Unbroken by Secrets

Chapter eight - Unsettling alliance

Skylar's pregnancy was gradually becoming noticeable, given that she was four months along. She spent her days at home, either chatting with Erica or sitting alone on the balcony. The relationship she had with Erica had improved and she forced Xavier to adopt the little girl. Despite her condition, she hadn’t gained much weight due to her regular exercise and healthy eating habits.

Xavier and Skylar were in their bedroom, with her resting her head on his chest and idly playing with his shirt.

"I forgot to mention something," Xavier said, gently stroking his wife’s hair.

"What is it?" she asked, sitting up on the couch.

"I’ll be hosting my investors today," he said.

"Okay... and?" she prompted, expecting more information.

"And they’ll be staying overnight."

"What?!" she exclaimed. "Why? Can’t you just book them a hotel room or have them stay at the farmhouse?"

"You know that’s not possible. The farmhouse is still under renovation."

"And a hotel?"

"I can't do that either. I need to make them feel welcome if I want to secure the deal."

"This doesn’t make any sense to me, Xavier."

"I know it’s not ideal, but I’m not asking you to do anything. I’ll take them out for dinner and clean the guest room myself. I just need you to be polite, please," he said, standing up. "I need to get dressed for work and pick them up from the airport. I’ll be back by seven, hopefully. Take care of yourself and Erica."

He grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom, leaving Skylar staring after him.

"I don’t know what he takes me for," she muttered as she lay down, pulling the duvet over herself.

---

Later that day, after Xavier had left for work, Skylar was sitting on the balcony, smoking and drinking vodka when Erica walked in.

"Mum, did you sneak in another bottle of vodka and a pack of cigarettes?" Erica asked, snatching the bottle from her.

"What’s wrong with you? Give me back my vodka," Skylar demanded, extending her hand.

"Why should I? You promised you wouldn’t drink or smoke anymore. Think about the baby’s health."

"It’s always about the baby, isn’t it? Xavier isn’t even here, but he left you to babysit me. Isn’t that nice? Can’t I just have a drink or a smoke?"

"It’s for your own safety, Mum. Smokers are liable to die young."

"Wow, that’s nice, but I’m not stopping," Skylar retorted, blowing out a puff of smoke.

"Fine. But what about Dad’s guests?"

"What about them?" Skylar asked nonchalantly.

"What are we making for them?"

"He didn’t ask me to cook anything. He’s cleaning the guest room himself. It’s none of my business, and frankly, I don’t care."

"Mum."

"What?! You keep saying my name like I’ve done something wrong."

"Do you expect Dad to come home after a long day and start cleaning the guest room? Do you think that’s fair? We’re here doing nothing while he’s out working hard. We should help him."

"Get to the point, Erica."

"I’m saying you should cook instead of making him spend money on a restaurant. Or at least tell me what to do, and I’ll do it."

"You can’t cook, and I don’t know how to give instructions."

"But you have to, if only to save Dad from embarrassment."

"Fine. I’ll cook, and you can clean. If it gets too difficult, call me. And remember, I’m not doing this for Xavier; I’m doing it for you."

"Thank you! And please, quit smoking and drinking. I love you." Erica kissed her mother’s cheek and hurried off.

---

Xavier returned later that evening with the three Filipino investors. He led them into the living room and asked them to sit before heading upstairs to find Skylar.

"Skylar!" he called, but there was no response. He searched the bathroom and found her drying her hair. "There you are," he said, walking toward her.

"Yes," she replied, walking back into their bedroom and sitting at her dressing table. She reached for her body cream. "How was work today?"

"It was stressful," he sighed, sitting on the bed. "Where’s Erica?"

"She’s probably in her room."

"The investors are here. I was going to take them out for dinner."

"There’s no need. I cooked."

"What?" he asked, unsure he had heard correctly.

"You heard me."

"You cooked... with *those*?" he asked, pointing at her long nails.

"I knew you’d say that. I spent the entire day preparing those dishes, and you’re not even appreciative."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I was just curious. Whose idea was this?"

"It was Erica’s."

"I knew it. She’s an angel."

"Yeah, yeah. She also cleaned the guest room. Help me set the dining table; I’ll be right down."

"Okay," Xavier replied and left.

---

The Filipino investors had already started eating by the time Skylar came downstairs, looking as stunning as ever.

"Welcome, everyone," she greeted them warmly, flashing a smile.

"Pardon my manners," Xavier said, standing up. "This is my wife, Skylar. Skylar, meet Armando Garcia, Aries Reyes, and—"

"Ariel Dela Cruz," she interrupted him. "It’s been a while, Ariel. Welcome," she said, taking her seat.

"I would say the same to you," Ariel replied. "I didn’t know you were married, and pregnant too."

"I’m sorry. I guess I was blinded by love, and everything happened so fast."

"So, how far along are you?" he asked.

"Seven months," she lied, surprising Xavier.

"That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to have you back," Ariel responded.

"Thank you," she said.

"We need to talk," Xavier whispered to her.

"Can’t it wait?" she asked.

"No," he insisted, shaking his head.

"Excuse us," Xavier said, pulling Skylar into the kitchen.

"What was that all about?" he asked, clearly upset.

"What do you mean?"

"How do you know Ariel Dela Cruz?"

"Are you asking me?"

"Is there anyone else here?"

"Xavier, please. I met him years ago. I can’t remember exactly when. He had some issues, and I bought his hotel. That’s it."

"You own a hotel in the Philippines?"

"Three, actually."

"You never told me that."

"It wasn’t important. Now, let’s go back to the dining room."

She walked out, leaving him to follow a moment later.

They returned to the dining table and pretended like nothing happened, Skylar kept the conversations very professional and impressed the investors who temporarily forgot they were guests. Ariel Dela Cruz could not help but stare at her lustfully and Xavier noticed it.

“Is there a problem Ariel?”. Xavier asked Ariel who was caught off guard, he didn't realize Skylar's watchdog had eyes on him.

“Of course not”. He responded scooping a spoonful of the soup that was already getting cold.

“I was just wondering why you were looking at my wife like that? You want to discuss business with her?”. He pressed on with a smirk, others considered it a casual statement but Skylar knew it wasn't.

“Not really, Xavier. Your wife is one of the most successful models in the world and I was kinda …….. forget it”. He stopped abruptly, smiling and annoying Xavier the more.

“I would say this deal is closed, Xavier you got the contract and all thanks to your wife, she is a good hostess”. Armando Garcia chipped in.

“Thank you”. He responded proud of the woman he had in his life.

After dinner, the investors were led to the guest room and the couple retired to their own bedroom.