Chapter 1078

When Jeremy entered the store, Natalie was the first person he saw. Within moments, he crossed the room and stood before her. She was browsing train and flight tickets, planning their upcoming trip. As she weighed her options, a shadow fell over her. Looking up, she saw Jeremy and her heart skipped a beat.

“Jeremy…” she whispered, her face paling.

He gazed down, noting her surprise and discomfort. The playful banter of their past was gone, replaced by shock and avoidance.

“I just had lunch nearby and saw you,” Jeremy said calmly.

Natalie quickly recovered. “Quite a coincidence. Skylar and I are just shopping.”

Their last encounter at the Jakeman Residence had been awkward, and this unexpected meeting left her flustered. Skylar arrived then, hearing Jeremy's claim of coincidence and glancing around the relatively small, modest shopping center. The notion of a chance meeting seemed dubious, but she didn't challenge it.

Skylar knew Jeremy still deeply cared for Natalie and sought reconciliation, perhaps even remarriage. However, Natalie’s recent reactions indicated a complete lack of interest. Lately, she spoke more about Austin. Earlier, during lunch, Austin had called, and Skylar had discreetly stood aside.

Holding two large shopping bags, she watched as Jeremy calmly suggested, “There’s a café downstairs. How about coffee?” His tone was less forceful than before, surprising Natalie.

She glanced at Skylar before shaking her head. “Thanks, but Skylar and I still want to shop.”

Jeremy’s gaze lingered on Natalie before he nodded to Skylar, said, “Alright, maybe next time. You two enjoy,” and left. It did appear he had simply run into them.

As soon as he was gone, Natalie sighed in relief. “He’s different from before.”

Skylar nodded. “Yes, he seems different. Have you been afraid of seeing him lately?” she asked, noting Natalie's tension. Her usual smile was gone, replaced by nervousness. Once deeply in love, they now seemed like strangers.

Natalie offered a bitter smile. “You know me better than anyone. Even my parents haven't noticed, but yes, I'm scared of seeing him.” Their once profound love and shared experiences were now overshadowed by his betrayal, a painful memory deeply ingrained. She couldn't forget.

She wasn't sure when it happened, but she no longer loved Jeremy romantically; she felt more like a sister to him. The thought of romantic feelings seemed impossible. His tender gaze now weighed heavily on her chest.

“Let’s check out some shoes. Some things need time,” Skylar suggested cheerfully.

Natalie took a bag from Skylar, replying, “I got it.”

At the golf course, Vera immediately asked about Joe's whereabouts. The expansive course was bustling with players.