Triumph Above All novel

“No!” Yulia interrupted Valerie as she was speaking.

Startled by Yulia’s vehement rejection, Valerie tried to explain herself. “Yulia, I was only asking Skylar to help me trim my waist. If you’re worried, you could stand in with us and watch from the side!” she negotiated with Yulia.

Yulia seemed to consider Valerie’s proposition for a moment before she shook her head. “No, it’s non-negotiable,” she stood her ground and gave Skylar the side-eye as a warning. Skylar had once told her that the massage would require the other party to take off all their clothes. Yulia admittedly felt threatened, considering Valerie was a beautiful woman who was not over Skylar after all these years. How could she allow Skylar to give him a massage?

“Why not?” Valerie questioned her.

“Because…” she pursed her lips together, trying to think up an answer. “Because I need to maintain my figure more than you do. He’s busy massaging me every day! He doesn’t have that much time to spare.”

that it’s harder for women to maintain their figure after giving birth.

Valerie,” Yulia said hastily. “You

nodded, understanding Yulia’s position a little better now. She stopped pestering Skylar for a slimming massage and

eyes as she ribbed him in the side. She had somehow made herself into a fat middle-aged mother in

showering and putting Lola to bed, Skylar and Yulia finally laid in their bed, exhausted from their day out. Skylar turned to Yulia, smiling sweetly as he said, “Honey, I’m ready to give

other side away from Skylar, but

Valerie at dinner that I would give you a massage

lose weight…” a half-asleep Lola mumbled

making advances toward