Chatper 1213
But it felt like both Lizzie and Muriel were trapped in their emotional prisons, neither daring to take the next step.
As Skylar thought of this, she was reminded of her situation. She realized she was no different, having trapped herself in place too.
Lizzie’s voice broke her thoughts. “I want to see her. I want to, Skylar. I’m going over right
now.”
Skylar responded calmly, “Okay.”
She knew that the conversation Muriel had with her earlier already hinted at her desire to see Lizzie. There were likely many things left unsaid between them, words that had been buried over the years.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, dusk had fallen. Many people were already soaking in the hot springs, while others were singing or playing instruments like the guitar.
Both villas echoed with laughter.
After soaking for about ten minutes, Skylar stepped out and grabbed two glasses of juice. She
⚫ sat down beside Janine, and they started chatting.
“Skye, I saw the news this morning. Steven said that the man was Ned, not Joe. They just look exactly alike. But when I saw the news, I couldn’t help but wonder, can there really be such a coincidence in this world?
“They look way too similar. Could it be like one of those plotlines in TV dramas where Ned is actually Joe, but he has lost his memory for some reason?”
Janine loved watching TV dramas and could get into all sorts of genres without hesitation.
Maybe it was because she was getting older, but in recent years, she had developed a taste for melodramatic TV dramas. They were full of bizarre and unbelievable plot twists.
Hearing Janine’s words, Skylar couldn’t help but laugh. “Mom, there aren’t that many crazy coincidences in real life.”
Of course, she had entertained the fantasy herself, but the information Aiken had gathered was clear. Ned’s background and life trajectory were well–documented, and there was no intersection with Joe’s.
They were two different people–just with the same face.
“You’re right. Over the past two years, I’ve grown older. I’ve been dreaming of a family reunion where everyone achieves their wishes. I hope that in this lifetime, we can have no
regrets.
“That’s why I entertain all these fantasies. Steven is getting married soon. Charles is doing well in his career. Harvey is in college, so I don’t have to worry about his studies.
“But you, Skye, you’re so far away in Murida. I can’t help but worry about you,” Janine said, her eyes filled with concern.
Her daughter was undoubtedly extraordinary, which made Janine question why fate had put her through so much hardship.
Janine knew too well the pain of losing a husband when she was young. She didn’t want her daughter to suffer the same hardships she had faced. Yet, Skylar had gone through so much already.
Over the past three years, she had successfully managed Sullance Group. She hoped to provide a better life for Skylar, one where she wouldn’t have to worry about anything in the future.
She also held onto the hope that perhaps Joe was still alive and that nothing was truly wrong.
Thinking about that, Janine let out a sigh. But those were just fantasies.
She remembered when Finn first went missing after the accident. At that time, she thought he hadn’t died because there was no body. He wouldn’t want his family to suffer and would surely find a way back to them.
Yet, as time passed–one year, turned into ten, then twenty–she gradually understood that life must go on, even if some dreams had to be relinquished.
That realization pained her for Skylar.
“Mom, don’t worry about me. I’ve figured things out. I really should look forward now. Grandma’s health hasn’t been great these past two years. The doctors say she might not have much time left.
“I’ll stay with Grandma for now. After that, I’ll come back. If new chances for love, come my way, I won’t hesitate to embrace them,” Skylar said gently, offering comfort to Janine.