Chapter 1016

Skylar's thoughts drifted back to Viola's two letters and then to her own rebirth. She realized her rebirth had not only altered her fate but also impacted those around her—a butterfly effect, small ripples creating unpredictable consequences. She wondered if this had influenced Gloria's health, a possibility that made her face pale.

Gloria, noticing Skylar's sudden pallor, immediately guessed her worry. "I'm fine, Skye," she reassured with a smile. "I just stood up too quickly and felt dizzy. Nothing to worry about."

"Alright, I'll help you to the table." Skylar stepped forward, taking Gloria from Edgar's hands. Gloria smiled warmly. "Let's go. It's time to eat."

Just as they sat, Joe arrived. "Traffic was terrible," he explained.

Gloria huffed. "We waited so long, the food's cold. Hurry up and eat."

"Alright," Joe agreed, his gaze shifting to Skylar. Her pale face worried him. He wondered what had happened at work that day. Alexander had remained tight-lipped, and Skylar, while seemingly concealing it well, had a subtly altered mood. She was hiding something.

"You two looked so good in your wedding photos," Gloria said, ensuring everything was on track. "Have you booked the hotel yet?"

Joe nodded. "We booked it before heading abroad."

As Joe and Gloria discussed wedding photos and the venue, Skylar's chest grew heavier. They noticed her increasingly pale face and concerning silence.

Sensing something was wrong, Gloria asked, "Skye, is something bothering you? You don't look well." It was the first time Gloria had seen Skylar so distracted, pale, and distant.

Joe kept his eyes on Skylar.

"I'm fine, Grandma," Skylar explained with a smile. "It's just jet lag from Fachington. I haven't fully adjusted yet, but I'll be better after some rest."

"Alright, but make sure you rest well," Gloria cautioned. "If you feel unwell, go to the hospital, okay?"

Skylar nodded. After dinner, Gloria, tired, went upstairs to sleep.

Edgar approached Skylar. "Let's try to convince Grandma to go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow."

Edgar readily agreed. "Yes, with your help, I'm sure Mrs. Martin Senior will agree."

Gloria's refusal to see a doctor worried Edgar. He knew her health had declined significantly. Howard's prediction of only a few years left felt acutely painful, like needles pricking at his heart.

As Joe and Skylar left Pearlhall Residence, Edgar wished silently, "All Mrs. Martin Senior wants is to see them doing well. They must cherish each other."

Skylar drove home, Joe following closely. He'd offered to drive, but she'd declined. From arrival to departure, Skylar had been distracted, a persistent unease clinging to her heart. Viola's letter echoed in her mind, a warning bell. She gripped the steering wheel tightly.