With her mouth still full, she mumbled in confusion, “Why does my diet even matter?”
She blinked at Joe, stunned. Weren’t they just going through the motions to appease Gloria? Why was he suddenly talking like this was something real?
Joe didn’t hesitate. “Have you thought about making our marriage real—and ending the three-year contract?”
Skylar nearly choked.
Her eyes instantly teared up as she coughed, trying to clear her throat. Embarrassed, she quickly reached for a napkin to dab at her face.
Joe handed her a glass of water, a touch of concern crossing his usually composed face. Maybe he had shocked her too much with his directness.
Still coughing slightly, Skylar looked at him, stunned. “Mr. Martin… are you serious?”
“I am,” he replied, his tone steady and sure.
After taking a few sips of water, Joe continued in that same calm voice. “I don’t have time to adjust to life with someone else. You and I—we’ve been getting along fine. We understand each other’s rhythms.”
Skylar blinked again. “I don’t think we really know each other all that well. And you don’t know me either. Have you really thought this through?”
Could a marriage without love survive? She thought back to her youthful passion with Christopher—the highs and inevitable heartbreak. That intense love had burned out quickly.
Maybe… just maybe… a calm, steady marriage without high expectations might be easier to maintain. No fireworks, no chaos. Just peace.
She wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted, but she wasn’t sure it wasn’t either.
“We can get to know each other better over time,” Joe offered, a small smile playing at his lips.
It wasn’t a grand romantic declaration, but his quiet sincerity was disarming. He had clearly thought about this—and he wasn’t afraid of a long road ahead.
Skylar smiled faintly, her eyes still shining from her earlier coughing fit. “Alright. Let’s get to know each other better.”
Their quiet agreement lingered between them like a fragile truce. Not a proposal of love, but perhaps, of possibility.
After lunch, the two returned to the hospital to collect their test results.
Skylar’s report showed mild anemia—likely a result of her recent blood donations. The doctor recommended rest and proper nutrition.
Joe, despite his chronic insomnia and tightly managed lifestyle, was also advised to ease up a little. Neither of their conditions, however, posed serious risks.
As they rode back in silence, Skylar suddenly spoke, her tone thoughtful. “I just graduated not long ago. I’ve only recently started my new job. I’m… not ready to be a mom yet.”
Not to mention, she wasn’t ready for physical intimacy—not with Joe, not yet.
Joe nodded, unbothered. “That’s alright. There’s no rush. We’ll take it one step at a time.”
He realized then that his earlier words might’ve come off too strong. He hadn’t meant to pressure her—he just wanted to be honest.
Skylar shifted in her seat, still a little unsettled. “Steven wants to meet you this weekend. Will you be free?”
“Sure,” Joe said easily. “You can pick the time.”
Just then, his phone rang. Gloria.
He answered immediately. “Yes?”
“Are you two done with the check-up? What did the doctor say?” Gloria’s voice was filled with concern.
Joe glanced at Skylar, who was looking out the window, clearly lost in thought. Her mind still hadn’t caught up with everything that had just happened.
“I’m fine. As usual,” he replied. “But Skye… she’s been donating blood too often. She’s a bit anemic and needs to rest.”
Gloria’s voice turned sharp with worry. “Multiple donations? Did the doctor give clear instructions on how to care for her?”
“She needs rest and nutrition. That’s all,” Joe said.
“Well, then you need to make sure she’s properly looked after,” Gloria ordered. “Don’t rush into starting a family. Skye’s health should come first. Maybe wait a year or two. Understand?”
Joe looked at Skylar again, her features soft under the filtered sunlight, and nodded.
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