no time introducing me to his family as his girlfriend.

Carol and Howard practically leapt from their seats, wrapping me in warm hugs and showering me with heartfelt welcomes.

In that moment, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—true happiness.

It was one of the best feelings in the world.

Heath stayed by my side for the rest of the night, with me sitting comfortably in his lap and his arm draped protectively around me, as if silently telling the world I was his.

As the evening wore on, Liam became increasingly quiet and withdrawn, eventually excusing himself to head home early.

We brushed off Natasha’s icy glares from across the room, where she watched us like a hawk all night.

Thankfully, she never approached Heath again.

After the wedding, we rushed back home, unable to keep our hands off each other.

That night, when we made love, it felt different—raw and more intense, like every touch was charged with emotion. It wasn’t just passion; it was something deep and real. It was extraordinary .

The following evening, Heath moved into my room, marking the final step in solidifying our relationship and making it feel official.

The rest of the week was nothing short of incredible. Heath and I were practically inseparable; despite our hectic work schedules. We made every moment we spent together meaningful and unforgettable. For the first time in months, I felt truly happy and in love.

I’m packing up my things ready to head home after another successful day in class when I hear a ding on my phone alerting me of a new email. I swipe my phone and gasp at the sight of Lucia’s name on my screen.

Why the hell is she reaching out now, after all this time? It’s been six months, what could she possibly want? Driven by curiosity, I quickly open the email to find out.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 28 April, 2023 at 3:04 pm.

Subject: Where is Kaden?

Dear Skylar,

It’s been a while, and I know I’m probably the last person in the world you want to hear from, but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures, huh?

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Kaden and I are officially together, and without getting into the specifics, things have been going amazingly well.

If you hadn’t run off the way you did, we would’ve told you the truth eventually.

Kaden was always going to leave you for me in the end.

We did feel bad for lying and sneaking around behind your back.

But the truth is, we couldn’t fight the way we felt for each other anymore.

When you found out about the affair and left your husband, I was relieved—relieved that we no longer had to hide and could finally be together.

I could go on and on about how great things have been since you left, but that’s not the reason why I’m contacting you.

Kaden mentioned during our last phone call that he ran into you in Melbourne.

That was almost four weeks ago. I haven’t heard from him since. He’s completely stopped answering my calls and texts, and to be honest, I’m getting pretty fucking worried.

I just want to know if you said or did something that made him suddenly cut me off. It’s not like Kaden to go completely silent without a reason. So, either he’s with you and avoiding me, or something serious has happened to him. And honestly, I’d rather it be the latter.

If he is with you, or if you know where he is, could you kindly pass along a message to him? Can you tell that boyfriend of mine that I’m pregnant and to give me call when he stops being such a coward.

That’s all from me, for now. I look forward to your earliest reply.

Sincerely

Lucia Cardillo

Argh! The nerve of this woman!

Just when things are finally falling into place, the universe finds a fresh new way to screw me over.

I might not be interested in Kaden anymore and have buried the whole damn affair in the past where it belongs, but Lucia dropping her pregnancy bombshell, no doubt timed to perfection, is the final nail in the coffin. I’m done with these fucking people.

If I had known what a snake Lucia truly was, I would’ve never let her into my home, let alone my life. But if their betrayal had never happened, I would’ve never found Heath, and in the end, he’s all that truly matters to me now.

Rather than sinking into anger and hatred, I choose to rise above it. My focus is where it truly belongs—on reclaiming my life and nurturing the love I’ve found with Heath. With renewed hope and determination, I pick up my phone and tap reply to Lucia’s email.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 28 April, 2023 at 3:12 pm.

Subject: RE: Where is Kaden?

Lucia,

Congratulations on the baby. I really do wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy.

As for Kaden, I have no idea why he’s stopped all communication with you, but it might have something to do with him trying to win me back. Suddenly, he’s developed a conscience and feels guilty for cheating on me with you, and now he’s desperate to fight for our marriage.

Don’t worry though, your relationship is perfectly safe.

I want absolutely nothing to do with my ex-husband.

He’s a liar, a cheat, and a selfish bastard, and now, he’s all yours.

No self-respecting woman would ever want a man like that, so by all means, enjoy him.

The truth is, I don’t spare a second thought for either of you anymore.

I’ve moved on, and while Kaden has seen that for himself, he’s still hoping I’ll give him another chance.

I’m sorry you’re having trouble reaching him, but that’s the man you’ve chosen to be with, someone immature and unreliable. I have no interest in where he is or what he’s doing, but if by some chance we cross paths, which I sincerely hope we don’t, I’ll make sure to pass along your message.

This is the last time you’ll ever hear from me. I’m done holding onto the trash and negativity in my life. I wish you well, and all the best with your new child, as well as the other one—if you manage to finally track him down. Goodluck (you’re certainly going to need it).

Sincerely,

Skylar Rivera

Sent from my iPhone

I hit send and immediately block her contact.

I never want to see or hear from her again.

Just replying to her email leaves me feeling dirty and gross.

But I’ve said everything I needed to say, and this will be the last time.

Shaking off the lingering disgust, I move on to the next task.

I open my phone’s keypad and tap in Kaden’s number, the one etched permanently into my memory.

Me: Hey, it’s Skylar. What time do you finish work? I was just wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight?

Kaden: Wow! Now, isn’t this a surprise. I thought I’d never hear from you again. I’d be honoured to go out for dinner with you. Where are we going?

Me: Great! Can you meet me at the Decadence Hotel at 6pm? There’s a restaurant in there I’ve been dying to try.

Kaden: Sounds like a great plan! I look forward to seeing you there, beautiful.

That settles it, I guess I’m finally going to have that heart to heart with my ex-husband after all.