Chapter 152

“I’m wondering if they’re the same person,” John said. He only had one nephew, and he didn't want to see him fooled by a girl before he turned twenty. There were too many opportunistic girls these days, and Caleb was still too young.

Joe remained calm. “It's likely the same person. Your nephew isn't that old, is he? Is he of legal age?”

“He’s turning nineteen, but kids mature early these days. He had a lot of girls after him in high school,” John said. “I think Skylar is four or five years older than him. He says dating older women is a trend, and he’s happy to be her ‘young hunk.’”

He asked, “What’s your relationship with Skylar?”

Joe remained composed. “Tell your nephew to forget about her.”

John raised an eyebrow. “Are you… her lover, or…?”

“Husband and wife,” Joe replied casually.

The revelation hit everyone like a bombshell. “Since when were you married? Why didn’t I know? Rowan and the others thought you were just casually dating. She’s your wife?” John’s composure faltered. Stunned, he stared blankly.

“It’s a secret marriage. Don’t tell Rowan or the others,” Joe said.

John nodded. “Okay. If that blabbermouth finds out, the whole city will know. My nephew falls for a girl for the first time, only to find out she’s your wife.”

Joe smiled. “He has good taste.”

“My dad said your wife is impressive. She’s young but more capable than most people on the team,” John said, now comfortably referring to Skylar as Joe’s wife. The phrase still felt unfamiliar to Joe, whose expression softened slightly. “She’s very capable,” he admitted.

John rarely heard Joe praise anyone, especially women. “You really love her?” he asked.

John reasoned that Joe wouldn't have married Skylar if he didn't love her. Their group knew Annie liked Joe. Now that Joe was secretly married, who knew how Annie would react?

“Love?” Joe’s voice was low. “My marriage doesn't require love. My grandmother simply likes her very much.”

He immediately resumed his stern demeanor. He’d married Skylar to appease Gloria; there was no love involved. John understood why Joe kept the marriage secret: Gloria had arranged it.

But did Joe really dislike Skylar? Although he'd never met her, Rowan’s description seemed to match Joe’s ideal type.

Meanwhile, Annie already had an idea from Maisy. According to Maisy, Skylar was selfish, willing to compromise her dignity for money, and currently living off someone else. Maisy didn't know who that someone was, but Annie did. The thought of Skylar being supported by Joe, her future seemingly set, caused Annie a surge of discomfort—a rare feeling for her.