Chapter 14

Skylar looked up at Joe. His white shirt was tucked into his high-end trousers. He looked tall and imposing with his long legs, exuding an air of nobility. Under the evening sky, he appeared cool and handsome.

Skylar blinked. She had to admit Joe was very handsome—even more so than her favorite movie star. Everyone appreciated beauty; she was no different.

Joe looked at Skylar and said, "Grandma is awake. Let's go to dinner." He grimaced, noticing her gaze. Had Skylar and Gloria conspired to get him that head massage? Was Skylar trying to showcase her strengths? He'd known she was shrewd when Gloria had orchestrated their marriage.

Skylar stood. "Alright. I've also picked some grapes and strawberries." She'd tasted them; they were sweeter and tastier than supermarket ones. The workers said the year's good weather and ample sunlight resulted in sweeter produce than in previous years.

After realizing Skylar wasn't a simple woman, Joe's attitude turned cold. He merely hummed in response. Skylar didn't mind; she didn't think much of it.

Seeing Gloria awake, Skylar approached with the fruit. "You picked these yourself?" Gloria asked, smiling. Edgar had informed her that Joe, a longtime insomniac, had fallen asleep after Skylar's massage. Joe would soon learn of Skylar's strengths.

Skylar treated others sincerely. Ten years earlier, when Skylar was young, Viola had told Gloria the little girl was kind-hearted. Skylar often spent time with Viola, sensing her loneliness.

"Yes," Skylar said. "I planted grapes and strawberries before in the countryside, but they weren't sweet; some were even astringent. Now I know it's because of seed quality and sunlight. The place I planted them had very little sun. I'll go wash these, Grandma." Skylar always had much to say to Gloria.

Perhaps it was because Gloria resembled Viola; both doted on her sincerely.

Gloria chuckled. "Viola told me you've always loved the fields. You could farm from a young age." She pictured the scene: a small child working in the fields like a little adult—a cute and heartwarming image. Viola had told Gloria Skylar was always sensible, helping Janine, Steven, Charles, and Harvey with farm work.

Joe raised a handsome eyebrow, noticing Skylar and Gloria had completely forgotten him. A strange feeling arose in his heart. Skylar looked pure and pretty, but she overthought things. She'd stared at him at the vineyard, but now seemed to be ignoring him.

After dinner, Gloria smilingly urged Skylar and Joe to return to their room. "With you two here, I'll recover quickly! But it's late; enjoy some husband-and-wife time. Get some rest."

Skylar and Joe could only return to their room. Seeing a large "Married" sign on their door, Skylar was stunned. Gloria must have had someone put it up. It seemed celebratory, but inappropriate for them.

She looked at Joe. "Who's showering first?" She'd been busy all day restoring paintings, so focused she hadn't even taken a lunch break. Now, in the quiet, she felt tired.

Joe glanced icily at Skylar. "Have you forgotten what I said? We don't love each other. This is just an act."

"Mr. Martin, are you overthinking? Don't you shower before bed? An act is an act, but I need to shower before sleep," Skylar replied.

Joe was speechless. Skylar went to the wardrobe for clothes. Edgar had prepared clothes for both of them, eliminating the need to return to Galaxy Villa. The wardrobe contained various garments; Edgar had been meticulous. Skylar chose a nightgown. "I'll go first. I'll be quick."

Soon, Joe heard the shower running. It was his first time hearing a woman shower. The sound irritated him. He was about to leave when he met Edgar at the door.

Edgar carried a bowl of soup. "Mrs. Martin Senior asked me to prepare this tonic soup for you. She said it's good for your health."

"Tonic soup?" Joe frowned. Had Gloria been watching too much television? Why was she doing this? He couldn't believe she'd had Edgar bring him tonic soup.

"Give it to me. I'll drink it inside." Joe took the soup and slammed the door. He heard the shower again. His eyes darkened. Seeing the soup, he regretted this whole situation. His head began to throb. As he touched his head, he remembered Skylar's soft hands before dinner, each pressure point feeling good.

Just then, he received a WhatsApp message from Paul. "Mr. Martin, can I message Ms. Sullivan on WhatsApp?"

Joe glanced at the bathroom and replied, "Yes."

Then, feeling uneasy, he added, "Why are you messaging her? Are you interested in her?"

Paul's eyes widened. Interested in Skylar? He wouldn't dare! Even with the fake marriage, he wouldn't dare fancy his boss's wife!

Paul replied quickly, "Absolutely not!!! I just wanted Ms. Sullivan to look at an emerald charm I'm interested in. I don't know if it's a good buy. I'll only buy it after Ms. Sullivan sees it." He hoped Joe noticed the exclamation marks.

Joe replied, "Okay."

After receiving permission, Paul saved Skylar's number and messaged her immediately. Ten minutes later, seeing Skylar hadn't read his message, he hesitated, then sent another message to Joe: "Mr. Martin, Ms. Sullivan hasn't read my message."

Joe replied, "She's taking a shower." It was a simple statement, but Paul was shocked. Were they sleeping together? Wasn't it a fake marriage? Were they sleeping together like that? If so, Skylar probably wouldn't respond tonight.

Joe, a regular workout enthusiast, had well-defined abs and a great physique. His physical fitness was excellent.

Paul decided to request more photos of emerald charms before bed, to choose some to show Skylar the next day. Twenty minutes later, he noticed Skylar had read his message. He rubbed his eyes. Was he seeing things?