Chapter 627

As Skylar enjoyed her bath, her phone pinged. A message from Natalie read: “I’ve gotten back together with Jeremy. He cheated, but there were extenuating circumstances.” Skylar’s expression was somber. She understood this had been an exceptionally difficult decision for Natalie. Skylar replied, “Alright, I hope you’ll always be happy. Follow your heart.”

After drying her hair, Skylar left the bathroom. Joe was in their bedroom, not in bed, but speaking on the phone by the window. She heard him say, “When have I ever needed your permission to get married? You shouldn’t interfere. Don’t mention my mother; you don't deserve to say her name.” Though she only saw his back, Skylar felt a profound loneliness emanating from him. A change had come over him after a phone call earlier in the car; even after hanging up, he remained cold and distant.

Skylar didn't disturb him, attempting to tiptoe from the room to give him space. But as she turned, she heard hasty footsteps. Joe wrapped his arms around her. She smelled cigarettes; he must have smoked while she bathed. She hugged his waist; he stiffened momentarily. They held each other silently for a long time.

Finally, he said softly, “I’m going out. I’ll be home late. You don’t have to wait.”

Skylar hummed softly. “Be careful. I won’t turn off my phone. Call me if anything happens.”

The icy look in Joe’s eyes softened, melting further at her genuine concern. Before leaving, he kissed her.

After Joe left, sleep eluded Skylar. Checking WhatsApp, she found her family praising Joe in various group chats. Charles had even privately texted about a humorous encounter with Joe at a fondue restaurant. Charles had initially mistaken Joe for a man interested in men, becoming so distressed he considered leaving the entertainment industry. It turned out Joe had simply been extending friendly greetings on Skylar's behalf.

Skylar grinned and replied, “You can relax now.”

“You must tell me all your secrets before you disclose them to anyone else next time,” Charles replied.

“Alright.”

They chatted further before saying goodnight. It was 10:00 pm. Joe had likely gone to meet the person he'd been speaking with and wouldn't return that night.

Skylar eventually drifted off, feeling a familiar embrace as she hovered between sleep and wakefulness. Peace settled over her features as she was held, and she fell into a deeper sleep. Joe watched her, bathed in moonlight.