We entered the grand ball room filled with multiple dignitaries of the architectural world hand in hand.We greeted Kate, George and Dad.Kate was gushing about our outfits upon seeing us together while George stayed silent. We took a round to meet and greet and received a lot of wishes. Finally we had found our table, Ethan was already bored and didn't even try to hide it.

Before I could get in my seat, Dad pulled me aside,

"Sky honey, how are you?" He asked with concern laced in his voice.

"I am good, Dad. Great party, by the way."

"Is he treating you well? Tell me right now if he tried to hurt you."He said while totally disregarding my compliment.

"Yes Dad, he is. I'm happy.You do not need to worry." I didn't want to give him another reason to be worried. All those forehead lines were getting deeper by the day. Plus Ethan and I were cordial to each other just like two business clients so there was nothing to be worried about.

"Good, you should enjoy the party." He finally said and I nodded before getting back to my table. The party was just a façade, it was just for all the guests to grab opportunities and make their way to the top in the market with a pleasant front, of course.

Ethan had his hand rested in the back of my chair with a drink in another hand the entire time. Even when we got up to chat with some people, he casually looped his arm around my hand while sipping his drink from the other. We were in the midst of a discussion with another group when a girl with blonde hair and stark brown eyes in a dark green dress interrupted us,"Ethan? Is that you?"

Surprise flashed in his eyes for a moment and then he replied in his normal monotonous tone, "Bianca ,hi.What are you doing here?" He asked totally uninterested.

"Oh. well my brother, Zach, invited me!"She said pointing towards him. He was cozily sitting near Liam. But if she's Zach's sister, how does she know Ethan? My eyes narrowed involuntarily in suspicion but I quickly recovered my expression.

Bianca took two steps forward and put her hand on Ethan's chest,"Look at you," she trails her finger, "all business. It's been a long while, isn't it?"

Even if Ethan was uncomfortable, he showed no sign of it. Instead he clutched me tighter and pulled me towards himself. He gave her a poisonous smile before casually flashing his wedding ring,"Bianca, meet my wife, Skylar."

He just called me his wife, no biggie.I've never been this close to him.His body was taut, and it felt so warm in his arms.I could almost hear his heartbeats and wanted to melt into him but I maintained my composure.

Earth to Skylar.This isn't real, just a show.

She looked at me like I didn't even belong here but the sour expression changed within a minute, "Oh hi, how silly of me to think he would be on the market even after 2 years. Anyways, it's good to meet you Skylar." She threw out my name like a venom.

"It's good to meet you too, Bianca." I replied politely. "How do you know Ethan?" The words were out of my mouth before I realised.

"Ethan and I were friends with benefits since you know he doesn't do the dating thing. But I had to move to Los Angeles for my job so, we broke it off. " She sighs dramatically.

Okay, this was awkward . Why did I ask? What do I do to break the tension? Should I say something--

In the midst of my thoughts, I heard a splash and saw there was champagne on Bianca's dress.

"Oh no, you stupid boy , what have you done?! You can't cover the cost of this dress in your entire life!" The poor waiter was so scared. I waved him off.

"Bianca let me help you clean this up." I offered.

"No thanks, I'll be just fine on my own."

I raised up my eyebrows at her abrupt anger. She just made a snarky face and left.

Ethan stood there with his bored expression on, like his ex didn't just meet his wife. He then turned around and continued with the discussion.

I excused myself and found Liam and Zach. "Hey!" I called out to them.

They both turned around. "Oh my god Skylar, look at you!" Zach gushed.

Is Bianca sure she's his sister?

"Thanks Zach, you don't look so bad yourself." I chuckled. After the small talk I finally decided to mention Bianca.

"So I met Bianca."

"Oh." Zach said and his expression dropped.

"I am sorry despite Zach and Bianca being siblings, they aren't close enough."Liam explained.

"Not close? We don't even talk."Zach muttered.

"That's surprising, considering she said that you were the one who invited her." I told him.

"What? No.She is lying. She is 'dating' Mr. Burke, he must've brought her. And as far as I know her, she's in it for the money." Zach said with a sassy tone and sipped his champagne.I didn't push the topic any further.

Soon it was time for the speech. After Dad, it was my turn. As I took the mic with Ethan beside me I saw the large amount of people in front of me. I was breathing heavily.

Oh no.

I didn't take my medicine. This was not a good time for an anxiety attack. What is happening? I'm a good speaker, I can do this. But all eyes were on me. I think I'm shaking. I cleared my throat and felt a hand gripping mine underneath the mic table, it was Ethan's. I was thankful and felt a surge of confidence.

I started my speech with a bit of shakiness but continued and felt fine. Halfway through I experienced the same feeling again, this time Ethan took over and finished the speech. Even though he helped me and I was grateful for that, I was offended. He didn't have a right take over me and show his dominance.We got off the stage amid applause.

As soon as we came down I started towards the rest room. "Where do you think you are going?" I heard Ethan at the entry of the corridor.

"I need to go to the restroom." I continued walking.

"Hang on, would you like to tell me what happened back there?"

"No." I said without turning back.

"I was just trying to help." He said in a deep voice.

"Well, thanks for that! And not to forget while doing so you undermined me! I would've been perfectly capable to finish the speech myself without you swooping in and asserting your dominance." I finally stopped, he had already caught up with me.

