Chapter 911


    Without Joe around, Vera’s face was devoid of any smiles.


    As soon as she spotted Skr, Vera smirked. “Joe attended my birthday party yesterday. You must have seen the photos, right?


    “We’ve had our disagreements over the years, but we still care for each other. I won’t say anything too harsh, but I hope you know where you stand. By the way, the fact that you managed to marry Joe–besides his grandmother’s influence -did you perhaps use some underhanded methods?”


    Skr had just finished washing her hands and was drying them with a tissue. She looked at Vera with an impassive expression. There’s no need to be two–faced. Just because you have a guilty conscience doesn’t mean others do too. You should reflect on yourself.”


    With that, Skr walked out of the restroom.


    Vera watched Skr’s retreating figure, her teeth clenched in anger. Skr had the audacity to call her two–faced and insinuate she had a guilty conscience -no one had ever dared to speak to Vera like that–she was always treated like royalty.


    Skr must have been poisoning Joe’s mind about her.


    11


    After leaving the restaurant, Vera and Justin nned to head down the hill with them. However, Skr, wanting to savor the scenic descent, decided to browse the nearby convenience store instead. Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Skr, without waiting to see if Joe would join Vera, headed straight to the convenience store.


    The convenience store at the hilltop was filled with souvenirs and postcards, an ideal ce for a casual browse. Skr selected a few trinkets and bought herself a smoothie. She was about to sit by the window, ready to enjoy her drink and the view, when


    someone sat beside her.


    She turned and saw Joe.


    “Aren’t you going down the hill with them?” Skr asked.


    Joe’s expression was cold. “Do you know who I am?”


    His tone took Skr aback. “You… You are Joe Martin.”


    Joe stared at her for a moment before his face grew even more stern, likely due to her attitude. “I’m your husband.”


    Skr was confused. What was he getting at?


    “Why did you leave on your own earlier? Why didn’t you wait for me?” he questioned further.


    Skr found his behavior puzzling. “I thought you wanted to go down the hill with Vera and Justin. I didn’t want to force you to join


    me at the convenience store.”


    She assumed he would be happier if he spent time alone with Vera.


    Vera’s <i>photo </i>from the previous day had shaken her a bit. She hade to terms with their rtionship since it didn’t involve love. But if real feelings were involved, she refused to be the third wheel or a <i>tool </i>to test their bond. She wasn’t willing to be used or manipted.


    Joe’s face remained stern. “When did I say I wanted to go with


    them?”


    Skr found herself speechless; Joe hadn’t said that.


    The two of them fell into silence.


    Skr continued sipping her smoothie.


    Eventually, they left the store together, a quiet understanding passing between them as they walked leisurely down the hill.


    Vera and Justin got into the car once they arrived at the base.


    Justin nced at Vera in the passenger seat. “Shall I take you home?”


    Vera had been silent since the descent, and her expression had darkened further. “I’m not going home. Take me somewhere for a drink.”


    “Feeling upset?” Justin asked, noting her mood. “I don’t know Joe well, but I heard he’s a bit of a mystery. While he hasn’t had many women around him in the past, I believe you’ve met your match this time.”


    In a serious tone, he added, “Joe’s feelings for Skr aren’t just a passing fling. It’s clear she holds a real ce in his heart.”


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