Unbroken by Secrets

chapter three- kisses, keys and cracks

Because of the promise she made to Xavier, Skylar had to sleep over. She woke up, feeling the soft morning light filter through the curtains. Her eyes fluttered open to a room she barely recognized. The walls, once plain, were now adorned with delicate decorations—streamers, balloons, and her favorite flowers in vases scattered across the room. The centerpiece, however, was her picture, framed and hung on the wall opposite the bed, capturing her in a moment of laughter.

Skylar blinked, disoriented, until her gaze landed on Xavier sitting beside her. He wore an expression of pure joy, holding a small cupcake topped with a single candle. She felt a warmth rise in her chest at the sight of him, his presence both comforting and overwhelming.

“Xavier, good morning,” she said, her voice soft, still laced with sleep as she rubbed her eyes.

“Good morning,” he replied, his smile broadening, eyes twinkling with something she couldn’t quite place.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she took in the room’s decor. “Your smile is... rather weird,” she teased, though curiosity edged her tone. “By the way, what are we celebrating?”

He leaned closer, playful mischief in his eyes. “Are you acting, or do you really not know what we’re celebrating?”

Skylar searched her mind, trying to remember if she had missed something significant. “I don’t know... Did you sign a multimillion-dollar deal?” she guessed, half-joking.

Xavier chuckled. “Nope.”

“Don’t stress me, just tell me already.”

“Happy birthday,” he said gently, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

It hit her like a wave. “Oh my God! Today is my birthday! How did you even know?”

“A celebrity’s birthday is never hidden, Sky,” he said with a grin. “Besides, your fans are probably already blowing up your phone.”

She glanced at the clock and sighed. "They probably are. I just—thank you." Her words were full of genuine emotion, and before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. Realizing what she had done, she quickly pulled back, eyes wide with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I got carried away. I was just... excited.”

Xavier’s eyes softened. “I understand. I’m not complaining.”

Her lips curled into a small smile. “Of course, you wouldn’t complain. It’s a kiss, obviously,” she said, letting out a laugh to ease the awkwardness. His presence made her feel lighter, freer in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Xavier held up the cupcake. “My hand’s aching. Make a wish and blow the candle already.”

Skylar took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the candle. "What am I gonna wish for? I pray for more money, good health, and long life," she said, closing her eyes before blowing out the tiny flame.

He tilted his head, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “You didn’t wish for a life partner?”

She shrugged, her voice casual. “I don’t think it’s important right now.”

Xavier nodded, though a flicker of something passed behind his eyes, but he didn’t press. Instead, he shifted to a lighter topic. “Do you wish to have a bite of this amazing chocolate cake I baked?”

Skylar raised an eyebrow. “You baked that?” She smiled at his attempt but shook her head. “I wish I could, but I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.”

He leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. “It’s not mandatory, you know. Can I tell you a secret? Sometimes I have breakfast without brushing.”

She burst out laughing. “You’re not the only one with that secret.”

She took a small bite of the cake and fed him a piece too, their laughter filling the room. “Mmm, this cake is delicious. I can’t believe you actually baked this.”

“I’m glad you like it. But that’s not all. I have a gift for you,” he said, his tone turning serious.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “A gift? What is it?”

“Come downstairs and see for yourself.”

Skylar followed him out to his sprawling compound, her heart racing with anticipation. As they stepped outside, her breath caught in her throat. Sitting in the driveway was a sleek, brand-new Maybach Haute Voiture. The sunlight bounced off the metallic finish, making it shimmer like a jewel.

“Oh my God!” She screamed, her voice filled with disbelief as she jumped up, tears welling in her eyes. “You’re not joking, right? You bought this car for me?” Her voice wavered with emotion.

“Yeah,” Xavier said simply, handing her the key. “And there’s a dress on the couch. We’re going out tonight. It’s an all-night party.”

Skylar blinked, still reeling from the gift. “You... want to party?” she asked, her tone incredulous.

“Yeah, why not? It’s your birthday after all,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist.

She looked up at him, unsure if she was still dreaming. “Are you sure about this?”

“100% sure.”

Skylar couldn’t contain her excitement as she dashed upstairs to get ready.

---

That night, they pulled up in front of The Bank, the city's most exclusive club. It was known for hosting the rich and famous, a place where deals were made, and fortunes were spent.

“You’ve got good taste, Xavier. This club is amazing,” Skylar said, stepping out of the car in her stunning dress, her heels clicking against the pavement.

Xavier smiled. “I’m glad you love it.”

“Who wouldn’t?”

Before they could walk inside, they were ambushed by a chorus of voices.

“Happy birthday!” her friends shouted in unison.

Skylar’s eyes widened in shock. “No! No way. I’m dreaming, right?” She saw her closest friends—Sela, Satchel, Thelma, and Tracy—all standing in front of her. “What the hell is going on?”

“Nothing much, just your boyfriend pulling off a huge surprise,” Tracy said, smirking.

Skylar's eyes flickered to Xavier, who stood a few steps behind, smiling like he was caught in the middle of something bigger than either of them. "You did this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, overwhelmed by the effort and attention he had given her.

Xavier nodded. "Every bit of it," he said softly, as if trying not to make a big deal out of something that clearly was.

