1 If only he knows...

Skye's POV

"Good morning, dad," I call out as I walk down the stairs, my fingers trailing over the banisters.

Dad lifts his head from the food he is eating and flashes me a smile. "Morning, sweetie."

I take a seat opposite him and a servant dishes out my meal. I smile at him and say, "Thank you."

I pick the knife and spoon laid out on each sides of my plate and look at dad. "You aren't going to work today?"

"Hm," he replies. "I'm expecting someone."

I lift my head in surprise. A visitor? It's been so long since a guest stepped foot into this house. Who could it be? Well, I'm not going to school today. I'll probably see this guest, whoever it is.

"I see."

Dad gives a nod and continues to eat without explaining any further. I lower my head and continue to eat too.

Minutes later, I am sitting in the garden with my back turned towards the door of the mansion. I hold a novel in my right hand and a glass of juice on the other as I sip the juice. I'm focused on the book I'm reading oblivious to my surroundings.

"Your mother used to love sitting in the garden and reading books too," I hear dad comment and I turn to look at him.

"Dad…" I call out worriedly. Even though he always manages to conceal his emotions from other people, I know my dad too well. He was probably sad.

He smiles. "Don't worry. I'm fine." He takes a seat on the grass beside me and spreads his legs like me. I stare at him. He looks so relaxed and calm. "I don't want to worry anymore. Your mother wouldn't have liked it," he continues.

I smile.

"I'm glad you've decided to let things go. Shall we visit mom tomorrow?"

"Hm. I'll order the flowers she liked."

"Alright, dad."

Dad shifts in his seat and winced. He is probably not comfortable sitting on the grass. He seems to be about to complain when his phone rings in his pockets. He dips his hand in his pocket and brings the phone out. He takes a look at it and gets up before accepting the call.

"Hey, bro."

I'm unable to hear the voice of the other person on the line clearly but I can make out his words. "Bro, Jeremy called just now. He is already at your place."

Dad glances in the direction of the main gate and replies, "I see. Don't worry. He's safe at my place. Not to worry. He's like my younger brother too. I'll take good care of him."

He clicks on 'end call' and looks at me. "Come, sweetie. Let's meet our guest."

I nod and stand up, dusting the fake dirt off my skirt and follow behind him. We walk into the mansion as dad quickly makes a call to one of the guards and orders him to bring the guest in. I take a seat and cross my legs, my skirt riding up above my knee and exposing a small part of my thigh. Dad also sits as we await the guest.

Soon, there is a knock on the door and the voice of the chief guard can also be heard.

"Boss."

"Come in," dad calls out and the door slids open revealing the chief guard. He walks in and behind him, a figure follows. My gaze runs over the guest for a few seconds, my mind whirling. I blink, the novel in my hand falling onto the floor.

It can't be…

I look him over once again. He seems to notice me staring and he glances at me. His calm expression instantly morphs into shock for a second before it is replaced by a smirk. My toes curls. I can't mistake him for someone else. It's definitely him. That knowing smirk on his lips is perfectly imprinted in my mind. Goosebumps begin to rise up on my skin and I can't help but shiver.

My dad gets up as he approaches us. He spreads his arms and gives him a hug. "Jeremy. How much you've grown." He holds the young man by his shoulders and looks him over. "I'm sure you are taller than me now."

Jeremy glances at me and laughs, his familiar voice reverberating through me . "Of course. It's been so long since I saw you last, brother."

"Yeah. How have you been?"

"Fine. Just arrived from Italy."

Dad nods. "Simon told me what happened. Not to worry. You're safe here."

Jeremy nods and dad finally remembering me, turns towards me and introduces, "This is my daughter, Skye. You already relocated to Italy when she was born. How old were you back then? Four?"

I pause and face palms inwardly, my face probably reddening. Expect parents to always embarrass you. I glance at Jeremy and my lower body slightly throbs. He seems to be looking at me too for he smiles, probably seeing the red tint spreading across my face.

I nearly curse… Today isn't going my way. I'm totally beginning to regret not going with Aria to the party she's attending.

Jeremy flashes me a smile but I can see the evil glint in his eyes. He outstretches his palm. "Hello, little sis. Nice to meet you. I'm Jeremy."

My mind goes blank. His words resound in my ears. 'Little sis. How dare he act so righteous in front of me?' I nearly frown but manage to wipe the frown off my face. I smile politely too, shaking him. "Hello, uncle Jeremy."

Jeremy's face stiffens and the smile on his face freezes. The little evil kitten in my mind who just plotted that jumps happily. Take that, Jeremy!

However, he isn't unhappy for long. He smiles and releases my hand before turning towards dad. Dad looks at us, probably happy that the young man treats me like his sister. But in my mind, I know. If only dad knows too…