Chapter 661
The quiet, nearly deserted streets of Jipsburg City at night allowed Joe and Skylar to reach the hospital quickly.
When they arrived at the ward, Gloria was asleep in bed and looking pale. Skylar’s concern was evident in the furrow of her brow
After leaving the ward, Joe immediately asked Edgar, How did Grandma suddenly develop heart trouble in the middle of the night?”
Edgar, also pale, was about to respond when a middle–aged man’s voice interrupted from behind them.
“What is Mrs. Martin Senior’s condition? What did the doctors say?”
Skylar, Joe, and Edgar turned to see who was speaking
This was Skylar’s first encounter with Edwin, who was accompanied by Molly.
Skylar hadn’t expected to meet Joe’s father under such circumstances. There was little resemblance between Joe and Edwin; Joe took more after his mother.
“Why are you here?” Joe demanded, his eyes narrowing sharply as he regarded Edwin with cold hostility.
The tension between them was more like that of enemies than father and son, even more strained than if they were complete strangers.
Edwin’s face hardened in anger at Joe’s attitude. “Mrs. Martin Senior is your grandma and my mother. Since she’s in the hospital, I came to see her.”
Molly immediately interjected, “Mrs. Martin Senior suddenly felt unwell while talking to your father on the phone. We rushed over as soon as we learned about it. What did the doctor say? Do we need to bring in a specialist from abroad?”
Molly’s eyes briefly met Skylar’s.
Skylar remained calm and indifferent when their gazes met, as if she didn’t recognize her.
Molly was secretly astonished. Despite her young age, Skylar’s composure and calmness made Molly see her in a new light.
Joe shot a cold glance at Molly and said, “Leave.”
Molly was unfazed. She turned to Edwin and said, “Darling, I’ll wait for you outside the hospital.”
“Joe, after all these years, you still can’t accept her? Let’s put this matter aside for now, What’s important is your grandmother,” Edwin said gravely.
With that, Edwin’s gaze swept over Skylar. His eyes held a frosty, scrutinizing look.
Skylar sensed Edwin’s disapproval and scrutiny. She had no intention of trying to please him, especially after Molly’s previous attitude.
“What did you say to Grandma?” Joe asked coldly.
Edwin frowned. “What I said isn’t important.”
“You’d better hope nothing happens to Grandma,” Joe said icily, as if the man standing before him wasn’t his father but his enemy.
Edwin’s face darkened. “I’m your father her to be healthy more than anyone.”
Do you think I want something to happen to your grandma? I want
F
Chapter 661
Standing to the side, Edgar sighed inwardly. This kind of situation was typical. However, with Skylar present now, Joe had somewhat restrained himself.
Edwin had never really fulfilled his responsibilities as a father, and the conversation he had had with Gloria that night had deeply hurt her.
In Edwin’s view, Gloria’s age was the reason for her seemingly foolish decisions. He was adamant that Skylar was not the daughter–in–law he desired.
Skylar could guess some of the reasons from Edgar’s expression.
Joe let out a cold, disdainful laugh. It seemed as though he found the term “father” from Edwin’s mouth to be contemptible.
Edwin’s expression darkened further. He turned his gaze to Skylar, his eyes now filled with even more disdain. With an air of superiority, he coldly asked, “Are you Skylar?”
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Skylar’s appearance was striking enough to
in her and reluctant to divorce.
make any man’s heart flutter. No wonder Joe was so invested
Skylar’s expression remained calm and indifferent as she replied, “I am.”
Joe took her hand firmly in his. He wrapped it entirely in his grasp and said, “She’s my wife.”
His firm
dearation made Skylar’s hand
slightly. His tone was resolute, without a trace of
It was clear that he took great pride in her being his wife. This declaration also gave him the confidence and strength to invest his heart fully.
Watching from the sidelines, Edgar felt warmth spread through his chest. He thought to himself that Gloria could finally rest easy–Joe truly cared for Skylar
It was evident that Joe was standing up for Skylar before Edwin. It was something he had never done so earnestly before.
Edwin’s face darkened with anger. He thought Joe was merely an ungrateful son.
“You two only have a marriage certificate. Many people in Jipsburg City still don’t know about your relationship,” he said coldly.
Molly, who had yet to leave, subtly furrowed her brow at the scene.
Joe’s concern for Skylar was more pronounced than she had anticipated. There was a softness in Joe’s eyes when he looked at Skylar, perhaps even a tenderness he himself was unaware of.
