Upon hearing Josieâs voice, Claudia slowly opened her eyes.
She couldnât help but wonder if it was some sort of illusion, as when Josie and Heather stood side by side, they looked so alike that she almost mistook one for the other. However, upon closer examination, significant differences in their appearances became apparent.
Josie nodded in greeting, and Claudia responded with a slight curve of her lips. They were once old acquaintances who had once shared their lives but now felt like strangers, separated by invisible barriers.
âNow that itâs delivered, you should go now,â Josie said, turning to adjust Morganâs tie. The gesture seemed natural as if they shared a deep connection.
Morgan withdrew his gaze and, in one swift motion, took her hand. âAre you just going to let me leave like this?â
Josie shot him a silent glance, managing to squeeze out a smile. âYouâre on your own in Rivodia. Take good care of yourself and donât make me worry.â
These words didnât quite sound like something she would say. A playful and satisfied smile curled up at the corners of Morganâs mouth. âThatâs quite simple.â
-Nevertheless, he still didnât release her hand.
Josie pulled her hand away with a bit of force. âDonât let me catch you involved in any scandals with other women, or I might just have to come back.â
Morganâs grasp missed its mark, but his smile remained, thoroughly enjoying himself. âRivodia welcomes. you anytime.â
After he finished speaking, he gave Josie a hug, his voice resonating in her ear. âI wish this play could go on forever.â
Josie subtly pushed him away, smiling as she said, âHave a safe journey. Iâll message you when I get there.â
Morgan reluctantly stepped back, and the expression on his face was unmistakably that of a man in love.
After he left, Josie moved to sit next to Heather. The latter asked, âIs it moving this fast? Wasnât he still pursuing you just yesterday?â
Josie expressed her confusion. âI never said I was with him, did 1?â
Seeing Heatherâs curious expression, she smiled and said, âWho can predict the future? If a man is willing to give, let him give. After all, thereâs no loss.â
Heatherâs smile was somewhat forced, likely because it was challenging to speak freely around Claudia.
âMs Hadey Josie suddenly called out.
Startled, Heather looked up, her attention fully on Joste now.
Claudia glanced over her expression questioning Josirâs breathing slowed as she closely examined the older womanâs face âHas the worship ceremony in Rivodia concluded I was wondering when I could plan my next visit perhaps our schedules might align next quarter.â
Claudiaâs expression relaxed somewhat when she heard this. âItâs already over. Thereâs no need for us to do it together. You donât believe in religion, so thereâs no need to force it.â
Her words implied a certain understanding between her and Josie as if they had known each other for a long time.
Heatherâs posture stiffened, and she momentarily forgot to blink.
âLife at home has been filled with difficulties recently, so itâs natural to turn to faith and seek solace in the words of God and the heavens,â Josie remarked as she moved behind Claudia, placing her hands on her shoulders. âI believe you might have gone through something similar many years ago.â
The mention of the past caused Heather to furrow her brow, and she couldnât resist interjecting. âThose days are behind us; Iâve already returned.â
âIndeed,â Josie replied calmly. Claudiaâs once-dark hair had turned predominantly white. As she noticed this transformation, Josieâs mood took a somber turn. âYet, it canât erase the pain of those years gone by. Look, Ms. Hadeyâs hair has turned white.â
She mentioned this while plucking one of her white hairs and holding it up for Heather to see.
At her action, Claudia furrowed her brows slightly. âItâs normal to have white hair as you age.â
Josie smirked, lowering her hand to her side. âIâm just reminding Ms. Olsen not to forget her past and to cherish her mother.â
âOf course, I know that,â Heather said, her hands tightly clasped in front of her, revealing her nervousness. She couldnât quite grasp Josieâs intentions anymore.