âYes, as I mentioned previously, Iâll be accompanying my mother for a while,â Heather gently reminded.
Josie, prompting her to recollect their encounter at the entrance of Mason Garden that day.
She indeed had said something similar to Dexter.
Claudia was flipping through the bible, murmuring words as if she hadnât heard their conversation.
âI didnât realize you were here. Iâll bring you another cup of tea later.â Heather stepped forward, placing the tea cup in front of the statue and Claudia then turned around. âLetâs step outside for now.â
Josie had the same idea.
The church was bustling with visitors, yet this particular area appeared surprisingly serene. Heather guided Josie along the winding corridor, with a sizable pond by their side. Lotus flowers adorned the pond, displaying a picturesque scene in full bloom.
âThis place was originally abandoned. It was only after my mother donated a considerable amount of money for its restoration that it was refurbished,â Heather explained. âThis is also where I reunited with my mother.â
Josie inquired calmly, âReuniting with family must be an incredible sensation, isnât it? When the day arrives that I locate my father, I imagine Iâll experience the same as you.â
Heather contemplated for a moment, her gaze distant. âCertainly, but thereâs still a distinction between.
those connected by blood and those who arenât.â
She was insinuating about the relationship between Josie and Paul.
Josie remained calm, looking toward the smoke curling up in the distance. âDo you have a wish?â
Heather also looked over. âI donât believe this.â
âDo you believe that man can shape his own destiny?â
âOf course.â
âBut what if some things are destined by fate, and no matter how hard we try, we canât change them?â
Heather slightly furrowed his brows, staring at Josie, trying to discern something from her faint smile, but to no avail.
âIâll be going now.â Josie had no intention of staying longer. Her steps had become noticeably lighter.
âJosie,â Heather suddenly called out, a hint of urgency in her voice. âWill you and Dex make up?â
It appeared that a lack of confidence spurred this question. Halting in her steps, Josie turned around and -remarked, âWho can predict what the future may bring?â
Heather cautiously asked, âDo you still love him?â
âBut my love for him is futile. It only holds value if he loves me in return,â Josie said with a wry smile.
In reality, she had no insight into Dexterâs thoughts, but her current response was evidently displeasing Heather.
Josie left. Heather stood still, watching her figure gradually fade away until it was completely out of sight.
âWhat are you looking at?â A steady voice came from behind. It was Claudia who had come out.
âMother? Iâm⦠Iâm fine, just enjoying the scenery.â Heather quickly regained her composure, observing Claudiaâs expression. âJosieâs behavior today is really strange. Did she say anything to you?â
As Claudia walked out of the winding corridor, her expression was inscrutable. âI canât discern anything special in her words.â
Heather let out a quiet sigh. âBut she told me she still wants to reconcile with Dex. Mother, you know heâs the only one I love.â
Upon hearing this, Claudia let out a sigh and gently patted Heatherâs hand. âThe daughters of our Olsen family, I donât know what enchantment theyâre under, but they all seem to have fallen for the men from the Russell family.â
Heatherâs smile was strained. âSum is married now, so Iâm afraid she doesnât have another chance. But my feelings are genuine.â
âDexter has arrived in Rivodia. Iâll find an opportunity.â
âGreat!â
âItâs been a long time since Iâve seen Sum. Do you know what sheâs been up to?â
When asked about this, Heather pursed her lips. âI donât really know.â
Claudia hummed in response, then Heather continued to ask. âMother, did Josie really not tell you anything?â
âNothing much. Whatâs up with you?â