Joe never had the chance to meet that special person, and Skylar was fine with maintaining their marriage as it was—staying friends. After all, physical intimacy had nothing to do with love.
“Okay, but be prepared,” Skylar teased, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. “I have quite the appetite.”
She truly enjoyed this perk of being his wife.
At the sight of her smile, Joe’s usual icy expression softened. He couldn’t help but grin as he replied, “Don’t worry. I’m great at earning money, so eat as much as you like.”
“Well then, darling, I want more beef chunks. Please order another serving!” Skylar playfully winked at him, her smile radiant.
Normally, she wouldn’t be able to bring herself to call him “darling.” But, since they were joking around, it felt okay. Skylar even emphasized the word, her tone lighthearted.
The moment she said “darling,” Joe’s gaze darkened slightly. A thought crossed his mind—if she called him “darling” instead of “Mr. Martin” in bed… then…
“Okay,” Joe answered softly, trying to suppress the desire that stirred within him.
Skylar thought the dinner had broken the ice between them. They weren’t as polite anymore, and it felt more comfortable being around each other. Still, she maintained a strong sense of boundaries, always mindful of the invisible line between them, never crossing it.
When they left the restaurant, Skylar smiled at him. “Thank you, Mr. Martin. Dinner tonight was fantastic!”
Joe furrowed his brows at the formal address. “Why aren’t you calling me ‘darling’ anymore?” he asked.
Skylar blushed, suddenly unable to repeat the word. “I was just joking earlier,” she explained, trying to brush it off.
Joe’s gaze grew more intense. “From now on, you can call me ‘darling.’ I like it.” He said it with such intent that it made Skylar’s heart race. She couldn’t help but feel a wave of confusion. The way he looked at her made it seem like he genuinely liked her, but that was impossible.
Suddenly, the word “darling” felt like a hot coal in her mouth. Avoiding his penetrating gaze, she quickly said, “I’ll go get the car.”
But Joe followed her into the car.
Skylar, taken aback, asked, “Aren’t you going to ride in your own car?”
Whenever Joe got into her small car, he looked completely out of place. It was like trying to squeeze an elephant into a mouse hole.
“I told the driver to leave,” Joe replied. “I’m riding with you.”
Skylar didn’t argue, though she was surprised.
Unbeknownst to her, Charles had just stepped out of the restaurant and saw the pair getting into the car. He stopped in his tracks, staring. “Who’s that man?” he asked, confused.
Charles’ friend, puzzled, followed his gaze and asked, “What man?”
Ignoring him, Charles’ attention remained fixed on Joe and Skylar. Samuel, trailing behind them, also caught sight of the couple. Even though he didn’t see the man’s face, he recognized Skylar.
“That’s your precious sister’s lover,” Samuel sneered, his words dripping with contempt. “It turns out she didn’t find a sugar daddy but a boy toy. He doesn’t even have a car and rides in hers.”
He had overestimated Skylar in the past. Being a mistress wasn’t ideal, but surely it was better than being involved with a boy toy. Judging from the man’s well-defined physique from behind, Samuel guessed he had been working out.
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