Chapter 1349

Skylar hadn't expected Joe to be so considerate, sending her the menu in advance so she could choose. This small gesture evoked memories of their past, making her feel as though she were stepping back in time. The traffic jam, likely caused by an accident, had come to a complete standstill.

As she waited, Skylar browsed the menu, selecting several dishes—some she enjoyed, and some she knew Joe liked. She wondered about the authenticity of the cuisine. Some restaurants adapted recipes to local tastes, resulting in dishes bearing the same names as those in Jipsburg but possessing quite different flavors.

"Just these?" Joe asked.

"Have you been to this restaurant before? How's their tomato-basil fish stew?" Skylar replied, craving the stew and hoping it would be delicious.

"I haven't tried it here, but we can give it a go," Joe answered.

"Sounds good," she agreed, deciding it was worth a try. Veronica, a fantastic cook, hadn't often allowed Skylar to cook during her three years in Murida. Veronica, however, wasn't well-versed in spicy food; catering to Gloria's preferences, she typically prepared light, mild dishes. Skylar only cooked spicy food herself when she had a craving.

Reflecting on those three years and scrolling through her chat with Joe, she felt as if they were a dream, almost unreal. A car horn jolted her back to reality—the traffic had cleared. Within minutes, she arrived at the restaurant and entered after parking. Three of their dishes were already served in the private room. Despite initial flavor concerns, the colors and aroma suggested authenticity and deliciousness.

"Have a seat," Joe said, smirking slightly at Skylar's evident interest in the food. He seemed amused by her foodie nature. Despite her appetite, she remained slender; her small waist made him want to put his arm around her.

Skylar hummed in response before sitting. "Are you hungry?" she asked, realizing their arrival was half an hour past their planned meeting time due to the horrendous traffic.

"Not really," he replied.

"Me neither," Skylar nodded. "Have you been here before?"

"A few times," Joe answered.

Skylar smiled, reassured. Joe's repeated visits suggested the food was excellent. Once all the dishes arrived, they ate quietly.

After a while, Joe broke the silence. "Why are you so sure I'm Joe Martin?"

Skylar looked up. "Everything points to you being Joe. I'm sure you've investigated Ned Sowle, and, knowing you, Joe Martin as well. The two of you have completely different personalities. Ned had a foreign accent; you speak flawlessly. He was nearsighted; you have excellent vision. Beyond appearances, you're completely different people."

She looked at his familiar features. Every line, every detail was the Joe she knew.

"What if I'm not him?" Joe asked, watching her intently.