Dexter had already turned and left, entering the playroom filled with toys. He squatted down with a smile. “Is it really that enjoyable?”
Upon seeing him enter, Grape immediately put down her toy, intending to go out and find her mother.
Dexter’s large hand stopped her, pulling her into his embrace. The scent of milk on her was overwhelming, more soothing than any sleeping pill he had ever taken. “Let Mommy have some peace for a while. Don’t disturb her just yet.”
Grape clearly didn’t quite understand, but she obediently nestled in Dexter’s arms. Her tiny fingers touched the corner of his mouth. “Mr. Russell, you’re bleeding.”
It’s because of your mother. Upon hearing her address him, Dexter felt a pang of sorrow. He raised an eyebrow. “Would you mind wiping it clean for me?”
As Grape clumsily wiped for him, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside. Josie’s chest heaved as she looked at the man and child huddled together. “Where is Paul?”
Startled by Josie’s actions, Grape exclaimed, “Mommy…
Josie’s hand, clutching the watch, was trembling. She repeated once more, “Where is Paul?”
Dexter patted Grape’s back gently before he stood up. “He’s getting checked at the hospital.”
Josie’s brows furrowed tightly, her expression a mix of apprehension and disbelief as if she was close to home yet feeling incredulous. “Is he safe?”
Dexter gave her a reassuring answer. “He’s completely safe. He won’t be taken away again this time.”
Josie exhaled deeply. “The address.”
Grape scampered into her arms, clinging to her legs. “Wherever Mommy goes, take me with you.”
Josie couldn’t explain it to her daughter. All she could do was gently pat her daughter’s head, then fix her gaze on Dexter.
He slowly shook his head. “You’re too agitated right now. It’s not suitable for a meeting. Rest for the night, go tomorrow.”
Josie remained stubbornly unmoved, absolutely unwilling to comply.
As such, Dexter asked, “Josie, do you still wish to see him?”
She could only muster all her strength to calm her emotions. “Yes.”
“Then you should listen to me.”
Thus, Josie had no choice but to lie in bed, forcing herself to sleep. However, after years of searching that had finally led to her redemption, she found it impossible to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, staring at the moonlight outside the window.
Outside, things gradually quieted down, and Grape had been coaxed to sleep by the housekeeper. Before long, there was a sound at the door, followed by the approach of steady footsteps.
Startled, Josie sat up in bed, silently staring in the direction of the doorway.
Dexter stepped into the light. “Don’t misunderstand. The cooking toy that Grape likes was left in your room. She mentioned before bedtime that she wants to play with it tomorrow.”
He came to retrieve the toy.
“Mhm,” Josie said softly.
Following that was the sound of him searching for his toys. She clenched the corner of the blanket. “It’s too dark. Turn on the light.”
Dexter evidently hesitated for a moment but finally switched on the wall light. There was illumination, but it wasn’t harsh enough to hurt her eyes.
The toy was broken. He sat on the ground, fixing it with his eyes cast down.
Josie watched his movements, letting out a scoff. “I thought, given your style, you’d have someone buy another one.”
“If I do that, won’t it contradict your educational philosophy?” Dexter blurted out. After they spoke, both of them fell into a stunned silence.
Indeed, Josie was not a mother who indulged her children. When they were still together, they had discussed how they would educate their future child.
From a young age, Josie had become accustomed to independence. She had a feeling that she wouldn’t be a nurturing mother. If a child were to throw a tantrum, she definitely wouldn’t indulge them.
At that time, Dexter casually said, “So, you’ll be the strict mother, and I’ll be the kind father?”
They had also talked about the gender of their child. Dexter preferred girls, but after some consideration, he said, “Let’s hope for a boy. When a girl grows up, she is expected to get married, and I know I won’t be able to let her go.”
