“You’re only nineteen this year, right? And you’ve already taken your driving test?” Mallory smiled. Only then did Morgan look up, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. “I passed the exam after I turned eighteen.”
He paused for a moment, then half-jokingly asked, “What, don’t you trust my driving skills?”
Mallory gave a small laugh, leaning back in her seat and shaking her head. “No, you’re driving just fine.
Suddenly, it began to rain outside. The car windows were covered with droplets. Mallory shifted her gaze away from Morgan, staring blankly at the neon lights outside that scattered light.
“It’s going to rain for the entire upcoming week, so if you’re planning to go out and have fun, you might have to wait for a while,” said Morgan.
Mallory rested her head against the car window. Seizing the opportunity to talk to him and gaze at him, she asked, “Do you know who I am?”
Nineteen-year-old Morgan looked at her again. “Calvin’s girlfriend.”
Hence, they had known each other before. Mallory lost interest and closed her eyes to rest. Their paths had crossed just that once, and unexpectedly, it had been remembered by her.
At that moment, Mallory’s expression underwent a subtle change. Having been caught in a compromising situation, her attitude toward Morgan also became incredibly nuanced.
Morgan didn’t say a word, calmly withdrawing his gaze. From a short distance away, Calvin was walking toward them. Inside the hospital room, Justin had already made his way to Josie’s side. The latter’s gaze was gentle. “Please sit. What would you like to drink?”
Justin’s face was tense. He didn’t respond. Consequently, Josie rose on her own, limping over to the water dispenser. She poured herself a cup of water, her hand trembling.
Justin abruptly took over, directly questioning, “You’ve always known your identity, haven’t you? You’ve been using me all along.”
Josie pursed her lips, looking directly into his eyes. “Yes.”
Some sins, one must atone for themselves.
The veins on Justin’s hand bulged prominently.
“Whatever you want to ask, I’ll tell you,” said Josie.
After a prolonged standoff, Justin tightly gripped the disposable paper cup and tossed it into the trash bin. “I only have one question. Where is Father?”
He asked that question in the end. With so much having transpired, Pop hadn’t shown up. He must have guessed it all. Josie clenched her fingers tightly, stating the truth. “He’s gone missing.”
Justin suddenly glared at her. “What did you say?”
“A few months ago, he disappeared. I’ve been searching ever since, but I haven’t found him yet. The trail has gone cold.” Josie spoke calmly, and with that, she sighed in relief. She gave a bitter smile and said, “I’m sorry. I resorted to this measure just to prevent you from worrying and taking risks.”
Justin didn’t take in a single word. He lifted his hand directly, pushing her away. “Have you gone mad?”
Josie collapsed onto the bed, thinking she deserved to bear his wrath.
“Tell me, were you involved in this matter?” questioned Justin.
“Yes.” Josie’s guilt kept spreading.
“Josie!” Justin completely lost control, pointing at her as he spoke. “He wasn’t your biological father, but he was mine! You’ve managed to find your own biological parents and enjoy their blessings, but what about me? Where is my father? Give him back to me!”
Josie was consumed by heartache. She was open and honest with everyone, yet she felt a deep sense of guilt toward Justin.
“Listen to me. I will definitely bring Pop back, even if it costs me my life!” Josie sat up, looking at him earnestly.
Justin shook his head. “No, you’re about to return to the Olsen family. You’re going to be their daughter. You won’t care about him…”
Josie immediately denied, “I still will care! Pop has always been the closest person to me. Justin, I’m sorry. I promise you, I will definitely find him. Whether he’s at the ends of the earth or in the depths of the underworld, I will bring him back!”
She attempted to grasp Justin’s hand, but he swiftly brushed her off. “I don’t believe you. I truly despise you.”
Justin turned and walked away.
