Indeed, he finally arrived, just a little later than expected.
The car stopped at the end of the road, where the vast sea stretched out before them. The sky was dim, making it difficult to see the path ahead.
“I want to get out and take a walk.”
Dexter remained silent.
“I want to see the sea, Dexter.”
Seeing that there were hardly any people or cars around, he finally decided to unlock the central control.
Josie stepped out of the car and walked to the railing. She gazed out at the vast expanse of the sea, feeling a pang of pain in her heart. Dexter followed behind her.
Lately, she had been wearing a lot of white. In that moment, her long hair was lifted by the sea breeze, creating a picture of youthful sorrow.
She suddenly said, “Dexter, I promise you.”
Dexter watched her retreating figure, feeling a touch of restlessness in his heart, clearly unexpected.
“You’ve done so much for me these past two years, and I’m aware of it all. It’s just Nalanica, right? I’ll go.” She turned around, looking into his eyes.
He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
“Because I’ve figured it out. I can’t let go of these years with you, nor can I let go of the resources you can provide me. It’s just one year, right? I can wait. Consider it a gift to you.”
Dexter watched as Josie’s expression remained normal, even somewhat relieved. He found it hard to believe.
At a stalemate, a couple appeared on the beach. They were likely students from a nearby university. One held a trash bag, the other a pair of tongs, picking up garbage. They walked and talked, their youthfulness radiating around them.
As they approached, they were somewhat surprised to see people standing on the fence.
The girl looked at Josie and Dexter somewhat shyly, murmuring, “You are so beautiful, and your boyfriend is really handsome.”
Josie smiled, pulling out her phone from her pocket. “Could you take a picture of us?”
“Of course!”
Dexter frowned, but Josie was already holding his hand. “Give me a smile.”
The man and woman in the camera both exuded a mature aura, especially Dexter, whose usually serious face was graced by a hint of a smile. The girl quickly captured this moment, then said, “Could you two get a bit closer, please?”
Josie felt somewhat uneasy, but Dexter had already raised his hand, pulling her into his embrace by her shoulders. His voice was deep. “Go ahead and take the picture.”
With a click, this became the only photo of the two together, aside from the one on their marriage certificate.
The girl’s face lit up with joy, “It’s really beautiful.” Before leaving, she returned the phone and whispered, “Wishing you a long and lasting love!”
Josie smiled, watching their departing figures. She casually said, “Do you think we could have been like them if we had known each other in university?”
Dexter followed her train of thought and imagined the scene if Liana hadn’t gotten lost.
She was undoubtedly full of youth, and he was filled with youthful spirit. They would have felt attracted to and admired each other, eventually starting a romantic relationship in university. After graduation, they would have gotten married and had children, leading a simple yet loving life.
Josie obviously thought of it, too. She flashed a bitter smile. “It’s a pity there are no ‘ifs’.”
“There is…” Dexter instinctively reached out but grasped at thin air. Josie withdrew her hand. “Let’s go back.”
She seemed emotionally stable, as if she really agreed to go to Nalanica with him. There was no resistance, not a hint of defiance.
Dexter originally didn’t believe it, but Josie just followed him back to Mason Garden and then fell asleep in the master bedroom.
The woman’s face was serene and gentle in sleep, revealing no trace of cunningness. Dexter quietly left the room and made a phone call. “Make the arrangements,” he said.
On the other end of the phone, Larry said, “The flights to Nalanica are only available at three in the afternoon and seven in the evening. What do you think…”
“Seven o’clock, then.” After a night of turmoil, he thought she should get some proper rest.
