Chapter 1316
Rosa strode toward the orchard, her high heels clicking aggressively on the ground. She passed several staff members who greeted her, but she offered no acknowledgment. Walking in high heels was decidedly inconvenient; the short distance to the orchard felt interminable.
Meanwhile, Skylar reminisced with Joe, noting his apparent unconcern. Indeed, he seemed genuinely interested in her recollections. Encouraged, she shared as much as she could. They had made significant progress that day; time flew by unnoticed. Reflecting on their past, Skylar realized the depth of their shared memories, woven during their brief marriage.
Suddenly, an incredulous gasp interrupted them. “So it’s you… Skylar! What are you doing here? You didn’t sneak in just to see Ned, did you?”
Rosa’s shocked face betrayed her surprise. She hadn't expected to find Skylar. Earlier, she'd convinced herself Skylar remained in Jipsburg, their paths forever separate. Yet here she was. Moments before, Rosa had seen Skylar and Joe leaning close together. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but the intimacy was undeniable; a slight turn of their heads would have brought them together in a kiss.
Anger surged, her temples throbbing with suppressed fury. Joe turned to look at Rosa. She rushed to his side, anxiously asking, “What did she say to you?”
Skylar met Rosa's gaze calmly. There was no need for concealment; Joe was her legal husband. Skylar was confident Rosa knew Joe's true identity—she'd used her savings to rescue him, and Skylar knew Gloria would reward her generously. But that didn't entitle Rosa to deceive Joe or prevent his return home.
Joe replied coolly, “We didn’t say anything.”
“Didn’t say anything?” Rosa’s mind raced, doubting his words. After all the secrecy, she found it hard to believe they’d had no discussion. A surge of frustration threatened to overwhelm her, but she suppressed it. Turning to Skylar, she snapped, “I don’t know how you got in here, and I don’t care who you are. Leave now and stay away from Ned and me. We never want to see you again. Go!”
Yet Rosa couldn't ignore the growing distance in Joe's demeanor—a sign Skylar might have revealed something about his past, perhaps even presented proof of his true identity. Joe was cautious and untrusting, but Skylar possessed a disarming charm. If she'd shown him even a hint of evidence, he would inevitably compare them. And that comparison, Rosa feared, would drastically diminish her chances.
She'd always known there was a risk of Joe regaining his memories, but she’d hoped to be firmly established as his wife by then, perhaps even with a child to solidify their bond. But Skylar’s presence in Jipsburg had upended everything, creating unforeseen chaos.