Chapter 789

If Skylar weren't married, Simona would find a way to make her sister-in-law.

After work, Skylar and Caleb went to the mall to choose gifts for Simona. Afterward, they went to a restaurant. It was an inexpensive fondue restaurant, and many people waited outside.

"Simona chose a good restaurant," Caleb told Skylar after they entered. "I heard it's newly opened, and the fondue is authentic."

Skylar had heard Natalie mention it; they planned to dine there together next month. She took a picture of the restaurant and sent it to Natalie.

Simona had booked a private dining room. Inside, they found Aiken. He greeted Skylar politely and chatted briefly with Caleb.

After exchanging greetings, Skylar gave Simona her gift, saying, "Happy birthday."

"Thanks," chirped Simona, opening the present.

Caleb also gave Simona his gift, echoing, "Happy birthday."

She teased, "I don't need to guess; I know what you got me. I'm more interested in Skylar's gift." Caleb's gifts were always similar—a bike, helmet, or decorative item. He shrugged off her playful disdain.

Unwrapping Skylar's meticulously wrapped present, Simona revealed a pair of bunny-shaped diamond earrings. Her eyes lit up. She hugged Skylar tightly, exclaiming, "Skylar, these are gorgeous! I love them! I want to wear them now!"

"No problem. I'll help," Skylar offered, assisting Simona.

Although Simona acted like an adult, she was only nineteen—still a child at heart. She enthusiastically expressed her affection for people and things.

Aiken smiled, observing their easy camaraderie. He hadn't seen Simona so ecstatic in a long time. Their past birthdays had been quiet, though spent together. Today, a warm buzz of conversation surrounded them. To Aiken, the bubbling fondue pot smelled of companionship.

Joe returned to Galaxy Villa slightly drunk at 8:00 PM. The mansion was dark, all the lights off. He paused, then switched on the lights and went upstairs.

Back in the bedroom, he noticed something was amiss. His lips pursed, his eyes darkening. He strode to the walk-in wardrobe he shared with Skylar, only to find her clothes gone.

He clenched his jaw, stiffly scanning the room. Nothing indicated Skylar had ever lived there. He couldn't believe her audacity in leaving. Was she so determined to get a divorce?

"Alright. What an excellent move, Skylar!" he muttered. He hadn't expected such coldness. Would they divorce simply because she wanted it? What were her feelings about their marriage?

His phone pinged. He relaxed his clenched fists and opened a message from Jenny: "Joe, why aren't you with Skylar? I saw her at a fondue restaurant with my colleagues. I think she's with Mr. Parkinson."

A few seconds later, a picture arrived. It showed Aiken gently ladling soup into Skylar's bowl, looking at her warmly. Skylar smiled back.