Blind Date Turned Proposal (Josie and Dexter)

"Don't try that trick on me; it won't work anymore," came his response a beat later.

Josie declared, her voice earnest yet weary from the games and manipulations. "Believe it or not, despite your veneer of discipline, it's often those with a strict facade who fall hardest for the rebels. And you, Arnold, are the epitome of that paradox."

No sooner had she voiced her thoughts than Arnold reached out, abruptly forcing her to look directly into his eyes. "Have you ever been haunted by regrets?" he probed, seeking a glimpse into her soul. Josie met his gaze unwaveringly, her response straightforward, "Regrets? Yes, they've crossed my mind."

"And what if I told you that offering you any form of legitimate recognition or status is beyond my capabilities?"

"I came to terms with that reality a long time ago. But the real tragedy here is your deception from the outset, leaving no room for 'what-ifs," Josie countered, her disappointment thinly veiled.

Inching closer, she posed a question that seemed to catch Arnold off-guard, "If life offered you a second chance, would you steer us down a better path?"

Arnold, sensing the depth of her inquiry, allowed a slow smile to spread across his lips. Without a word, he pushed Josie away, asserting, "There are no hypotheticals."

Finding herself unceremoniously seated on the ground, Josie adopted a posture of indifference. "Well, if this is how it ends, let's face it together," she remarked, a hint of resignation in her tone.

Arnold nudged her playfully with his foot, probing, "Are any of Dexter's ships nearby, ready to come to your aid?"

frustration and candor in her voice. "I never broached the subject with him. Besides, your scheme deviates significantly from the information that's

on Arnold, "Then, how did you stumble upon

boasted, "I'm smarter than you give me credit

man said nothing in

understands you as well as I do," she admitted, a moment

of footsteps. A strikingly elegant and composed woman appeared. "Robyn, you have a visitor," she announced, her intuition sharp.

Did I

misinterpreting the situation, confessed, "I thought I heard a disturbance outside my room, but it seems I was

softened as he reached out to adjust her hair, an act of tenderness. "Are you still tired? I can stay with you a while longer,"

however, was more focused on Josie's presence, her curiosity piqued. "And

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sign to anyone paying attention that an encounter of some significance

her unease, exuded a blend of maturity and naivety.

"What's your name?"

at Arnold

searching Arnold's for truth. "Is