Chapter 6

In the past two years, Gloria's favorite shows had changed from dramatic soap operas to dating variety shows. The more scripted they were, the more she enjoyed them.

Skylar seemed to get along well with Gloria.

Joe's gaze intensified as he scrutinized Skylar, who was engrossed in discussing the show's participants with Gloria. He had been standing there for some time, unnoticed.

Gloria saw him first. Startled, she raised her brows and asked, "When did you come? You didn't even make a sound!"

Skylar glanced at him, her smile vanishing instantly. She nodded politely.

"I just got here."

Skylar's drastic change of expression threw Joe off. He felt he'd overlooked something, but wasn't sure.

"How could you work so late on your wedding day? You're still at work this late, even with all those people working for you!"

"In that case, I think it's time to restructure the company. Hurry up and go back to Galaxy Villa with Skye. Treat her well."

Gloria rolled her eyes. She missed his childlike adorableness; his current aloofness upset her. She much preferred Skylar's company; they could watch and discuss dating shows together.

Joe mumbled an agreement, saying nothing further.

"It's a blessing you married Skye! You better treat her well," Gloria said pointedly.

Joe frowned, curious how Skylar had appeased Gloria.

"Grandma, I've prepared your foot soak. Make sure to soak your feet before bed," Skylar reminded, worried Gloria might be too engrossed in the show.

Gloria nodded vigorously. "Alright! I'll do whatever you say. I'll soak my feet now."

Joe was speechless.

There was no traffic, so they arrived at Galaxy Villa within 30 minutes, having remained completely silent.

Upon entering, Joe noticed a small suitcase at the door. Its size amazed him. A few things were on top, including a rolled-up painting that looked antique.

"There are four rooms upstairs. One is mine; you can choose whichever you like," Joe said after changing into slippers.

Although legally married, he had no intention of being intimate with her during their three-year arrangement. From what Paul had said, she seemed to have ulterior motives.

Skylar, also changing into slippers, went upstairs with her suitcase. Following her, Joe pointed to a room. "This is my room."

"Alright." Skylar chose a room one away from his. She sensed his desire for distance, preferring to avoid misunderstandings.

Joe was surprised by her cold demeanor.

"It's late; I'll rest. Goodnight, Mr. Martin," Skylar said before disappearing into her room.

The closing door snapped Joe back to reality. He realized he'd been overly attentive. Her existence was meaningful because she made Gloria happy; the rest was less important.

An hour later, after unpacking, Skylar showered, dried her hair, and settled on the bed with her phone. Ninety-nine missed calls and countless unread messages awaited on her silenced phone. Even after everything, she felt detached. She'd been reborn, married Joe impulsively, and reunited with Gloria.

Most of the messages were from Christopher. There were also messages from Sadie, Jeffrey, and Maisy.

Skylar opened Gloria's message first—a picture of her soaking her feet and a voicemail: "Skye, I've soaked my feet. It feels so comfortable! No need to reply; I'm sleepy. Oh, yeah, let me know if Joe mistreats you. I'll teach him a lesson!"

Warmth flooded Skylar. She thanked Gloria and sent a goodnight GIF.

She opened Christopher's chat, bombarded with voicemails. Knowing her well, his emojis conveyed his distress, apologies, and pleas for her to talk.

Skylar didn't listen to the voicemails, fearing nausea. As she was about to close the chat, Christopher called.

She answered.

"Skye, why have you ignored me all day? I've been restless and unable to eat since you mentioned a breakup. You know I can't live without you, right? Are you mad because I told you to apologize to Jeffrey and Sadie? I'm doing this for your own good. You've just returned to their side, so you should get along with them."

Skylar remembered Christopher's influence on her constant seeking of Jeffrey and Sadie's approval. She sneered.

"Christopher."

"Yes, babe? I know you can't bear to see me sad." Christopher sounded smug.

"There's so much to learn in this world, yet you chose to be a jerk! If you don't want the cops at your office, pay me back 100,000 dollars in ten minutes," Skylar hissed, hanging up.

Days earlier, Christopher claimed his family needed money urgently. Skylar, without question, transferred 100,000 dollars. Janine had sent her money over the years, and Skylar had saved during college. She'd intended the money for Janine, only discovering after her paralysis that Christopher had spent it on clothes and skincare for Maisy.

Scumbags like them deserved each other, but he had to repay her!

Christopher was flabbergasted. How dare she demand repayment? He'd promised Maisy shopping on Saturday, and 100,000 might not be enough. Had he spoiled Skylar too much? She was delusional to think a breakup threat would work. Did she really think he loved her?

He bet she'd apologize in two days, becoming compliant again. He clicked on Maisy's chat.

"Maisy, don't forget we're meeting at Phoenix Mall's main entrance at noon."

Chapter 7?