Sela nudged her playfully. "Girl, he’s not just a boyfriend, he's a keeper."

Satchel grinned. “And don’t forget the car. A Maybach Haute Voiture? You posted it on i********: or have you forgotten?”

Skylar laughed, the weight of the moment sinking in. “Yeah… I can’t even process this right now. All thanks to this dude standing right here,” she said, pointing at Xavier with an affectionate smile.

Xavier’s smile widened, but there was something hesitant in his posture, as if he wasn’t sure how to handle all the attention. Before he could respond, a voice cut through the air.

"Skylar, you look absolutely stunning," Nigel said as he approached. His voice was smooth, but there was an undertone that made Xavier’s spine stiffen.

Skylar turned, meeting Nigel's gaze. "Thanks, Nigel." She tried to be polite, but there was a tension in the air between them that even her friends could feel.

“Pardon my manners,” Xavier chimed in, a little too quickly. “These are my friends.” He gestured toward the group standing behind Nigel. “This is Vermon, Marvis, Madock, and Nigel.”

Skylar smiled politely but felt an odd chill from the group. As she extended her hand to greet them, Marvis spoke up, his tone sharp. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Skylar. But don’t you think it’s a bit unfair to call someone like Xavier a ‘dude’? Especially after he bought you a car worth more than most people’s houses.”

Skylar blinked, taken aback. The smile faded from her face. “Excuse me?”

“You know, many guys wouldn’t do what Xavier did for you,” Marvis continued, his voice dripping with judgment.

Skylar felt her pulse quicken, a mixture of irritation and disbelief rising in her chest. Before she could respond, she noticed the tension spreading through Xavier’s friends. They were standing there, arms crossed, exchanging glances as if silently agreeing with Marvis.

“I’ll just head inside with my friends,” Skylar said coolly, not bothering to engage in the conversation further. “You guys can come in when you’re ready.” She turned on her heel and beckoned for her friends to follow, leaving the men behind.

As Skylar and the girls entered the club, the lights flashing and the music already pulsating through the walls, Xavier’s friends wasted no time in expressing their opinions.

"Did you have to say that?" Xavier asked, his voice low, barely containing his frustration.

Marvis shot him a disapproving look. “My friend, we’re only being honest with you. How can you not see it? She just introduced you as a ‘dude,’ man! After everything you’ve done for her, she’s playing you. Are you blind?”

Nigel stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. “Even if you are blind, wake up. She’s not serious about you, Xavier. Can’t you see she’s using you? Just look at her, and then look at how she treats you.”

“But I’m not complaining,” Xavier defended, his voice quieter now, as if he was second-guessing himself.

Vermon shook his head, his frustration palpable. “Of course, you’re not complaining. You’re in love. How can a fool complain when he’s blinded by love?”

The words stung, and Xavier felt them more than he wanted to admit. Nigel leaned in, mimicking him with a sarcastic grin. “You love her, don’t you? This girl who’s living off your generosity, calling you ‘dude’? Pathetic.”

“That’s not fair—” Xavier began, but before he could finish, Marvis cut him off.

“Love?” Marvis scoffed. “You love that... that p********e?” His voice was venomous, dripping with disdain.

Xavier’s heart clenched. “She’s not a p********e,” he said firmly, defending Skylar without hesitation.

Madock stepped in, shaking his head slowly. “Of course, she’s not. She’s just an angel from above, sent to help you spend your money. What a blessing.”

Xavier swallowed hard, fighting the wave of anger and shame building inside him. His friends had always been blunt, but tonight their words cut deeper than usual. Maybe it was the party, or maybe it was the fact that Xavier had started to wonder if they were right. Could he really trust Skylar?

Marvis looked him dead in the eyes, his expression hard. “Xavier, I’ve never been more disappointed in you. Out of all the women you could’ve fallen for, it had to be her? How can you be so blind? And if—if—you end up marrying her, how do you expect her to give you a child?”

Xavier’s chest tightened at the question, his mind racing. He had no answer, not even for himself. That thought—the idea of a future with Skylar—was always murky in his mind, something he hadn’t fully considered.

“That’s exactly what I asked him,” Nigel chimed in, shaking his head. “He couldn’t give me a straight answer either. Just kept dodging the question, going from one useless point to another.”

“Look,” Vermon said, his tone softening slightly, but not losing its edge. “We care about you, man. We’re just trying to save you from making a huge mistake. How do you plan on bringing her home? To your family? It’s going to be a nightmare.”

Without waiting for a reply, Vermon turned and walked inside the club, Madock and Marvis following closely behind. Nigel stayed behind for a moment, watching Xavier with a mix of pity and frustration before clapping him on the shoulder. "You better figure it out soon, man."

Xavier stood there, feeling the weight of his friends’ words pressing down on him. He loved Skylar—or at least, he thought he did. But their words lingered in his mind like a dark cloud, casting doubt over everything. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing at the club entrance where Skylar had disappeared.

Inside the club, Skylar was oblivious to the conversation happening outside. She danced with her friends, laughing and spinning under the flashing lights, the music pulsing through her body. For her, tonight was a celebration of life, of love, and of freedom. But for Xavier, it was a night filled with questions he wasn’t ready to answer.