Chapter 1215

Occasionally, passersby cast curious glances at Skylar in the gazebo. They likely wondered what she was doing there, resting and enjoying the scenery alone.

Earlier, Lizzie had messaged that she was returning to the city with Muriel. They had much to discuss, and Lizzie had even secured Muriel a few days off. Thinking of Lizzie's message, Skylar smiled. "I never expected this side of Lizzie. She's quite assertive," she mused.

Just as she prepared to leave, Janine called, "Skye, where are you? It's getting dark; you should come back."

Ever obedient, Skylar replied, "Okay, I'll head back now."

After stowing her phone in her windbreaker pocket, she looked up and saw Ned standing at the gazebo stairs. Skylar froze. The resort was large; she hadn't expected to encounter him here. Ned gazed at her with an unreadable expression.

Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Her heart raced. For a moment, she couldn't distinguish between Joe and Ned. Then, she heard Rosa's voice behind Ned. "Ned, there's even a gazebo here. Let's sit for a while."

As Rosa spoke, she saw Skylar in the gazebo. Her smile vanished, replaced by disbelief at the coincidence. It was so improbable that she suspected Skylar was deliberately following them.

Having just bathed and showered, Skylar's long hair cascaded over her shoulders. Even without makeup, she was stunning. The night seemed to enhance her beauty, making others appear comparatively dull.

Rosa, known for her own beauty, felt overshadowed. It was difficult for any man to resist Skylar's allure. Rosa grew wary.

"Such a coincidence, Ms. Sullivan," Rosa said, suppressing her displeasure.

"Yes, quite a coincidence. This gazebo offers a lovely view. You two can stay; I'll be going," Skylar replied, glancing at their matching gray athletic wear. A flicker of disappointment registered in her heart; the man wasn't Joe.

After Skylar left, Rosa's gaze followed her. Feeling unsettled, she said to Ned, "Ned, do you think you might like someone like Ms. Sullivan? I feel…overshadowed by her."

Ned looked at Rosa, his longtime companion. "You're overthinking it. She's a stranger to me."

"If she's just a stranger, why did you let her in our car? Ned, I've never asked you for anything, but I'm requesting this. If you care about me, don't speak to her again. I'll be jealous and hurt."

Tears welled in Rosa's eyes as she made her plea, feeling vulnerable. Skylar's presence unsettled her, fueling anxiety. Ned's demeanor suggested Skylar could easily take him away.

Looking at Rosa, devoted to him, Ned recalled their shared memories. His tone grew serious. "Don't worry. We're engaged, marrying in six months. No one can come between us."

These words were meant to reassure Rosa. Had she heard them earlier, she would have been deeply moved. But now, a flicker of doubt arose. She hugged Ned tightly.

He stiffened in surprise. Rosa felt his tension but held on tighter, close to tears. "Ned, you're the most important person in my life. I can't lose you. I'll remember every promise. Don't abandon me, and don't look at Skylar again. She's just a passerby on this trip."

She's just a passerby. She mustn't, couldn't let herself care.

Ned felt her tears dampen his shirt. His gaze darkened as he reassured her. "Don't worry, she is just a passerby. You are my one and only."