“If you are unwilling to give up custody of Grape, then I can offer you another option.”
Dexter’s words were incredibly tempting. Josie seemed to have realized something, but for the sake of Grape, she held on as if it were a lifeline and asked, “What?”
As soon as she said that, Dexter walked towards Josie.
Finally, he stopped just half a step away from her, his gaze fixed intently on her face. He said, “I can give up my custody rights to Grape, but I have one condition. I want you to live with me for a hundred days, like a normal married couple, to give Grape a complete home. After a hundred days, we will go our separate ways, and I will permanently give up my custody rights to Grape.”
Josie looked at him in disbelief, never having imagined that Dexter would make such an unreasonable demand. Without hesitation, she flatly refused, “No way.”
Dexter seemed to have anticipated her response.
“It’s alright. There’s no rush. You can take your time to think it over before giving me an answer. Whenever you’ve figured it out, it’s never too late to come find me. However… don’t take too long to decide.”
Josie lowered her gaze, a hint of hurt hidden deep within her eyes. “Dexter, what do you take me for? A commodity? Or in your eyes, am I merely an object that can be used for trade at any given moment?”
“It’s not-”
His brows furrowed tightly together, yet he didn’t offer much explanation. “This is merely my suggestion. If you disagree, then I will contact a lawyer. I am determined to secure custody of our child.”
Having said that, Dexter then took a step and walked away.
He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would completely let his guard down in front of her.
When Mallory saw the two part ways unhappily, she couldn’t help but approach with concern. “Are you okay?”
Josie shook her head, revealing an expression uglier than crying. “I’m fine.”
Mallory pursed her lips. “Jo, I understand. The events from two years ago are hard for you to let go, but I’m certain that you hold a place in Mr. Russell’s heart.”
If it had been in the past, Josie might have believed these words, but now, she just found them ridiculous.
“Mallory, it’s impossible for him and me to be together again…”
Mallory’s heart jolted. She felt that something was amiss. Over the past two years, those close to Mr. Russell were well aware of his circumstances. She absolutely refused to believe that Dexter had no feelings whatsoever for Josie.
“Jo, is there some sort of misunderstanding between you two? What exactly did Dexter say to you that has upset you so much? Tell me, we can solve any problem together.”
Josie lowered her gaze.
“There’s no misunderstanding between us.”
Her heart would never hold any expectations of him again.
“Jo, listen to me. Actually, these past two years have been quite tough for Mr. Russell, especially after you left. He was like a lost soul, spending his days lying in a hospital bed, staring blankly out of the window. You have no Idea, on the night you left, Mr. Russell, he…”
Mallory said a lot in one breath, but Josie didn’t take any of it in. She didn’t want to hear anything about Dexter at the moment, so she simply cut her off, “Mallory, I’m tired…”
Upon seeing this, Mallory could only sigh in resignation.
“Okay, I understand. You should rest early, then…”
After Mallory had left, Grape walked up to Josie. She tugged at the corner of Josie’s clothes with her little hand and asked, “Mommy, did Mr. Russell upset you?”