“I’m preparing for the wedding. You’ll be notified to attend when it’s time. For now, we should focus on Grandma’s condition. If anything happens to her, you will be held accountable,” Joe said coldly.
Edwin’s anger was palpable. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?” he demanded.
The elderly had less resilience as they aged, so it was normal for them to suddenly feel unwell while on the phone. Yet Joe dared to blame him for it.
“There’s too much going on with the Martin family right now. You’d better postpone the wedding,” Edwin added sharply.
Skylar felt Edwin’s hostility acutely this time. Regardless of Joe’s earlier words, the wedding would have failed to take place.
Aside from Gloria, the rest of the Martin family would not tolerate Skylar staying with Joe.
Skylar had a rebellious streak and felt even more determined to stay with Joe under these
circumstances. She wanted the Martin family, who failed to care for Joe, to see them living harmoniously together.
Joe’s lips curled into a cold smile. “The Martin family has a lot going on lately. What does that have to do with me?”
He was determined to do what he wanted, and no one could stop him.
“The wedding must go on. I’ll not let my wife be wronged in any way,” Joe declared. His voice grew firmer with each word. His tone clearly indicated a fierce disagreement between him and his father.
Skylar kept her head down. She appeared obedient and silent. Yet, a ripple of doubt stirred within her. She wondered if Joe’s constant reference to her as his wife was merely a way to provoke Edwin.
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This thought was quickly pushed aside. Regardless of his reasons, she couldn’t dwell on it.
Edwin’s expression darkened further. “Your grandma isn’t feeling well today, and we’re in a hospital. It’s not the right time to discuss things. We’ll talk later.”
Joe sneered. He suddenly glanced at Molly. “Aren’t you leaving yet?”
Molly’s face stiffened immediately.
Having been Mrs. Martin for so many years, she was accustomed to being respected and treated with utmost care whenever she went. Her elevated status had made her forget what it was like to be treated with disdain.
Now, faced with Joe’s cold stare and the command to leave, she felt a storm of emotions rising within her.
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Molly managed to force a smile. “Joe, there’s no need for such hostility. I’ve
son.”
Joe’s expression hardened into a sharp, menacing glare. “Get out.”
ways thought of you as my
“Joe!” Edwin roared in fury. He had hoped time would soften Joe’s stance, but it seemed to have only made him more unyielding.
Molly’s expression darkened. “I’ll leave now.”
“Just because I don’t voice my thoughts doesn’t mean I’m unaware. I simply refuse to dirty my wife’s ears with these matters. You’d better leave the hospital while I’m still rational.” Joe’s tone was icy, full of contempt. Old grievances buzzed in his mind like gnawing insects, stirring nausea in his gut.
The two before him were middle–aged, yet the stains of their past sins lingered in Joe’s mind, vivid as
ever.
Skylar sensed Joe’s emotional turmoil and gently clasped his hand. He applied a strength to her grasp
that even he hadn’t realized.
Joe snapped back to reality, peering down at Skylar. He felt the queasy feeling in his stomach abruptly diminish.
Molly’s face turned pale, and she quickly left without saying a word.
Edwin appeared somewhat restrained. He glanced at Edgar unwillingly and said, “Take good care of Mrs.
Martin Senior.”
“I will,” Edgar replied.
After Edwin and Molly left, Joe’s expression softened considerably.
Edgar looked at Skylar with some concern. He worried that the earlier scene might have upset her. But seeing her calm demeanor, he realized Gloria was right. Anyway, her judgment had always been spot on.
“Dr. Colon says Mrs. Martin Senior’s condition is stable for now Edgar said softly to the young couple.
If Gloria were awake, she wouldn’t want to see them so worried.
“What did he say to Grandma?” Joe asked Edgar.
You two don’t need to worry too much,”
Edgar glanced at Skylar and then shook his head. “I was busy then and didn’t hear what Mrs. Martin Senior and Mr. Martin discussed.”
Skylar could guess what their conversation had been about.
“I’ll stay here to take care of Grandma. You two should go back and get some rest,” Skylar told Joe and Edgar.
Edgar was older. He shouldn’t stay up all night at the hospital. Joe had just confronted his father, so his emotions were likely in turmoil.
Skylar suggested staying behind to care for Gloria, as she was emotionally stable and more suited to the task.
