Natalie called, frustrated about Jeremy’s extended business trip. Aside from a brief phone call when she visited Charles at work that day, their communication had been limited to a few messages on WhatsApp.
“At first, I didn’t think much of it, but the more I think about it, the more uneasy I become. Is he really that busy, or is he avoiding me?” Natalie grumbled.
Skylar felt a sense of foreboding creep in. “Did Mr. Hughes say when he’d be back?”
“No, he didn’t. He just mentioned that the situation was more complicated than expected. At first, I thought he’d be back in three or four days, but now it looks like I’ll have to wait another week,” Natalie replied, her tone tinged with frustration. She sighed and added, “Skye, I feel like I’m turning into a nag. All I can do is wait for my loved one to return.”
Skylar patiently offered advice. Her friend’s usually cheerful nature meant she could easily shake off any unhappiness. But for now, Natalie seemed to be struggling.
A change in topic helped lighten the mood. Natalie’s voice perked up as she spoke excitedly, “Guess what? Austin actually tried the cookies I made! He even took a photo of them to show me. I might be the first fan to connect with him on Instagram!”
She continued, “His latest movie is coming out soon. I don’t care what happens, you have to watch it with me! This time, he’s playing the villain—a scumbag who murders his wife and abandons his daughter. The trailer is so intense!”
Skylar laughed. “Sure, I’ll watch it with you!”
The two chatted for a while longer before ending the call.
As part of her nightly routine, Skylar checked the orders placed on her Amazon store before heading to bed. In the past few days, she had been getting more orders from loyal customers, and thanks to the new ones referred by them, her daily income was growing quite nicely.
However, with the increase in orders, Skylar found herself needing more time to process them. Some customers had multiple inquiries, and she took the time to address them one by one.
While going through her orders, Skylar noticed a familiar profile picture. The person had left a comment earlier that day.
The comment read, “I think you’re a fraud. You don’t know anything, yet you’re scamming people online. I’m sure many have been conned by you. Here’s some good news for you though: I’m pregnant.”
Skylar frowned as she read the comment. However, she closed the window and chose to ignore it. There was no need to reply to someone so intent on stirring trouble.
People would stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and this was just one example. After all, they were strangers on the internet. Skylar felt a twinge of sympathy for the man’s wife, though. She imagined how devastated she would feel upon learning that her husband, the one she loved and trusted, had been unfaithful.
If a mistress entered a household and established her dominance, it would be a blow so severe it would leave the wife heartbroken.
Skylar didn’t want to think about it any longer. Scumbags like that were everywhere, and the number of people they hurt was immeasurable. Everyone had to face setbacks to grow stronger—time and time again.
After closing the Amazon app, Skylar took a shower and then drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 279
In the depths of sleep, Skylar became aware of someone holding her, enveloping her in their embrace. Initially, she shifted slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. But the exhaustion from the day made her dismiss the discomfort as just part of the dream and soon, she grew accustomed to the warmth surrounding her.
She could feel the soothing heat against her back, offering a sense of security even in her half-conscious state.
Joe, watching Skylar as she slept, couldn’t help but smile softly in the dark. His lips brushed near her ear as he whispered gently, “Sleep well.”
Time passed unnoticed. As Joe drifted off to sleep, he suddenly felt Skylar’s body trembling in his arms. She seemed to be having a nightmare.
“Christopher…” Skylar mumbled in her sleep.
Joe didn’t catch her words at first, but then she murmured again, and this time, he heard it clearly.
Skylar was calling for Christopher.
In the dim light, Joe’s piercing eyes darkened, colder than the night itself. He felt a surge of possessiveness. Why was she still fixated on a scoundrel like him? How could she even dream of him, especially when she seemed so terrified of losing him?
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