Chapter 49

“What’s there to be afraid of? Viola was just soft-hearted. She gave so much of herself for our sake. I just hope she can truly be happy,” Gloria replied.

“She did say she was really happy that Skye was there to keep her company throughout those years in the countryside,” she added.

Skylar’s eyes welled up with tears when she heard Gloria and George mention Viola. She truly missed her. To Skylar, Viola was closer than her grandmother had ever been.

Viola had rarely talked about the past, and Skylar had never asked. Viola would often space out for hours, gazing at the distant mountains. Skylar had thought Viola was lonely back then and wanted to keep her company, to show her she had family.

“Has Viola ever mentioned me, Skye?” George’s question was unexpected. Anticipation shone in his teary eyes.

Skylar shook her head. “Grandma Viola rarely talked about her past. She said some people keep stories hidden in their hearts. It’s fine as long as they never forget,” she answered honestly.

George was taken aback, then nodded absentmindedly. “That’s right. Everything will be fine as long as they never forget.”

Gloria’s eyes had also reddened. “She was indeed able to see through things so clearly.”

After that, Gloria and George didn’t mention Viola again. George left after a short visit, inviting Skylar to his place when she had time for company.

Gloria shot George a look, silently warning him not to steal Skylar away. Skylar couldn’t help but smile at their childish bickering.

When Joe entered the ward, he saw Skylar and Gloria grinning. A cozy atmosphere filled the room.

Joe paused, noticing Skylar’s smile. He then looked at Gloria and said, “Hi, Grandma.”

Gloria now favored Skylar, looking down on Joe. She considered Skylar delicate, making her feel protective. Joe, in contrast, had grown more reserved, rarely smiling and often wearing a frigid expression. Gloria harrumphed.

Joe felt her dislike but was unfazed.

“Skye has been chatting with us for a long while. I’m sure she’s thirsty. Get some water and peel an apple for her,” Gloria instructed Joe.

Joe raised an eyebrow. She wanted him to peel an apple for Skylar?

“I’ve had water, Grandma. I’m not thirsty, and I can’t stomach an apple right now. I’ll peel one myself if I want one,” Skylar refused immediately. She lacked the courage—and the closeness—to let Joe peel an apple for her.

Joe, reaching for an apple, stopped at Skylar’s words. He lowered his hand. Their eyes met. Just as they looked away, they both sensed Gloria’s intense gaze, as if she’d sensed something. They awkwardly continued to stare at each other.

They had to keep their relationship hidden from others, but maintain the appearance of a married couple in front of Gloria. The truth must remain concealed.

Something in their exchange made Gloria’s heart race. The strange feeling reminded her of couples on dating shows; that kind of glance often signaled the beginning of romance.