Chapter 805

Skylar hurried to Galaxy Villa after work. The aroma of fresh fruit greeted her as she stepped inside.

“Grandma, I’m back,” she announced.

Gloria turned. “Skye’s back? Come try this cantaloupe from Pearlhall Residence’s orchard.”

Skylar glanced at Joe, who was already eating the cantaloupe. Their eyes met briefly before they both looked away, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

“I could smell it the moment I walked in. I’ve been craving it for days,” Skylar said, approaching the table.

Edgar arrived with a plate of freshly cut fruit, its intense aroma and sweetness undeniable.

After eating two slices of cantaloupe, Skylar checked the time. “Grandma, enjoy the fruit. I’ll prepare dinner,” she said, rising to go to the kitchen.

Gloria stopped her. “No, no, you must be tired. We have plenty of help; Edgar brought a chef. Just rest.”

Joe found an excuse to leave. “I have some things to handle in my study.”

Gloria gave him a disapproving look.

Skylar breathed a sigh of relief. Maintaining the pretense of a loving couple in front of Gloria felt increasingly strained. It wasn't as easy as it once was.

About half an hour later, dinner was ready. Skylar went upstairs to find Joe in his study. After a few knocks, she heard, “Come in.”

She entered. “It’s time for dinner.”

Joe looked up, his gaze sharp and intense, as if trying to decipher her thoughts. He held a book; his earlier excuse was clearly a pretext. He likely wished to avoid displays of affection in front of Gloria.

A silence settled between them.

“Let’s go downstairs,” Joe said, his voice deep and controlled.

“Alright,” Skylar replied.

An hour later, Gloria left Galaxy Villa.

In the car, she sighed. “I can tell they have feelings for each other. Why don’t they confess? It’s agonizing to watch.” She'd easily discerned their subtle interactions during dinner.

Edgar smiled. “Young people are like that. Navigating relationships is never easy. They need to proceed cautiously. Don’t worry, Mrs. Martin Senior. It’s clear to me Mr. Martin has feelings for Mrs. Martin.”

“Never mind,” Gloria said, shaking her head, resigned.

Back at Galaxy Villa, Skylar returned to the guest room—the same room she’d occupied upon her arrival. After tidying, she started upstairs.

As she approached, Joe pulled her aside, pinning her against the wall. She looked up in surprise at his proximity.

“Joe, what are you doing?”

Chapter 15

They say a woman’s heart is hard to understand, but Skylar found Joe the most perplexing. One moment he discussed divorce; the next, he created intimate situations. Their bodies were pressed together from the waist down; she felt the changes in his.