Chapter 704

Skylar’s face flushed crimson. Mortified, she glared at Joe. “You just kissed me without considering our surroundings?”

Joe’s gaze remained cold, though a hint of desire tinged his deep, husky voice. “You’re my wife. We can kiss wherever we like; it’s legal.”

His words left Skylar speechless, yet she couldn’t argue with his logic. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if he was oblivious to her potential misinterpretation. She might perceive his frequent kisses as a lack of control over his feelings.

1:

As Natalie left the hospital, Kate called.

“Nath, come home for a visit.”

“What’s up, Mom?”

Kate sighed. “You and Jeremy have been through a lot. Your father really wants to see you. He won’t rest easy until he does.”

Natalie knew she couldn’t avoid it. “Okay, I don’t have anything pressing today. I’ll head home now.”

What was meant to happen would happen. There was no avoiding it.

Soon, Natalie arrived at the Jakeman residence. She hadn’t been back since her troubles with Jeremy began, confiding only in Kate.

Damon answered the door, looking surprised. “You’re back?”

“Yes!” Natalie slipped into her house slippers.

Damon had always been indulgent, rarely scolding her, even when she was at fault. Kate usually handled the reprimands.

Given recent events, Damon hadn’t called. It wasn’t from a lack of care, but rather uncertainty about how to comfort her.

2:

When her heart ached, Damon’s ached just as much. They usually had much to discuss, but now an unusual quiet settled between them.

After they sat down, Kate poked her head out from the kitchen. “You two go ahead and watch TV. I just need to finish a couple of dishes.”

“Okay,” they replied in unison.

“How’s work been lately? Is it tough?” Damon asked.

Natalie answered honestly, “I really enjoy my current job. It’s not too hard, and I get plenty of time off. Dad, have you been fishing recently?”

“Fishing is my only hobby these days. I meet up with a few old friends to fish and chat. Your mother told me you like your job and that you get to travel a lot with celebrities. Just take good care of yourself. You’ve lost some weight since I last saw you,” Damon said, his eyes reddening with unspoken pain.

Seeing his cherished daughter struggle and lose weight was painful. As a father, it pained him to see her happiness fading.

He’d lost interest in fishing and was studying psychology books to learn how to comfort Natalie. But the more he read, the less helpful the books seemed.

Natalie smiled. “Dad, everyone wants to be slim these days. I was gaining weight, so this is just returning to normal. I’ve been eating healthy and avoiding junk food. It’s all good, I promise! So don’t worry, Dad.”