Stella blinked, snapping back to reality. With a quick shake of her head, she replied, “Oh, nothing—just a random thought.”
Without further explanation, she pulled out her phone and typed a message to Dexter.
“Help me find out who Lindsay has been in contact with lately.”
After sending the text, Stella leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes, and sank into deep thought.
Meanwhile, Dexter was with Doreen.
Doreen had invited him out to return the money she owed.
With a grateful expression, she said, “Dexter, I’m truly thankful for your help last time. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have known what to do. I’d like to treat you to a meal to show my gratitude.”
Dexter shook his head slightly and replied, “Sorry, I’ve got some things to take care of. I probably won’t have the time.”
At his refusal, a fleeting look of disappointment crossed Doreen‘s face.
She knew deep down that their lives were worlds apart, and she wasn’t a good match for him.
Masking her emotions, she forced a smile and said, “Alright then, let’s have a meal together some other time.”
Dexter neither agreed nor declined outright. With a faint nod, he said, “I’ll be heading off now.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
Doreen watched Dexter’s retreating figure, her heart heavy with inner turmoil.
As he was about to get into his car, she couldn’t stop herself from calling out, “Dexter!”
Dexter paused mid-step and turned around, his expression puzzled as he looked at her.
Taking a deep breath, Doreen quickly walked up to him, summoning all her courage. Her voice trembled slightly, but her words were firm.
“Dexter, I wasn’t planning to say this, but I know you don’t feel the same way about me. Still, I don’t want to look back and regret staying silent. So I’ve decided to speak up. I like you-I’ve liked you for a long time.”
Dexter had always been aware of her feelings, but her blunt honesty took him by surprise. For a moment, he was overwhelmed by a storm of emotions, unsure how to respond.
The silence that followed felt endless. Despite bracing herself for this, Doreen couldn’t help the faint sting of sadness that crept into her chest.
Determined not to let the moment become overly awkward, she mustered a calm smile and said softly, “Don’t feel burdened. From now on, let’s focus on how we can work better together for Stella.”
With that, she took a few steps back, her composure unwavering, and added, “Drive safely, Dexter. I’ll head back now.”
Dexter watched as she turned and walked away, her figure growing smaller with each step. A strange, indescribable feeling washed over him, one he couldn’t quite name. As Doreen was about to disappear from his sight, he suddenly called out, “Doreen, let me drive you back.”
Hearing Dexter’s offer, Doreen quickly declined with a small shake of her head.