Blind Date Turned Proposal

Before leaving the studio, Josie countered Laura’s assumption. “Do I really care about him? I wouldn’t have even cared if he were on the brink of death!”

Recalling the times Arnold had played games with her, her anger was palpable.

Back at Mason Garden, Paul was seated at the dining table, engrossed in his meal. Spotting Josie’s return, Julie hastened to take her coat. “Madam, you’re back so soon.”

“Yes, just had to handle some minor matters.” Josie approached the table, casting a glance at her father’s meal. “What’s on the menu?”

Her attention shifted as she noticed her father clutching a photograph frame tightly, his gaze distant. “Dad? What’s that you’re holding onto? Dad?”

Extending her hand, she gently shook her father’s arm, snapping him out of his reverie. “It’s your photograph, Jo.”

Josie was taken aback. “Photograph? Which photograph?” She couldn’t recall placing any framed photo of herself.

Julie approached with a concerned expression. “…Madam, since you left, he’s been holding onto that photograph, insisting it’s yours. I’ve tried explaining, but he wouldn’t listen.”

brows. Her father’s memory had become less reliable since his recovery, and moments of

“What photograph?”

and whispered something into Josie’s

it. She swiftly moved forward, intending to take the photo away.

the photo, refusing to release it, his frustration mounting. “What are you saying? This is my Jo, don’t touch

“It’s not me! I’m right here in front

thinking she was trying to snatch the photo from him. His eyes appeared unfocused, and

applied more force, but her attempt led to a

grasp, landing on the floor with a snap as the

broken frame revealed the

reason, a wave of sorrow washed over her. She drew nearer,

concern as she exclaimed

sight of blood snapped Paul back to reality. He trembled, rushing to support Josie. “Jo! What are you doing?

Josie remained motionless.