His voice was choked by the overwhelming emotions. Josie took a deep breath and finally opened the door, as Moses had advised. She exited the car, crossed her arms, and walked into Mason Garden without saying a word to anyone, passing Dexter by.
Dexter’s lips paled. He followed her, his eyes full of longing as he looked at her. He wanted to touch her, but he didn’t dare. “Jo!” he called out to her hesitantly..
Josie lowered her head, ignoring him. She walked with determined steps, keeping Dexter at a distance, but he followed her timidly.
“Jo! Look at me!”
As they passed Heather, she heard Dexter’s lingering voice calling out to Josie. The passion and longing in his voice made her heart sink.
She couldn’t understand how he was willing to lower his ego for Josie. She thought his willingness to comply with her requests was already a sign of his care, but seeing him so vulnerable with Josie made her stomach knot with dread.
He followed her like a dog hoping to gain the attention of its owner. He wasn’t afraid to shed his image as a charismatic and dignified person in front of her. Was this still the Dexter she knew?
Josie continued to march forward, her head down and her eyes on the ground. But when she passed Heather, she paused and glanced up at her.
The brief glance from Josie made Heather’s stomach churn as if she had been caught doing something wrong. Josie’s eyes were calm and unwavering, but her gaze clearly showed the underlying emotions.
“Josie…”
Josie didn’t respond. She continued to walk into Mason Garden.
Heather and Dexter met each other’s eyes. Heather was eager to explain herself to Josie. Josie, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Nothing is going on between Dex and me. We’re practically siblings.”
Heather caught up to Josie and began to explain, but Josie didn’t spare her a glance. Stopping in her tracks, Heather then said weakly, “Dex, I should return today.”
However, Dexter also gave her the cold shoulder, his eyes fixed only on Josie. He continued to walk upstairs with Josie and closed the door behind them.
Heather felt a chill run down her spine.
“Jo. Dexter’s voice was deep and gravelly, his words barely more than a murmur. “It’s a misunderstanding.”
Josie couldn’t bring herself to feel at home in the bedroom, even though it was the same bedding and scene she had left behind. She took off her cap and coat, then headed towards the bathroom. But Dexter grabbed her wrist forcefully. “Talk to me!”
His patience was wearing thin, and his voice was thick with emotions. Josie winced in pain, and her forehead creased when he grabbed her wound.
Dexter froze and immediately let go of her hand. He pulled up her sleeves, revealing the bruises on her skin. The purple patches all over her pale skin were evidence of the brutality she had endured.
His eyes flashed with anger. “Who did this to you?”
Josie finally looked up into his eyes. She was overcome by despair as she said, “Mr. Russell must be having a great time without mel around. Do you even care about me?” Dexter was rendered speechless. His muscles tensed up, his grip on her arms tightening.
“You’re upset that I didn’t go to Rivodia.”
Josie was exhausted-she had no energy to explain her disappointment. After all, it was all in the past, and she had more urgent matters to attend to.
“Let go of me, Dex!”
He didn’t move an inch. They were so close that he could feel her breath on his face when he said in a gruff voice, “Arnold? Or is it Wayne?”
He was asking about the bruises on her arms. Josie turned away from him, trying to keep her composure. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I just want to take a shower. If you don’t want to see me jump off this balcony, let go of me now.”
Her anger was spiraling out of control, like a wildfire burning out of control. She had faced death in the eyes and had nothing to fear anymore. Dexter hesitated for a moment before loosening his grip to not trigger her any further.
