Mallory let out a cold sigh. âGo ahead and guess for yourselfâ¦â
After speaking, she hung up the phone without hesitation.
âHmph, Grape, letâs not tell him. Letâs drive him crazy with suspense.â
As expected, Calvin immediately called back after she hung up the phone.
âWhy arenât you answering the phone?â Josie asked with a smile. It was then that Mallory realized she had returned.
âMommyâ¦â Grape wriggled free from Malloryâs embrace and, like a wisp of smoke, darted toward Josie.
âGood girl, Sweetie.â
Josie picked up Grape and then turned to Mallory. âItâs been two years since we last met, and it seems there has been quite a bit of progress between you and Calvin.â
When it came to Calvin, Mallory let out a haughty snort. âStupid man, so stubborn, donât mention him.â
With that, she rudely rejected Calvinâs call.
âAnd you, Jo, you kept such a big secret as having a child from us. If I hadnât come over today, I wouldnât have known. You actually have a daughterâ¦â
Josie gazed at Grape in her arms, her eyes filled with tenderness. âBy the time I learned of her existence, I had already left Wavery for Sumanthova.â
After enduring so many unbearable events from the past, half of Josieâs heart had already been hollowed out.
Back then, she was broken, consumed entirely by a profound sense of loneliness.
âGrape was like a divine redemption bestowed upon me, providing me with a unique warmth in this world.â
Recalling that period of bleak and dark time, Josie felt an exceptional heaviness in both body and mind.
Fortunately, now she had Grape by her side, serving as a wonderful remedy, healing all her sorrows.
Mallory reached out and embraced her. âJosie, everything is in the past nowâ¦â
On the other end of the phone, Calvin was incredibly persistent, as Malloryâs phone never stopped ringing.
âAre you sure you wonât answer it?â Josie teased.
Mallory said, âLet him guess. Curiosity killed the cat, after all. Who knows? He might even take a trip to Sumanthova for this.â
Josie shook her head with a smile, appearing completely unsure of what to do with Mallory.
âMommy, Ms. Whiteford bought me so many toys. Thereâs a toy car, a little train, a diggerâ¦â Grape proudly introduced her new toys to Josie.
Josie gently tapped her little nose. âDid you remember to thank Ms. Whiteford?â
âThank you, Ms. Whiteford.â
Malloryâs heart had already been captured by Grape. âYouâre welcome, Sweetie.â
After Mallory finished speaking, her gaze naturally fell on Dexter, who was standing not far away. His affectionate gaze was always fixed on Josie. Mallory then picked up Grape. âCome on. Iâll continue playing with youâ¦â
With a smile on her face, Josie watched the two of them play together. The next moment, she turned around, only to find herself lost in the manâs intense gaze.
He had heard every single word of their earlier conversation without missing a beat.
From the moment Josie entered the room, his gaze never left her. âYouâre back?â
Josie met his gaze calmly. âYouâve worked hard taking care of Grape today.â
Dexter raised an eyebrow, the sadness in his eyes deepening. âMust you be so formal with me? Josie, how much longer do you intend to push me away? Hasnât two years been enough?â
Dexter had initially intended to keep his emotions in check. The person who occupied his thoughts day and night was right in front of him. He had plenty of time to be with her and take things slowâ¦
However, he had underestimated his own strength. He found himself unable to tolerate Josieâs cold indifference and alienation.