Chapter 628
Joe stared at Skylar for a long time before showering. Afterward, he carelessly toweled his hair dry. His phone screen glowed brightly with countless unread messages; he'd muted it, so the room remained silent. He stood by the bed, reading his WhatsApp messages, the screen light reflecting on his sharp features. A few minutes later, he switched off his phone, tossed it aside, and embraced Skylar. That night, neither of them slept easily.
Jeremy and Natalie stayed in separate rooms, a first for them while living in the same house. Their rooms were adjacent, separated only by a wall—a stark representation of the barrier between their hearts. Jeremy frowned deeply, falling asleep only late into the night. Natalie lay in bed, avoiding her phone, unable to sleep. Memories flooded her, some suffocating her with their intensity. She felt the urge to escape, yet another voice urged reconciliation, reminding her of Jeremy's shared suffering. She battled these conflicting emotions throughout the night, finally drifting to a restless sleep hours before dawn.
A creaking door startled her awake. She rushed out and bumped into Jeremy, who was softly closing his door. Stunned for a moment, he gently asked, "Why not get a few more hours of sleep?"
"I'll make breakfast," Natalie replied, reflexively avoiding his gaze as she headed downstairs. Jeremy watched her go, noticing her thinner frame; his heart ached. He followed her.
The familiar kitchen momentarily disoriented Natalie. It felt like a return to a time before their troubles, when she'd happily prepare breakfast for Jeremy. But opening the refrigerator revealed spoiled vegetables. Although the setting was familiar, things had changed. Jeremy likely hadn't touched the refrigerator since she'd left.
"I haven't eaten at home in weeks," Jeremy offered gently, "so I didn't use the fridge much. A few things must have expired. I'll help throw them out."
Natalie snapped out of her reverie, stiffening before conceding, "Alright, throw them out. These vegetables are inedible. Let's have pasta for breakfast; we have pre-cooked sauce."
"Let's cook together," Jeremy suggested.
"There's no need!" Natalie refused sharply, her reaction instinctive. She could manage it herself.