Christopher only learned about Skylar’s post because Maisy had texted him. He hadn’t noticed it at first, assuming Skylar was still upset with him. But when he saw the photo she’d posted, everything hit him like a ton of bricks—she had found out about him and Maisy.
A wave of fear gripped Christopher’s chest. If Skylar had posted this on social media, it meant she was ready to sever all ties with him for good. He’d always told himself he didn’t care much for Skylar, but in that moment, he realized just how much he couldn’t accept losing her.
Meanwhile, Skylar spent the afternoon restoring antiques before washing up and stepping out for lunch. She didn’t check her phone until after eating. She started by returning calls from Janine, Steven, and Charles, assuring them that everything was fine. It was only then that she noticed multiple messages from her best friend, Natalie Jakeman.
Natalie and Skylar had been close since college, though Natalie had married shortly after graduation and had been a devoted housewife for the past six months. Skylar dialed Natalie’s number.
The phone rang for only a moment before Natalie answered. “What’s going on, Skye?” she asked, her voice full of concern.
Skylar didn’t go into too many details but told Natalie about Christopher’s betrayal with Maisy.
“I know who Maisy is,” Natalie said, her voice firm. She had been away from Jipsburg City during Skylar’s previous troubles, but when she returned and tried to visit Skylar, she found that the Williams family had turned her away.
“Way to go, Skye! Great job breaking up with him. He never impressed me. I’ll introduce you to some great guys soon—I bet they’ll be way better than him!” Natalie assured her, sounding upbeat.
Skylar appreciated the support. She could tell that Natalie knew her well, and it impressed her that Natalie could see she was doing well, despite the situation.
After a few more words, Skylar ended the call and checked the other missed calls on her phone. Samuel had called her several times. Christopher and Amelia had also tried reaching her, and even some of her high school friends had messaged her on social media, asking what was going on.
Skylar didn’t bother responding to any of them. She didn’t feel the need to explain herself. Those people, except for her family and Natalie, only reached out because they wanted to witness the drama unfold.
After a brief pause, Skylar decided to return Samuel’s calls. He answered quickly. “Skye, delete your post immediately. Post something new saying you were having a bad day and that you only posted that photoshopped picture out of emotion. You also need to apologize to Maisy in your update.”
Samuel’s tone was stern, as if he were giving her orders.
Skylar scoffed. “Who told you the picture was photoshopped?”
She had spent so much of her life trying to please the Williams brothers, even making an effort to win over Sadie. But it had all been in vain. Now, she couldn’t help but wonder if the entire Williams family had lost their minds, constantly trying to control her actions.
“It’s not photoshopped? Does that mean it’s real? Why would Maisy get with your boyfriend?” Samuel said, his tone mocking. “It’s fine if you’re jealous, but you’re crossing a line. Your boyfriend is poor and only has his looks going for him. Maisy would never be interested in him!”
Samuel glanced at Maisy, who was watching him closely. He subtly indicated for her not to panic, refusing to believe Skylar no matter what she said.
Kenny, who had been listening, reached out for the phone. Samuel handed it to him without hesitation.
“You were too rash today! How dare you slander Maisy with that fake picture?” Kenny barked into the phone. “You really think we’re going to believe you? You and Christopher lived together, but then you fought over money. If you don’t want to make this worse, I suggest you do as Samuel says!”
Skylar’s anger flared. “You and your family are insane. I don’t care if you believe me, but isn’t Maisy feeling guilty about what she did?”
She paused, her voice turning cold. “I was just thinking I hadn’t made enough of a fuss over this. Go ahead and call the police. That’ll save me the trouble of doing it myself.” Skylar’s tone was sharp with fury.
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