That Day When I Got Married to My Boss at the Blind Date

Dexter’s comforting gaze offered Josie some solace as she reluctantly rose to her feet, her fingers still tainted with blood.

Dexter fetched a tissue and gently wiped away the blood, then took a cotton swab dipped in iodine from a nearby servant. His movements were composed and practiced, yet a faint quiver in his hands betrayed the depth of his emotions. His eyes had a shadow of darkness, and his tone carried a hint of displeasure. “Is the photo more important, or are your hands? What if your hands were injured to the point that you couldn’t draw anymore?”

A gentle smile graced Josie’s lips, reflecting her happiness at the knowledge that Dexter cared about her, even if it was mainly for her drawing ability. She was anxious about damaging the photo, afraid of being wrongly implicated alongside her father, and concerned about unintentionally hurting his feelings.

A tinge of bitterness danced on her tongue. When she looked up, her father stood beside her, his anxiety and guilt evident in his demeanor.

It seemed he had regained his clarity, yet he refrained from speaking.

“Dexter… My father didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Please, don’t hold it against him,” she pleaded again.

Dexter’s expression turned somber as she spoke, a hint of dissatisfaction flickering in his eyes due to her doubt and fears.

After he had attended to her wound and discarded the used cotton swab, he pronounced, “Get rid of this photo and the others in the box, all of them.”

Almost taken aback, Josie questioned, “You mean…”

far less important than you.” He held her hand firmly. “You

found

unwavering. “Even if Leanne

from his heart; this

as she

don’t worry. No one blames you,” Dexter

“I’m not sure why I was so disoriented

swiftly reassured him, “Dad, please

laden with apologies, returned to

hand. “Let’s keep these photos. What if Leanne

knit as he scrutinized her

genuinely mean it. No need to look at me like that,”

cheek. “My Mrs. Russell isn’t usually this generous. Be

were away for quite a while today. What were you

about to respond when she added, “Could it