Chapter 1005

In the blink of an eye, Joe disappeared. Vera stood frozen, her striking face paling further under the streetlights and moonlight. She couldn't believe he'd driven away, leaving her there. It felt as if all her pride had been crushed. Her dignity and reason screamed that Joe must have assumed she wanted to stay with her old classmates, hence his failure to offer a ride. Of course, he wasn't rushing to Skylar; he didn't care for her that much. Still, he shouldn't have left Vera alone. Even if sending the picture to Skylar was wrong, his treatment was unacceptable.

Her anger boiled over. Impulsively, she messaged Skylar on WhatsApp:

“I never imagined you'd be so petty and small-minded. I sent you that picture because it was between us; Joe has nothing to do with it. This proves your bad intentions. I know you used underhanded tactics to get with Joe, and one day he'll see your true colors. Watch yourself.”

Skylar, asleep with her phone off, received no notification.

On his way back to the hotel, Joe called Skylar repeatedly, each call going straight to voicemail. A stormy expression remained on his face as he entered their room; the darkness inside surprised him. He switched on his phone's flashlight and walked further in. Skylar's steady breathing drifted from the bed.

During the drive, Joe had planned how to soothe Skylar's jealousy and explain the reunion. He hadn't expected her to be asleep. He stared at her, her long lashes casting shadows in the dim light. There was no trace of jealousy. It was as if the picture and her accusatory messages were inconsequential. Joe chuckled, shaking his head. She was truly carefree.

Skylar slept soundly. The next morning, she was surprised to find Joe beside her; she hadn't noticed his return. She’d slept too deeply. Getting out of bed, she grabbed her phone and went to the bathroom. As soon as she turned it on, notifications flooded the screen: several missed calls and new WhatsApp messages from Joe.

“Vera arrived half an hour ago. There were five people in total last night.”

He'd also sent a screenshot from a classmate's Instagram story; Vera was clearly visible.