“Let me stay. There are other staff and nurses here. You two should return to Galaxy Villa and come back to the hospital tomorrow morning,” Edgar offered.
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Joe glanced at his watch and checked the time.
It was already midnight. Returning to the villa and back was impractical.
“Alright,” Joe agreed. He then led Skylar out of the hospital.
He didn’t take Skylar back to the Galaxy Villa. Instead, they stayed at a hotel nearby.
After the earlier ordeal, neither felt like sleeping once they arrived at the hotel.
Joe held Skylar in his arms. He remained silent for a while. He only spoke when he sensed that Skylar wasn’t sleeping either. “Were you scared at the hospital?”
“No, I’m not that easily frightened,” Skylar replied honestly.
After witnessing various forms of human nature and betrayal, she was no longer afraid of much. “Don’t let their attitudes toward you today bother you too much,” Joe said, his voice growing somber.
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Skylar nodded softly.
Joe gently ruffled her hair and asked, “What kind of wedding do you want?”
Skylar looked surprised. “Are we really going to have a wedding?”
She had thought Joe’s mention of a wedding was just to provoke Edwin and Molly.
The wedding… She had never thought about it before.
“Yes. Don’t most women dream of a wedding they’ll remember for a lifetime? As my wife, you deserve nothing less,” Joe said, his voice tender.
His tone was so soft, as if the wedding was something he genuinely looked forward to.
Skylar replied quietly, “I’ll need to think about it.”
“Any thoughts or requests you have, just let me know,” Joe said.
As the conversation turned to wedding plans, Joe’s demeanor softened further. Unnoticed by both, they eventually drifted off to sleep.
After returning home that night, Edwin and Molly couldn’t calm their emotions for a long time.
“Darling, given Joe’s attitude toward Skylar today, if we try to act against him, it might backfire,” Molly said. Joe’s words seemed mild, but they were likely a warning. Joe probably had some incriminating evidence against them.
Edwin remained stern–faced. “No matter what, I’m still his father. I won’t worry about him. I’ll do what needs to be done.”
In his view, no matter how much Joe might try to assert control, he would never be able to overshadow
him as a father.
Molly nodded. “Alright.”
In the darkness of the night, Molly’s eyes were filled with a grim determination.
If Joe truly cared about Skylar, she would ensure he didn’t get his way. Over the years, Joe had made her life difficult and embarrassed her on more than one occasion.
She was determined to ensure he wouldn’t have the satisfaction of achieving his desires, and there was also Gloria who hadn’t accepted her. She couldn’t allow the two of them to live so comfortably.
The next morning, Skylar and Joe h
breakfast at the hotel before going to the hospital.
Gloria had just woken up. Upon seeing them, she smiled warmly and said, “I’m fine. You two don’t need to worry.”
Her health was deteriorating more and more. Just a few words with her son had caused her to faint from a sudden surge of anger, which in turn made Joe and Skylar worry about her.
“Mrs. Martin Senior just had a large bowl of chicken soup, and Dr. Colon has been by. You don’t need to be concerned,” Edgar said.
Seeing Gloria’s improved condition eased Skylar’s worries. She said, “It’s good that Grandma is fine.”
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Earlier that morning, the doctor, Gavin Colon, called Joe to explain Gloria’s current condition. Although her fainting spell was related to her heart, it was primarily due to a surge of anger that overwhelmed her, causing her to faint. Since she had come to the hospital on time, there was no need for excessive
concern.
“Did your father come by last night? Did the two of you argue again?” Gloria asked. She turned to Joe, who had been quiet and had a somber expression.
Although Edgar hadn’t said anything to her, she knew she had fainted while on the phone with Edwin.
Despite Edwin’s lack of loyalty, he would still come to the hospital.
The father and son duo were practically enemies. They fought whenever they met, all due to the unfortunate events of the past.
Gloria sighed again with resignation,
Joe spoke calmly, “It’s normal for us to argue whenever we meet. Don’t worry about it.”
In his eyes, having a father or not made no difference. He might as well be dead.
Skylar quietly peeled an apple beside them. The faint apple scent helped to neutralize the smell of disinfectant in the room.
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Gloria sighed, feeling helpless. But considering what Edwin had done, Joe’s behavior was understandable.
Although she had been with the Martin family for many years, since her husband’s passing, the Martin family had gradually become fragmented. Each member had their own thoughts, and she could only adapt to the changes rather than influence them.