"Why do you think I undermined you? You started the speech and I ended it. What is the big deal? It's not about me asserting my dominance rather than me showing that I care for you...for the reputation of the company." Somewhere deep down, I hoped he didn't add the last part 'for the company' but that is the truth.

I sighed, "I have severe anxiety, sometimes in front of large crowds it gets triggered. Plus I forgot to take my medication, it's no big deal."

He looked at me with those stormy eyes , which for a moment showed concern but he covered it up with his usual stoic expression. Nodding once stiffly, he went out the door.

I hurried back to the rest room and I finally couldn't hold it in anymore. I cried, cried about thinking everything that has happened.Thinking about my future which was uncertain, my present which lacked the love I needed and my past when I lost my mom, from which I never really recovered and probably never will. Everything's messed up. I'm messed up.

I remember the last time I experienced this stage fright.

It was right before graduation, I was hyperventilating just before my name was called.I felt like crying and I was shaking.I was stunned realising that Mom, the person who was excited about this the most was not here today. Is she watching me?

Asher was not here either he had to go back to college. Dad was sitting in the front row and it was at that moment our eyes met. He hurriedly got up and came towards me.

"Skylar, what is the matter?"

I just shook my head in response and started climbing down from the stage. Dad didn't stop me rather he hugged me just when I got down.

"Dad, Mom isn't here today. I don't want to go through with this, it's too much."I said in a hoarse voice.

"Do you really want to let her down like this?"

I glanced up at him questioningly.

"Your mother always told us that you were the bravest of us all. She is here watching you, make her proud honey."

I took a deep breath and finally nodded and got up the stage.

That was the last time I had an anxiety attack.That was the time I promised myself and Mom that I will never present a weak front , I'll stay strong. But it was getting harder, why is this all happening all of a sudden? Why is everything that was repressed coming up again? I need to go to Dr.Martin, only she can help and answer all my questions. With that in mind I booked an appointment instantly on my phone.

Finally gathering up my strength, I walked out only to see Ava running through the corridor with a worried expression.I waved at her and she wordlessly hugged me.

"Sky, oh thank god!" she clutched me even tighter.

"Are you okay? I've been running around but there are so many doors in here!"

"Yes, Ava I'm fine now." I chuckled."How did you know I was here?"

"Ethan said you weren't feeling well."

"Oh, it was nothing I was just hyperventilating after seeing such a large crowd." I can't tell her about the anxiety attack , she'll get worried and maybe even tell Asher about it.It's better if I keep it to myself right now.

"Are you sure? Your eyes seem puffy, were you crying in there?" She said holding my face between her hands. I don't need this, I'm strong. I can handle myself I need to keep it together for a couple more hours.

"Yes, must be all the makeup. Now let's go it's almost time for dinner." I held her hand and with that, we entered back into the ball room.

Liam , Zach , Ava , Asher , Ethan and I were currently seated on our assigned table. Ethan and I haven't talked at all , yet we are sitting right next to each other. We were having dinner and making small conversations. What little hint of warmth was there between us as the start of the evening has now vanished completely.

"Ethan, you know what? You should take Sky to our cabin in Aspen. I'm sure she'll love it there!" Liam chirped.

"Thanks for the suggestion Liam, but don't give out any unless asked for."Ethan said with a straight face.How rude.

"Maybe you and Zach can take me instead, Liam." I said to lighten up the mood and annoy him.

"Oh we would love to! In fact, Ava and Asher should come too! " He said excitedly.

Ava raised her eyebrows looking at Asher and he just nodded.

What is it with men, why do they always seem so bored?

"It is done then, we should go when everyone can get time off work. I'll start planning soon and let all of you know the dates. Warning:No one can back out now!"

Ethan just groaned and rolled his eyes while I was smiling.

After a few minutes the dance floor was in full swing. All the couples were having a fun time , Ava and I were the only one left at the table as Liam And Zach were already on the dance floor. Asher was talking to someone and Ethan was at the bar.

"May I have this dance?" Asher asked Ava suddenly. She looked at me as if not wanting to leave me alone, I nudged her with a smile and she went off.

I sat there peacefully, wishing someone would ask me too. And of course, Ethan walked over and extended his hand without saying anything--just like our wedding day. I sighed and grabbed his hand.This is as romantic this is gonna get --so why not?

We were swaying gently to the soft music and then my eyes fell upon Bianca ,looking at me as if I killed someone dear to her.She was sitting right next to the chair where Ethan was. Is this why he came to take me to the dance? Because he wanted to get away from her? I didn't allow my mind to wander off any further and decided it doesn't matter.Partly because I was missing his signature expensive woodsy pine scent and the warmth of his arms.

Soon enough, it was time to leave. I said my goodbyes to everyone. When I came to Dad he hugged me. "We are planning a surprise birthday party for your aunt next week. Emilia will also be there. We are expecting you and Ethan to be there." He said looking at me hopefully.

"Of course, Dad. I'll be there." I purposely didn't mention Ethan because I don't know if he'll even come or not. He was standing near the car and chatting with Asher. It irked me that he acts just fine with everyone else but me. What little hope I had for us to actually know each other had long left.

We didn't say another word to each other on the way home.