When Skylar noticed Joe looking at her, she asked him out of politeness.
Joe’s eyes flickered slightly, and he closed the book in his hand. “I have a video conference in an hour. Maybe next time,” he replied with his usual answer.
Skylar smiled and nodded. “Okay, I’m leaving then.”
“Wait.”
Skylar stopped, feeling puzzled. Why did Joe seem reluctant to let her go? It felt unusual.
“Anything else?” she asked.
Joe set the book down and walked over to her, his long legs covering the distance quickly. The height difference caused him to lower his head, his gaze softening as he looked at her. It almost seemed like he was gazing at her affectionately.
“You…” Joe’s eyes dropped to her collarbone. “Are you sure you want to visit your family dressed like that?”
Skylar followed his gaze and instantly felt a wave of heat rush to her cheeks. “I didn’t notice.”
Last night, Joe had been unable to restrain himself, leaving hickeys on her skin. Anyone would easily notice them. If she tried to pass it off as an allergy or mosquito bite, no one would believe her.
Skylar hurried upstairs to change into clothes that would cover the marks on her collarbone. When she returned downstairs, she confronted Joe. “Next time, can you try not to leave marks?”
If she had gone to work with those hickeys visible, she wouldn’t have known how to explain them to her colleagues.
Joe smirked, unfazed. “Can’t promise what happens in bed. I’ll try my best.”
He seemed indifferent to her embarrassment, which made Skylar unsure of what to say. In bed, he was like a beast, but once out of it, he was always composed and proper. It was hard to believe they were the same person.
At the thought of last night, Skylar didn’t dare to dwell on it and quickly ran out of the house.
Seeing her flee in apparent embarrassment, Joe chuckled. Was she shy?
She didn’t seem shy when she had bitten him on the shoulder last night. The little teeth marks on his shoulder were still visible even now.
Janine was especially excited about the family gathering. Early that morning, she went to the market to buy groceries, preparing dishes to please each of her children’s preferences. Now that they were grown, busy with their own jobs and studies, Janine found herself with more free time. As she cooked, she couldn’t help but reflect on her life.
Thinking about her late husband, Janine’s eyes grew misty. She looked forward to meeting him again in the afterlife and proudly telling him how well she had raised their children.
Her children had all grown up well, and Harvey, the youngest, was excelling in his studies and would surely get into the university of his choice. Knowing her children were thriving brought her a sense of contentment.
Soon, the table was filled with an assortment of delicious dishes. Skylar arrived earlier than Steven and Charles.
Harvey saw the bags she was carrying and was surprised. “Skye, why did you buy so many things?”
“I still have more in the car. Come with me to get the rest,” Skylar replied after setting the bags down.
Harvey glanced at the skincare products and clothes on the table. “Are these for Mom?”
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