Chapter 1024

Skylar left work early that afternoon and took the subway to the Martin Group. Arriving, she called Joe. She expected him to refuse, but after a few rings, he answered. "What do you need?"

Skylar paused. "I'm downstairs at your company. Let's get dinner after work."

Joe replied decisively, "Sure."

After hanging up, Skylar stared at her phone in disbelief. She hadn't anticipated his ready agreement. The ease of the conversation left her dazed, a feeling that persisted until they reached the Wiscadian restaurant.

At the restaurant, Joe ordered her favorite dishes. Mid-order, he said, "If you have something to say, just say it."

Skylar took a sip of water, setting down her glass as she looked up at him. Before she could speak, Joe's sharp gaze fixed on her. "Have you really made up your mind about the divorce?"

Skylar felt her throat constrict. With difficulty, she managed, "Yes."

"Since you're sure, let's set a time for the courthouse," Joe said firmly, showing none of the resistance from their earlier conversations.

A heavy weight settled in Skylar's chest. "Alright, tomorrow. Nine a.m."

Joe tightened his grip on his cup, the water rippling. Watching Skylar nod, readily scheduling their divorce for the next morning, he realized she was truly leaving him. Last night's dream, filled with her repeated pleas for divorce, had hit him like a series of blows, leaving him painfully clear-headed.

"Is it really that urgent?" he asked, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.

Skylar nodded. "Since we've decided, it's best to finalize the divorce as soon as possible. And Grandma isn't well lately, so let's keep this from her. I'll visit often."

After the divorce, if Joe wanted to be with Vera, Skylar's absence would simplify things.

"You've even considered Grandma? When did you start planning this? Before your trip to Fachington?" Joe asked with a sarcastic laugh.

Skylar frowned, wanting to explain but deeming it unnecessary. Mentioning Viola's letter would only increase his concern. Alexander had received another letter from Viola that day, advising her to leave Jipsburg City for three months to a year, warning her not to pay attention to anything happening there or her nightmares would return. Initially, Alexander hadn't taken the "nightmares" seriously, but this second mention prompted him to question Viola's meaning. She could only say the nightmares referred to bad things happening to her.