Josie didn’t know how to respond. There was a hint of helplessness in her tone as she said, “Some people simply can’t go back to the past.”
“Then we won’t go back! You didn’t like who l was before, right? I won’t go back, then!”
“That’s not what I meant. What I’m trying to say is, the love we once shared can’t be reclaimed. I am no longer fervently devoted to you.”
This response caused Dexter’s actions to momentarily slow down. A rare vulnerability appeared in his eyes as he softly asked, “You don’t love me anymore, right?”
“That’s right. I don’t love you anymore.”
Even with such a response, Dexter still didn’t believe it. “Look into my eyes and tell me you don’t love me anymore,” he said.
“I don’t love you anymore.”
“Say it again.”
“I don’t love you anymore.”
“Say it again.”
Before Josie could finish her sentence, Dexter completely lost control. He leaned in, pulling her into his embrace, unable to suppress his trembling as he said, “But I still love you.”
The grip was unyieldingly strong, causing Josie to suffocate, unable to break free.
A whirlwind of emotions swirled within her heart, she could truly feel that she still held a place in his heart.
The taste of alcohol was too strong, almost invading her heart, leaving her breathless. She tried to speak, “Dexter-”
“Josie, do you remember the first time I asked you to marry me, several years ago?” he asked.
Josie furrowed her brows. “Yes, I remember.”
“That wasn’t our first time meeting each other.”
She was somewhat taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“When I first took over Russell Group, I had already met you. You must have been in university at the time. Your father had an incident, crying over the phone, but after the tears, he laughed and told himself that everything would be all right.”
He chose his words carefully as he continued, “I was in a state of utter confusion at that time. Seeing you restored my confidence, so whether you were Liana or Josie, you’ve saved me countless times. I can’t imagine how I would have survived without you.”
The weight of these words took Josie by complete surprise. She couldn’t fathom that Dexter would ever reach a point where he couldn’t go on because of someone. After all, this was Dexter, a top-tier master at weighing pros and cons, and yet, he had uttered such “childish” words.
Her heart felt increasingly suffocated.
“So, you no longer love me at all, huh? You find me annoying whenever you see me, right?” he asked softly.
That hit Josie like a blow to the back of her head, leaving her somewhat dazed. For reasons she couldn’t fathom, her voice no longer held the certainty it had just moments before.
She attempted to escape as she said, “You are Grape’s true father. From this perspective, I do not find you annoying.”
In fact, without this identity, Josie didn’t know what her feelings would be.
When he heard it, he was indeed convinced.
Upon understanding, Dexter released his grip, allowing her to leave. After a brief pause of two seconds, Josie belatedly rose to her feet and left. Before she departed, she closed the door behind her. As the light and shadow converged, Dexter was left alone in the darkness.
For a fleeting moment, she felt as though she couldn’t bear it.
Josie had never imagined she would suffer from insomnia. The following day, she was awakened by a noise. Upon opening the door, the servant apologized and said, “We have guests over.”
It was Scott and the others.
Josie nodded, indicating that she understood.
Scott’s spirit was always strong. “The goods from Vipera was transported from South East Aploth. Recently, Rivodia has been unstable, making it difficult to sell. Moreover, since you’ve taken over the territory at Rivodia-Wavery border, all of Mr. Dalton’s preparations have gone down the drain. He’s in dire need of money now, which is why he’s taking the risk to ship them out.”
Dexter’s energy and spirit were evidently not at their best. He sat on the sofa, relying on coffee for a boost. “What’s the quantity?” he asked.
“A ship.”
