Chapter 113 Am I an Eyesore to You?
Josephine was shocked Stuart wanted to join her for dinner.
Stuart was just as surprised.
The others were even more stunned.
Claudia's eyes went wide with astonishment.
Liam was taken aback for a moment, then quickly recovered. "Why is there an uninvited guest?"
His voice turned cold, and his gaze had a hint of hostility.
Stuart saw him and didn't look pleased either. "Is this restaurant only for you? Do you own it?"
Josephine said, "Alright, everyone, let's just chill."
When Liam spoke, Josephine didn't argue.
Stuart was angry because as soon as he spoke, Josephine told him to chill.
She was clearly favoring Liam.
Claudia said nothing, but Laura, seeing Stuart, was also surprised. She laughed and said, "The restaurant is open to everyone, especially those with thick skin. They can go wherever they want."
Stuart glanced at her and sneered. He thought, 'A true gentleman doesn't quarrel with women.'
Josephine said helplessly, "It's just a meal. For my sake, can we not argue?"
Claudia then said, "Alright. Josephine, sit here!"
Josephine sat next to Claudia, and Stuart immediately sat to Josephine's right.
What was supposed to be a joyful friends' dinner turned awkward with Stuart's arrival.
If it were anyone else, it would be fine, but Stuart had been their nemesis since childhood.
Logically, since Stuart and Josephine were married, if he had any respect for Josephine, he would be friendly with her friends.
However, in the three years of their marriage, Stuart became even worse, making his relationship with these people even more strained.
They hadn't fought since they became adults.
However, now Stuart still got into a fight with Liam.
They were practically enemies, and now they had to sit at the same table for dinner.
Stuart wore a stern face, looking displeased with everyone.
The others ignored him, chatting and laughing, making him seem even more isolated.
The dishes were almost all served. Liam, sitting next to Laura and a bit away from Josephine, said, "Josephine, this fish is good. Try it."
Josephine forked a piece of fish. "So fresh."
Liam smiled. "This meat is also good, very tender."
Josephine then took some meat.
Laura and Claudia were used to it. Whenever Liam was with them, he was usually the one who took the best care of Josephine.
Watching Liam lavish attention on Josephine, Stuart felt deeply gloomy.
He reached out and used his fork to pick a piece of food, placing it on Josephine's plate. "This is good."
Josephine glanced at him.
Stuart noticed something off in her eyes and was about to ask her when he saw the other three staring at him strangely.
"What do you mean?" Stuart put down his fork. "I can't serve my wife food?"
"Of course you can." Laura mocked. "But don't you know Josephine doesn't eat carrots?"
Stuart was stunned. He looked over and saw a piece of carrot on Josephine's plate.
To be honest, he hadn't paid attention to what he picked earlier.
He just wanted to show Liam that only he could use his fork to serve Josephine.
He really didn't know Josephine didn't eat carrots.
"How funny," Liam said coldly, "Good thing it's just a carrot. If Josephine were allergic to peanuts and you gave her some, it could be life-threatening."
Stuart felt embarrassed. How was he supposed to know Josephine didn't eat carrots?
Stuart sneered. "Then why did you order it?"
Claudia said timidly, "I like them."
Stuart felt irritated. He wanted to show his closeness to Josephine, but it turned into a joke.
He lost his appetite even more.
Josephine said, "I just don't like it. Everyone has different tastes, and we should consider that."
Laura laughed and said, "Josephine is right. But some people, who don't know others' preferences, still pretend to be considerate. It's so funny."
Stuart felt that he was indeed not suited for Josephine.
Not only did Josephine annoy him, but her friends did as well.
Only similar people would gather together.
He said coldly, "This is between my wife and me. Ms. Collins, no need for you to worry."
"A loveless marriage." Laura laughed. "We understand."
They did have a loveless marriage, but for some reason, hearing her say it made Stuart extremely annoyed.
Josephine had to change the topic, and they started chatting again.
Naturally, no one paid attention to Stuart.
However, Stuart was meticulous. He observed Josephine and found that she indeed favored certain dishes, while she ate very little of the others, especially the one with carrots, which she didn't touch at all.
He also listened to their conversation.
Laura talked about her experiences and life abroad. Claudia shared funny stories about celebrating the Starlight Festival back home.
These were all everyday things, but they made Josephine laugh constantly.
She looked beautiful when she laughed, her brown eyes like gems, sparkling like stars in the sky.
Stuart had never seen her laugh so happily.
It was clear that only with Liam and the others was she so happy.
Knowing Josephine had a good relationship with them was one thing, but seeing her so relaxed and happy was another.
Stuart remained silent. During a lull in the conversation, Josephine whispered to him, "If you have something to do, you can leave first."
Stuart gritted his teeth and whispered back, "Am I an eyesore to you?"
Josephine was actually worried he'd feel awkward since no one was talking to him.
She wanted to give him an out, but he didn't appreciate it. So she decided to ignore him.
Stuart saw her say this to him, then turn to chat and laugh with Liam, not looking at him again, which made him even angrier.
He said with a stern face, "Get me some soup."
Josephine turned to look at him.
He looked back at her.
Finally, Josephine said, "Can't you get it yourself?"
Stuart's eyes filled with anger, but he said nothing, just stared at her.
Josephine was also afraid he'd lose his temper in front of her friends.
She reluctantly took his plate and got him some soup.
Stuart took a sip and looked smugly at Liam.
Liam saw that Stuart was trying to show off. But he didn't understand what was worth showing off.
Liam, expressionless, stood up. "You guys chat. I'm stepping out for a bit."
He left, and a minute later, Stuart followed.
