Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband novel Chapter 1761

Skyler's nonchalance hit Zavier with the hard truth: he had lost his chance.

The damage was done, and no amount of good deeds could heal the wounds he had inflicted on her soul. He picked up the glass of wine she had poured for him and downed it in one go. "Skyler, I'm so sorry."

If only he could turn back time, he would never repeat the mistakes that hurt her, but life offers no do-overs.

Without as much as a glance at him, Skyler refilled his glass and pointed at the small plates on the table. "This roast beef is from my own ranch, and the fish is from my pond. Try them, see how they taste?"

Years ago, when they decided to be together, Skyler and Zavier would cook meals during the holidays. Neither of them knew much about cooking, and their culinary attempts were nothing short of disastrous. But since they had made the dishes together, they would also finish them together, no matter how unpalatable.

Those times were so sweet, yet so fleeting.d2

Now, forced by life's circumstances, Skyler had become a skilled cook. Just by looking at the spread on the table, Zavier knew the flavors would be great, yet he dreaded this meal, because he understood that this dinner signified the official end of their marriage - the final goodbye.

He stalled, hoping to delay the inevitable.

Seeing that he hadn't touched his food, Skyler finally met his gaze. "Mr. Zavier, are you too accustomed to gourmet delicacies to appreciate these simple dishes?"

"No," Zavier said, his hand trembling as he took a piece of the cold roast beef and chewed slowly. "It's very tender. It's really good."

"Try the fish," Skyler suggested.

Zavier took a bite of the fish. "The fish is good too."

Skyler raised her glass. "Shall we toast?"

He hesitated but lifted his glass to meet hers.

Skyler downed her drink in one gulp, and Zavier had no choice but to follow suit.

After two glasses, Zavier's voice was hoarse as he repeated his apology, "Skyler, I'm really sorry."

Skyler didn't respond but poured herself another glass.

Zavier reached out to stop her, but his hand froze mid-air at the sight of her distant gaze. "You can't handle your liquor, take it easy."

She downed another shot. "Who says I can't? Running a ranch on my own these past years was no small feat. I've built up quite a tolerance."

Indeed, it couldn't have been easy for her, a woman alone in a strange place, trying to settle down. Only she knew the bitterness of those years.

Thinking of all the hardships she'd endured, Zavier could only repeat, "Skyler, I'm sorry."

Skyler managed a smile. "Zavier, I accept your apology. I forgive you."

He longed for her to lash out, to say she'd never accept his apology, to say she'd never forgive him. That would mean she still cared, even just a little. But her easy forgiveness told him she had moved on. The pain he caused no longer mattered to her.

Zavier felt a wave of bitterness in his heart, yet he was powerless to change anything.

Skyler continued, "I'm no longer that timid Skyler, and you're not the Zavier I first met, but my resolve hasn't changed. I want to live well, happily, freely, and with dignity."

Zavier opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Skyler looked at him. "Zavier, will you give me that chance?" Her tone was still calm, as if a 'no' from him wouldn't make a difference.

Could he say no?

He could not.

He understood too late that loving someone isn't about possession; it's about wanting them to live the life they desire.