Chapter 607

Joe ran his thumb over the engraving. It had a slight texture, but it wouldn't scratch his skin. Instead, a subtle energy seemed to flow into his fingertip.

“I designed this pattern and had the jeweler carve it,” Skylar’s soft voice explained. “It resembles a symbol of good fortune, representing protection and safety.”

Joe’s heart fluttered. It felt as if he had sipped a fine, aged wine. For a moment, he felt dazed. Skylar certainly knew how to win hearts—especially his. His deep gaze shifted from the ring to Skylar. “This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.”

Skylar looked into Joe’s eyes; her reflection shimmered within them. Her heart skipped a beat.

Natalie stood before the villa, once dreaming it would be her forever home, a place filled with the laughter and joy of her beloved husband and child. But that dream crumbled before it had even begun. Her feet felt burdened with lead; each step was heavy with pain. She had promised herself never to return, yet here she was, accompanied by the pain Jeremy had caused. As she pushed open the door and stepped inside, her face went pale. Her mother was not there. The once-grand villa now held only Jeremy.

Jeremy watched her intently. “Nath, welcome home.”

Natalie stiffened. After a few minutes, she asked in a strained voice, “Where’s my mother?”

Jeremy walked toward her slowly; his feelings were evident in his eyes. Natalie lowered her head. His gaze, once filled with love, had once brought her joy. Now, she no longer desired his belated affection. As Natalie averted her eyes, Jeremy’s gaze darkened.

“She left ten minutes ago. She didn’t want to disturb us; she hoped we could talk things over. Nath, we really need to have a serious conversation. Let’s discuss everything openly. Can you please listen to me first?” Jeremy spoke gently, patiently coaxing Natalie. His familiar tenderness still held the power to soften her heart, reminding her of how he had once been her treasure. But his belated affection only deepened her pain.

Natalie’s eyes reddened. “Jeremy, did my mother find out what happened?”

Jeremy must have confided in Kate; otherwise, Kate wouldn’t have left them alone. Kate’s forgiveness, and Jeremy’s confidence in insisting on this conversation, made sense. Natalie felt a wave of isolation and helplessness.

Jeremy nodded. “Yes, she knew everything.”

“Jeremy, could you please stop bullying me? Don’t you think you’ve already hurt me enough?” Natalie’s tone was soft, devoid of anger or accusation.

Jeremy felt a sharp pain in his chest. “I’m sorry. Hurting you was never my intention. Do you want to know why Mom forgave me? Do you want to understand why I cheated? Natalie, we need to talk through everything. Otherwise, neither of us will be able to move on.”

Natalie stared at him, her expression vacant. “Alright.”