Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Adult grievances weren't supposed to burden the children. Yet, the fact was that the bond of blood was present. Grape was supposed to address Mark and Claudia accordingly, and Josie harbored no personal agenda.

Interestingly, it was Claudia who, for a moment, didn't know how to face Grape's innocent and clear eyes. "Um... Well..."

Instinctively, Grape stepped back, feeling a touch of fear toward this grandmother of hers. I've seen her before... She was terrifying...

"Come here, Grape," Mark commanded. His expression was unreadable, seemingly calm.

Josie gently patted Grape on the shoulder, urging her, "Go ahead."

Grape then took small steps forward. "Hello, Grandpa."

"Hello to you, too." Mark had only heard descriptions from Claudia before. When he saw Grape in person, he was more than satisfied, no matter how he looked at her. "It's uncanny. She looks exactly like how you were when you were little," he said to Josie.

Hearing that, Josie tugged at the corner of her lips.

Grape tilted her head and said, "But everyone says I look like Daddy."

Mark's expression shifted subtly when Grape mentioned her father. Nevertheless, he reached out, gently lifting her onto the hospital bed. "Do you speak Clusian?" he asked.

"Ever since I was a child, Mommy spoke to me in Clusian."

Mark nodded approvingly at Josie. "This kid speaks eloquently, unlike kids her age. She's a promising one."

Claudia found it somewhat unbearable to watch any longer. "She's just a kid, yet you're already sure she's a promising one."

"Why not? Look at the child from Silas' family. He's about Grape's age, but he stammers when he talks." Mark's face was filled with pride.

Josie couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. "She's still young. If you keep praising her like this, she'll become arrogant."

Mark turned a deaf ear, rummaged through the bedside table, and found a box of crackers. She then waved it in front of Grape and said, "Call me 'Grandpa' once more, and I will give you a cracker." Grape remained still.

"You don't like crackers?" Mark then fetched a box of milk. "What about milk?"

Grape continued to gaze at him, remaining silent.

"I also have candies!"

Claudia moved to Josie's side and whispered softly, "I knew you'd bring the child, so I had someone get things ready in advance."

Mark was brimming with anticipation. "You don't like any of them? Grape?"

After he had finished speaking, Grape responded, "My mommy told me not to eat anything given by strangers. I need to obey her."

With a chuckle, Mark responded, "But I'm not a stranger. I'm your grandpa. You're allowed to take things from me.”

"It's only our first meeting." Grape shook her head.

Mark raised an eyebrow, glancing at Josie. "Did you teach her this? She's quite obedient."

Josie curved her lips.

"I wasn't always so obedient. Once, a young lady coaxed me with a glass of milk and led me away. I was terrified. After that, I never forgot my mommy's words," Grape said.

The child's voice was youthful and innocent. Josie's smile froze when she heard those words. "What young lady Why don't I know anything

about it?"

Realizing she had let something slip, Grape lowered her head, unsure of how to smooth things over for a moment. "Grape?" Josie became serious.

Grape felt a wave of fear wash over her and instinctively inched closer to Mark.

Mark's heart ached for Grape, and he quickly stepped in to shield her. "Don't be so harsh. Speak kindly to the child."

"What young lady were you referring to?" Josie stepped forward. "Speak clearly. When did this happen?" Grape kept mum.

"Grape!"

"B-Back in Rivodia, Uncle took me to the amusement park, and I ran into a pretty lady. She tricked me into playing hide and seek with a can of milk, and t-then she led me to an unfamiliar place. There were plenty of wolf pups out there. She said if we were to hide there, they wouldn't be able to find me," Grape said.