After everyone had left, Josie was somewhat Iritated. “You’re going to spoil her with your behavior. Nice drawing? Grape merely doodled. How could they possibly take them away for collection? It’s too absurd.
Dexter was still admiring the painting. “It’s indeed well-drawn, truly a display of talent.”
“Dexter!”
Only then did Dexter raise his head. “Do you think I was indulging Grape? In fact, she was the one who came to our rescue.”
His tone was laden with profound implications, which took Josie by surprise. “If they want me to leave, I can leave. There’s no need for us to live together.”
She spoke lightly, yet the chill in Dexter’s heart intensified. “I told you. You must stay with me for at least these hundred days.”
Josie didn’t respond.
She couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. He sat in the doctor’s seat from earlier and seriously asked again, “I remember before I left, your health was perfectly fine. Why has it become like this now? That doctor said-”
She had a serious look on her face, which left Dexter utterly captivated. He chuckled and asked, “Do you believe that longing can make one sick?”
Josie could bear no more. She reached out his hand. “Dexter!”
He gently captured her delicate fingers. “Hands meant for designing should not be used to point at others.”
Though he said so, he didn’t let go and continued to grip her tightly.
A large pile of medicine left by the doctor still remained on the table. Josie felt an unexpected pang of sympathy. For a moment, she didn’t resist. “Dexter, as the ancients used to say, pricks live forever, so don’t die too soon.”
After they met again, quite unusually, she earnestly spoke these words.
Dexter seemed lost in thought. In the next moment, he swiftly grasped Josie’s wrist, leading her into the master bedroom. The door was then closed behind them.
Grapes were led away by the servants.
“What are you doing!” Josie was pinned against the door.
Dexter was lost in deep thought. Suddenly, he reached out, pulling her into his embrace. His head rested against her neck as he softly said, “There are too many people outside. Let me hold you for a moment here, just a moment.”
Josie’s body completely stiffened.
In fact, Dexter from two years ago was never this reasonable, always doing as he pleased. When he desired her, he would simply take action, leaving no room for negotiation.
But now, his decision seemed to be mixed with many considerations.
Embracing the warmth silently, Josie hesitated for a long time before she finally raised her hand and gently patted his back.
Feeling the touch, Dexter’s grip on her intensified as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones and blood. “Jo, I’ve missed you greatly. Every day and every night.”
Upon hearing that, Josie didn’t know why, but a tear fell from the corner of her eye. She tilted her head back to wipe it away, and in the end, she still pushed Dexter away, saying, “Grape is still outside.”
Her push left Dexter’s arms empty. Subconsciously, he reached out, holding her back in place. His eyes were bloodshot.
Josie asked in a low voice, “What are you doing?”
“Last night, you had too much to drink. You confronted Arnold, questioning his sincerity. You asked whether he was merely acting or if he truly cared.”
The sudden question caught Josie off guard for a moment, then she retorted, “What are you thinking? Of course, it’s acting.”
Perhaps it was a moment of daze, Dexter suddenly leaned in, planting a deep kiss on her delicate lips.
Their lips met, and Josie’s mind instantly exploded. She wanted to push him away, but she couldn’t.
Her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected Dexter to act that way. Yet, as he held the back of her neck, his forceful intensity was mixed with a deep affection and longing, as well as, a desire to possess her.
Josie’s heart pounded incessantly, her head buzzing.
“Mmph!”
“For nearly half a month, I couldn’t keep up the act for too long, Jo.”
