Chapter 1028

Natalie was startled. Yet, as she met Austin’s gaze, she found it hard to look away; it was as if a hook drew her in. Suddenly, she realized he was teasing her. Swallowing hard, she said, “Yes, I like you, Mr. Powell! I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time.”

Lately, she’d found Austin more charming than ever. Hearing her declare herself a “fan,” Austin’s expression darkened slightly. “That’s good to hear.”

Natalie felt confused. What does he mean by that? she wondered, sensing a deeper meaning, a hint of something unspoken. But perhaps she was overthinking it. If he had something to say, he could say it directly; there was no need for hints. After all, she was merely an employee, diligently following her boss’s orders.

Austin noticed Natalie’s shifting expression and sighed inwardly, wondering what she was thinking.

The next day, Skylar took the morning off and went to the courthouse with her documents. Arriving ten minutes early, she messaged Joe to let him know. He simply replied, “Okay.”

After seven or eight minutes, he arrived, his long strides carrying him towards her. His dark eyes met hers. “Did you bring all the documents?”

“Yes, I have everything. Let’s go inside.” Skylar glanced at Joe’s folder, assuming his documents were inside.

Standing before the courthouse, it felt like a dream. The last time she’d been here, with Joe, they were applying for their marriage certificate—strangers then, signing a three-year covert marriage agreement. Now, unexpectedly, they were finalizing their divorce before even reaching the three-year mark.

A deep ache settled in Skylar’s heart. It was her reckless decision on the day she was reborn. Countless ways existed to repay Gloria, but in a moment of confusion, she’d chosen to marry Joe, harming both herself and him, and perhaps Gloria as well.

Joe silently observed Skylar’s changing expressions. His tone was cold as he said, “Let’s go in.”

“Okay.”

The courthouse was crowded. While few couples were marrying, the divorce line stretched long. The last time, hardly anyone was on the divorce side. Skylar hadn’t expected such a crowd. She was surprised.

Chapter 1028

“Have you thought about your reason for divorce?” Joe asked suddenly.

Skylar knew the staff would ask this during the process, but she hadn’t expected Joe to raise it. “We just have irreconcilable differences.”

Joe scoffed softly. “Irreconcilable differences?” He wondered where those differences lay. In bed, they were as compatible as ever. Her reason felt dismissive.

“And… there’s no affection,” Skylar added, seeking a stronger justification.

Joe’s expression darkened instantly. His narrowed eyes fixed on her. “No affection?”

Skylar gazed at Joe’s inscrutable expression, momentarily speechless. The atmosphere among the few people in the divorce line grew tense.