Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

When Grape slipped into the study over the threshold, Dexter was just pouring a glass of water for Josie.

"How much of my conversation with Preston did you overhear earlier?" he asked.

Taking a sip, Josie looked utterly bewildered. "What conversation? I didn't catch that. What was said?"

She truly hadn't heard, as her attention was completely focused on the documents.

As expected, Dexter couldn't help but chuckle. "I was saying, Mor..."

Suddenly, Grape hopped over the threshold, calling out joyfully, "Mommy!"

Both of them turned around at the same time and saw Grape. Softness filled their eyes, causing their previously harsh and heavy demeanor to vanish into thin air.

"Have you just woken up from your nap?" Dexter bent down, lifting her into his arms. "Hi, Philomena."

Josie was teasing the child when she remarked, "Even though a name has been given, I'm still not used to hearing it."

"It's precisely because you're not accustomed to it that you should use it more."

Grape nodded emphatically. "Daddy said that I will also have a formal name from now on!"

Josie's lips curved into a smile, but the thought of the household registration issues and Mark's words dampened her spirits. "Grape..."

"Mommy, it's Philomena." Grape threw herself into Josie's arms.

She said gently while pinching her cheek, "Philomena, do you enjoy being here with your daddy? Do you want to leave with me?"

The moment those words fell, a subtle change crossed Dexter's face, naturally reflecting his reluctance. "Jo..."

Grape didn't understand, feeling utterly wronged. "But Daddy said you can't take me out in public, Mommy."

Hence, throughout these days, she had been very sensible and had never caused any trouble. However, she felt aggrieved because she couldn't be with her mother openly. Josie's heart ached as well. "It's possible now. Are you willing?"

Knowing that Mark and the others were already aware, there was no longer any need to hide Grape's existence.

Grape didn't hesitate. She nodded her little head vigorously. After nodding, she looked at the man next to her. "What about Daddy? Don't you want Daddy anymore?" Josie was somewhat bemused. It has only been a few days, but Grape is already having trouble parting with Dexter.

"I just want to bring you to meet an old man. That man is my father," Josie explained.

"Isn't your father my grandfather, Mommy? I've met him already."

"It's not that one. It's the other grandfather."

"Do I have two grandfathers?"

"Yes."

"If that's what you want, Mommy, I'll comply," Grape said, clinging onto Josie, unwilling to let go.

Josie held her in return, her embrace filled with tenderness. The moment she met Dexter's gaze, a sense of heaviness lingered between their eyes. She let out a soft sigh and asked, "Do you agree involving Grape?"

"The child is still young, so I naturally disagree." Dexter subtly turned his body, allowing her to glimpse the perfectly bloomed flowers on the shelf. "However, this is your decision, and I'll have your back." Josie's lips curved slightly as she held Grape more tightly.

By the time they returned to the

hospital, it was already evening. For

once, there were no restrictions for Grape, who was naturally curious about everything. With wide, innocent eyes, she was sneakily observing her surroundings.

When Josie led her into the ward, Claudia was feeding Mark with the help of a housekeeper. The two of them were engaged in a conversation. The lingering rays of the setting sun filtered through the window curtains, casting a warm glow on the floor that highlighted the gentle demeanor of the two elderly figures.

"I'm back," Josie said.

The people in the ward simultaneously turned to look.

Grape was shy, clutching the corner of Josie's clothes and hiding behind her.

Mark was initially unfazed when he saw Josie. However, when he saw Grape's small hand, his expression shifted, becoming extremely cautious. This man, who had weathered many storms, suddenly

vel.ne

seemed somewhat at a loss. "You..."

Josie lowered her head and led Grape forward. "Grape, this is your grandpa."

Even though Grape was scared, she timidly managed to utter, "Grandpa..."

"This is your grandma," Josie said, stepping to the side.

"Grandma..."