On their way back to their home halfway up the hill, Moses was suddenly taken by surprise. âIsnât that⦠Mr. Bastille?â
Dexter and Josie simultaneously looked up, only to see Morgan sitting leisurely in the yard of the mansion across the street, basking in the sun. In front of him, a pot of coffee was brewing, creating a serene atmosphere.
Morgan? Why is he here?
Confronted with the same confusion from Dexter, Josie responded immediately, âIt wasnât me. I have no idea.â
After they got out of the car, Morgan opened his eyes. âOh, Mr. Russell, youâre out early.â
Dexter, on the other hand, showed no signs of surprise. He walked into Morganâs courtyard and said, âMr. Bastille, Iâve come to ask for a cup of coffee.â
Morgan chuckled. âMy coffee is inexpensive. You might not find it to your liking.â
He didnât pour Dexter a cup.
Josie followed him inside. She immediately pulled Morgan up and led him further in, asking bluntly, âWhat are you doing here?â
âWhat do you mean? Iâm from Rivodia. Whatâs the big deal about buying a house in the best neighborhood of Rivodia?â
Obviously, it wasnât a big deal, but how could it be such a coincidence that it happened to be right across the street from Dexter?
With a sense of helplessness, Josie asked, âDidnât you go broke? Where did you get the money?â
âAm I that poor to you? I have more than enough to buy a house.â Morgan moved closer to her, his demeanor servile yet respectful. âIn fact, even after supporting you and your child for a lifetime, I still have plenty left.â
Hearing his remark, Josie couldnât help but turn toward him. âYouâre crazy, you didnât⦠move here because of me, did you?â
It was a rather narcissistic thought, but indeed, it was something he was likely capable of doing.
Morgan spoke honestly. âThatâs right. You and Dexter havenât reconciled, so I still have a chance, donât I?â
Josie let out a sigh. âI even have a child now. If you want to find a partner, you can have anyone, and I believe youâve been searching plenty these past two years, so why are you still hung up on me?â
She truly doubted that Morgan had this much sentimental attachment to his first love.
Morgan chuckled. âYou really do understand me.â
Outside, Dexter did not come in. He poured himself a cup of coffee, took a sip, and seemed to have no qualms about it.
âBut youâre different,â Morgan said seriously. âWhat does it matter if you have a child? I didnât even care when you got married.â
Josie was left speechless, choking on his words. Before she left, she said curtly. âWhatever. Stay if you love it so much.â
Seeing Josie emerge, Dexter bypassed her and said to Morgan with a smile, âMr. Bastille, this coffee is indeed a bit subpar.â
âSo, you still had a drink.â Morgan settled back into his recliner. âWeâll be seeing each other often in the future. Do drop by when youâre free.â
Josie paid no heed to their conversation, continuing to walk away. Dexter responded with an âokayâ before following her.
âHe insisted on coming. Thereâs nothing I can do. After some thought, she decided to explain.
âI understand.â Dexter opened the door for her, his gaze fixed on the figure playing with grapes by the floor-to-ceiling window. âThereâs more to Morgan than meets the eye.â
Josie was well aware of it too.
But upon further thought, she said, âThe same goes for you.â
Dexter smiled.
It was no longer early. Justin had already gotten up, and even Paul seemed a bit more energetic. He had taken the medicine prescribed by Jeremy and was feeling slightly better.
At that moment, he was sitting on the sofa with his cane, watching Grape play and laugh happily.
Grape picked up the bubble ball from the ground and handed it to Paul, saying, âHere you go.
âOkay, Iâll take it!â Paul was still able to respond.
After watching for a while, Josie couldnât help but feel a pang of sadness. If only Paul knew that this was his own granddaughter, how wonderful that would be.
Dexter noticed something was wrong with her. His large hand landed on her shoulder, gently patting it to provide comfort.