Never Have a Foot in Two Boats — Novel

About

Skye thought she had it all—an engagement to the charming Derick Carlson, a promising future, and a love story that seemed straight out of a fairytale. But as the days tick down to her graduation and Alanna, Derick's first love, prepares to return, the cracks in her perfect world deepen. With each passing moment, Skye grapples with the truth: she’s been living in the shadow of a ghost, a stand-in for a love that was never truly hers.

When Derick casually brushes off her pleas for a wedding, promising her “just a little longer,” Skye feels the weight of seven years pressing down on her. Is she destined to remain his caged canary, waiting for the day he decides to set her free—or will she finally muster the courage to break away? The tension between them mounts as secrets unfold and emotions run high.

As Alanna's return looms ever closer, Skye must confront the painful reality of her relationship. Will she continue to chase a love that seems just out of reach, or will she discover her own wings before it’s too late? In a world where love is anything but simple, can Skye find the strength to choose herself, or will she lose everything to the echoes of a past love?

Never Have a Foot in Two BoatsChapter 1

Skye's POV

At the auction, Mr. Number 1 successfully bid on a diamond ring worth 100 million. I smiled warmly and congratulated him.

Midway through, he left the event, casually telling me to bid as I pleased. However, private messages soon flooded his phone on the seat beside me.

[Mr. Carlson is really a romantic—buying a birthday gift for his first love with his ‘canary’ in tow. A true role model for us all.]

[Well, the canary’s just a toy for fun. The one he truly loves is his first love.]

[Right? It's been seven years, and he still can’t forget Alanna. But honestly, doesn’t the girl who’s been by his side for seven years mean anything to him?]

[Hey! Don’t insult his love, dude. Wait until Alanna comes back. Then you’ll see what real love looks like.]

After reading those, I tossed aside his phone and messaged my brother overseas.

[Hey, is your lab still hiring?]

——

When I got home, Derick Carlson placed the ring box on the table. Then, without warning, he pushed me onto the couch.

“Skye, did you miss me?” he murmured and leaned forward to kiss me.

But I turned my head and dodged his kiss. As such, confusion consumed his face as he stared at me.