Mark glanced at her, puzzled by her agitation.
“You’re mistaken. I won’t allow her to have blood on her hands.”
Josie gradually calmed down. Indeed, as a pure young lady, she must not be associated with the act of taking a life.
Mark gave her a penetrating look. “You’ve never been a mother, so you wouldn’t understand the lengths parents will go to for their children.”
The weather was splendid that day, with sunlight streaming through the open roof of the factory, bathing her in its warmth. Her arms felt a gentle heat, and her entire body radiated warmth.
Yet, her heart was filled with coldness.
“You may not know, but Liana went missing when she was just eleven or twelve years old. During those years, our family business declined, and we couldn’t provide her with the best life. However, she never acted like a spoiled child. No matter how late her mother and I returned home, she would always wait for us. Only after saying goodnight would she go to sleep.”
Mark seemed to see the obedient and sensible young Liana of the past, his gaze filled with melancholy.
“She was incredibly understanding, showing immense tolerance towards everyone and everything. When our family was short on money, she even broke open her own piggy bank. It contained a few thousand dollars, all of which were her hard-earned savings, and she gave it all to me.”
Tears welled up in Mark’s eyes as he recalled how little Liana had thrown herself into his arms, sweetly promising, “I don’t have much money, but I’ll give it all to you, Daddy. Things will surely get better!”
As Mark spoke, Josie was also reminded of this fragmented memory. She had playfully held Mark’s fingers, making a pinky promise with him. “Promise me! Don’t lose hope, Daddy!”
A fleeting sense of kinship had once existed between them.
Josie’s heart ached. The man who was once young and handsome now had white hair and a calculating demeanor.
Her tears fell. Mark looked at her, feeling somewhat puzzled, but he thought she was simply moved by the story.
“But later on, when the Olsen family became wealthy and continued to prosper, she disappeared. For over a decade, she lived a life of hardship. Now that she has finally returned, I want to give her the best life possible. Can you understand that?”
Mark looked at the woman shedding tears, his voice softened as he asked, “Josie, “Was your father good to you? I believe if he were here today, he would have made the same choice.”
My father…
Josie managed a broken smile, her thoughts drifting to Paul. “If it were my father, he wouldn’t let me get involved in a murder. He would have taken the blame for me. He was such a good man. I loved him dearly.”
However, he had disappeared.
If Paul knew about the hardships she endured today, he would undoubtedly be heartbroken.
Josie slowly turned her gaze to Mark. He had truly aged, undoubtedly weathering many storms over the years. She dared not imagine what his reaction would be if he were to find out that she was his biological daughter.
But now, there’s probably no chance to find out, right?
“After the wedding, I’ll see you off. Choose any country you like, and never return in this lifetime.”
He and Dexter shared the same thought.
“Why?”
“You’re too cunning. Leanne’s marriage won’t be safe with you in Wavery.”
Is that so? He thinks I’m cunning too.
“Alright.” Josie took a deep breath, agreeing to it.
“Really?” He was somewhat surprised.
“I just suddenly realized that life is precious and nothing else matters.” Josie flexed her wrist. “Mr. Olsen, tell me, do you think there will come a day when you will regret today’s decision?”
Mark narrowed his eyes. “Never.”
“Then there’s nothing for me to worry about.”
