Chapter 704
chapter704
Skylar’s face turned beet red. Mortified, she glared at Joe. “Did you really just kiss me without considering where we are?”
Joe’s gaze remained cool, though a trace of lingering desire darkened his voice. “You’re my wife. We can kiss wherever we like; it’s perfectly legal.”
His blunt reasoning left Skylar speechless. While she couldn't argue with the logic, she couldn't help but wonder if he realized how his frequent displays of affection affected her. To her, these kisses felt less like legal rights and more like a man slowly losing his legendary self-control.
As Natalie exited the hospital, her phone rang. It was Kate.
“Nath, please come home for a visit today.”
“What’s wrong, Mom?”
Kate sighed into the receiver. “You and Jeremy have been through so much lately. Your father really wants to see you with his own eyes. He won’t be at ease until he does.”
Natalie knew she couldn't avoid this forever. “Okay. I don’t have anything pressing on my schedule. I’ll head home now.”
Soon, Natalie arrived at the Jakeman residence. She hadn't been back since her major fallout with Jeremy began, having only confided the full extent of her troubles to Kate. Damon, her father, answered the door with a look of startled relief. “You’re actually back?”
“I am, Dad.” Natalie slipped into her familiar house slippers.
Damon had always been indulgent with her, rarely raising his voice even when she was clearly in the wrong. While Kate handled the discipline, Damon provided the quiet support. He hadn't called her much during the recent crisis—not out of a lack of care, but because he was uncertain of how to comfort her without overstepping.
When her heart ached, Damon’s heart ached just the same.
The house was unusually quiet as they sat down. Kate peeked out from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. “You two go ahead and watch some TV. I just need to finish up a few more dishes for lunch.”
“How has work been lately? Is the pace too tough?” Damon asked, breaking the silence.
“I really enjoy my current job, Dad,” Natalie answered honestly. “It’s rewarding, and I get plenty of time off. How about you? Have you been out fishing recently?”
“Fishing is my only real hobby these days. I meet up with some old friends to chat by the water,” Damon said. His eyes traveled over her face, growing slightly red with unspoken pain. “Your mother mentioned you travel a lot with celebrities now. Just take care of yourself, Nath. You’ve lost quite a bit of weight since the last time I saw you.”