On the surface, everyone showed respect for her.
Gloria remembered what Viola had told her. She said that some things couldn’t be changed by one person’s efforts. Times and people would evolve.
When Edwin was young, he was quite good–natured. However, as he grew older and was influenced by those around him, he became distant from her.
His relationship with Gloria had deteriorated, especially after he married Molly some 20 years ago. Now that Edwin was meddling in Joe’s affairs, he was no different from the other family members.
“Just in time, I was craving an apple,” Gloria said. Despite her heavy heart, she quickly adjusted. At her age, she had to learn how to handle these negative emotions.
Skylar handed over the apple.
Although Gloria had been troubled, her mood lightened just by looking at Skylar. Her presence seemed to calm her chaotic feelings.
Joe noticed the change in Gloria’s mood. He subtly glanced at Skylar, who seemed to have a calming effect on people.
Being with her always brought a sense of calm, no matter what challenges were being faced. The present difficulties never seemed to confine or overwhelm.
Noticing Joe’s gaze, Skylar asked, “Would you like an apple too?”
Before Joe could respond, Gloria huffed, “Let him peel his own apple. Don’t spoil him, Skye.”
Joe had been looking much healthier lately. His complexion was rosy and lively. His condition had noticeably improved despite having had many things to deal with recently.
The credit definitely went to Skylar. Without her, Joe’s current state might have been quite different.
Joe’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’ll do it.”
Skylar handed him the knife.
Soon, Joe had peeled an apple but didn’t keep it for himself. Instead, he handed it to Skylar.
Seeing that scene, Gloria smiled and nodded approvingly. “Skye, you go ahead and eat first. The apples today are really good and sweet. Try them.”
“Sure,” Skylar responded. She was momentarily surprised by the warmth in Joe’s eyes as she took the apple.
Seeing the tender exchange between the two, Gloria and Edgar shared a knowing look.
Gloria was pleased: Joe seemed to understand how to show care for others, and it was clear that Skylar had a significant influence on him.
After leaving the hospital, Joe dropped Skylar off at work.
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They ran into Caleb: Caleb raised an eyebrow as he saw Skylar leave Joe’s car. He waited for her to approach.
As Skylar got closer, Caleb asked concernedly, “Did Joe give you any trouble?”
Caleb had always suspected that Joe was mistreating Skylar. Now, seeing her with puffy eyes and looking like she hadn’t slept well, his suspicions were confirmed.
Skylar had yawned several times in the car.
The night before, she and Joe had talked late into the night. The following day, she had to get up early to go to the hospital.
She hadn’t had much rest and now felt utterly drained. All she could think about was getting a cup of coffee to wake herself up.
Just then, Caleb’s question interrupted her thoughts. She smiled and replied, “He treats me well. He wouldn’t hurt me.”
“Don’t think you can fool me like I’m a kid. You look exhausted. If he’s not mistreating you, why do you look so worn out?” Caleb stared at her intensely. His worry for Skylar was evident.
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The more Caleb looked at Skylar, the more convinced he became. In his view, Joe was nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Caleb had believed this since he was a child, and now he was more convinced than ever.
Skylar couldn’t help but laugh. “Last night, a family member was admitted to the hospital. I was worried all night and didn’t sleep well. Let’s go. I need to get a cup of coffee.”
Caleb scratched his head. He felt a bit awkward. “Sorry, I misunderstood.”
Even though it was a misunderstanding, he still believed Joe was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Skylar was just being deceived by Joe’s appearance.
One day, she would see Joe’s true nature.
Edwin and Molly arrived at the hospital around noon. Molly didn’t enter the ward but waited outside.
When Edwin appeared in the ward, Gloria was having lunch. She had a bowl of light, easily digestible chicken soup.
“Mom, how are you feeling today?” Edwin asked.
Gloria gave him a cold look. She replied blandly, “A bit better.”
At least she was still alive and hadn’t been angered to death. She was still hanging on.
Gloria let
- 999.
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Edgar listed with a hint of resignation. He replied, “Mrs. Martin Senior, you once said that each member of the Martin family has their own destiny. Now that Mr. Joe is in charge, others can’t sway his decisions.
Natalie was carrying the items she had just brought from the food market near the hotel.
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During their time together, Natalie gradually realized they couldn’t return to how things once were. Despite their efforts, it became clear that things had changed.
event. It’s inconvenient to stay with you. So let’s leave it for another time.”
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