Chapter 117 As Long As You Stay Clean
Josephine paused before saying, "Let's have Grandpa decide."
"Using Grandpa against me again?" Stuart glared. "From marriage to kids to divorce, is that all you can do?"
Josephine stayed quiet.
Stuart went on, "You married me for the Haustia family's money and status. Now you want out? You're naive, Josephine."
"If that's what you think, I can't change it," Josephine replied.
Stuart fumed. "It's not what I think; it's what you did!"
Josephine asked, "What did I do? Cheat? Have a lover?"
"Stop it," Stuart snapped. "I was just nice to Doris, no affair, emotional or physical!"
Josephine asked again, "What about the one abroad?"
"Josephine!" Stuart grabbed her chin. "Don't push it!"
"Can't even mention it?" Josephine laughed. "Fine, I won't divorce."
Stuart was shocked. "What?"
Josephine said, "If you want to settle scores over the divorce, fine, I won't divorce. But if you wants a divorce later, will you compensate me?"
"Showing your true colors?" Stuart sneered. "It's all about money."
"Everyone looks out for themselves." Josephine smiled. "It's logical."
Stuart was livid. "Josephine, don't you get it? Divorce or not, it's up to me."
Josephine asked, "Do you really want to stay married? What if your first love returns? Or do you not care that I have someone else in my heart?"
Of course, Stuart cared.
Ever since Josephine mentioned someone else, Stuart had been furious.
But admitting he cared felt like losing.
He sneered. "Why would I care? I just want your body. As long as you stay clean and do what I say, I don't care about anything else!"
Hearing it still stung Josephine.
Laura had said Stuart seemed different, as if he kind of liked Josephine. But Laura was wrong.
Stuart was just as awful. He could never love her.
Josephine lowered her eyes and laughed bitterly.
Stuart got angrier. "What are you laughing at? Did I say something wrong?"
Josephine shook her head. "No, you're right. I only care about money and my own benefit."
Stuart should've been happy with her admission, but he felt uneasy.
"So, just be good," Stuart said through gritted teeth, "When I want sex, you just spread your legs."
Humiliation and shame consumed Josephine.
This time, no matter how Stuart kissed and touched her, she stayed motionless, unresponsive.
"Josephine, don't make me think you're worthless," Stuart whispered, "You're motionless in bed. No one would like that."
After that, he got up, dressed, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Josephine pulled the blanket over herself, eyes sore and swollen but no tears left to cry.
Stuart's behavior only strengthened her resolve to get a divorce.
But his attitude made her cautious. The Kalmien family had gained billions dollars from their marriage alliance with the Haustia family. How could she compensate for that?
She thought mentioning she liked someone else would hurt Stuart's pride and push him to agree to the divorce. But he didn't care because he didn't love her.
Josephine had hoped the divorce would be simple, but now she was at a loss. Her only leverage might be his first love abroad. She doubted Stuart would stay indifferent if his first love returned.
Stuart didn't come home for several days after that night. Josephine went about her life, working, having coffee and playing chess with Andrew, or dining out with friends. Her days were quite comfortable.
Stuart, on the other hand, was struggling. Not sleeping at home affected his sleep quality. He used to sleep well holding Josephine. Now, he had trouble falling asleep and woke up several times at night. His arms felt empty, and his heart was restless.
He thought he might just be used to having someone in his arms, but the idea of holding someone else felt wrong. He realized he had gotten used to holding only Josephine.
Knowing Stuart hadn't gone home, Robin invited him out for drinks. He also called a few other friends, making the dinner lively with laughter and conversation. But Stuart sat there smoking, not saying much, feeling out of place.
Suddenly, the door to the private room opened, and Doris appeared. Stuart looked up, feeling a bit dazed seeing her after several days.
Robin noticed and smiled. "Doris, come have a seat." He then looked at Stuart. "Haven't seen Doris for days, right? See how considerate I am, bringing her here for you."
Someone vacated the seat next to Stuart, and Doris sat down, smiling. "Stuart."
She avoided looking at Robin. They had a falling out over the phone last time, and she still didn't know why. Today, Robin acted as if nothing had happened, called her, and even smiled at her. Doris thought he was being hypocritical and wondered what he was up to.
Seeing her, Stuart smiled. "You haven't eaten yet, right? Have some food first."
Doris knew Stuart was the only person she could rely on. She obediently ate and sat quietly next to him.
It was past ten, and the others were still chatting. Robin said, "There's a meeting tomorrow, let's call it a night. Stuart, will you take Doris home?"
