Chapter 983

Under the dim light, Skylar’s phone screen illuminated with Aiken’s name. It was an international call. She answered. "Mr. Parkinson," Aiken's voice was urgent. "Sorry to bother you, but are you available? Could you come here?"

"I'm in Fachington, not Jipsburg. I can't get there. Is something wrong?" Skylar quickly switched on the light, already awake and now even more so. She suspected Simona was the reason for Aiken's urgency. Recently, Simona's mood had stabilized; she'd started a new school and seemed to be adjusting well, Caleb had even mentioned the situation hadn't affected her much.

Aiken continued, "We're in Fachington too. Simona mentioned you were here a few days ago. We arrived a couple of days ago to relax, following the psychologist's advice. But today, we witnessed some boys bullying a girl. She's been upset since we returned to the hotel, had a nightmare, woke up terrified, and won't let me near her. I called a psychologist, but she's resistant. I can only think of contacting you. I'm so sorry to disturb you and interrupt your honeymoon with Mr. Martin."

"He's out today. Where are you staying? I'll take a cab," Skylar said, already getting dressed.

"Send me the address, and I'll have someone pick you up. It's not safe here at night, and I don't want you coming alone," Aiken replied.

Skylar agreed; safety wasn't as good here as in Jipsburg, and she was unfamiliar with the area.

After a twenty-minute wait, Aiken's driver arrived. The ride was quick, and they soon reached a villa. Aiken waited at the door. Seeing her, his surprise quickly yielded to concern. "Sorry to trouble you," he said.

Skylar's face was serious. "Don't worry. Simona's like a sister to me. Let's go see her." Throughout the drive, she messaged Aiken to check on Simona's mood, but unfortunately, she remained distressed, isolating herself and refusing Aiken's approach. Even with the psychologist and the consequences for the boys, some wounds remained. She'd been trying to appear fine, preventing worry, attempting to heal alone. But witnessing a similar scene had reopened the still-healing wound, proving unbearable.

Outside the door, Skylar knocked gently three times. "Simona, it's Skylar. Can I come in?" Aiken watched intently; her presence seemed to quell his frustration and comfort Simona. Being in Fachington for a trip, Joe wasn't with her. She recalled Vera was also in Fachington, wondering if Joe's absence was related. His troubled expression confirmed her suspicions.

From inside, Simona's hoarse voice, "Skylar?"

"It's me. May I come in?" Skylar asked calmly.

"Yes," Simona replied.

Skylar sighed in relief, reassuring Aiken with a gesture. As she opened the door, a WhatsApp message from Joe appeared. Glancing at it, she decided to respond later. "I'm busy," she quickly typed before putting her phone away. "Simona," she called softly, entering the room.