Chapter 325 Hold Me
Stuart never really doubted that Elbert got a raw deal, 'cause the whole thing was a pretty big deal back then.
Stuart was just a kid at the time, and all he remembered was Elbert's angry face; everything else was kinda fuzzy.
After that, Elbert and Carol hardly ever came home. And when Elbert did show up, it was always in a rush.
Stuart figured that a guy who couldn't even be there for his family didn't deserve to be wronged for cheating. But over the years, he kept a close eye on Elbert. If Elbert was really a bad guy, he would've cheated again after Melissa left.
Of course, cheating even once was still wrong. Stuart never doubted that Elbert had cheated in the past.
But today, William's blood type got him thinking. What if things weren't what everyone thought? Maybe a paternity test for Elbert and William would be the easiest way to find out. Still, Stuart decided to dig into it himself.
The revelations from that time, the paternity of William as Elbert's son, and the possibility of Elbert's infidelity all held equal significance.
Sadly, Melissa was gone. What really happened might always be a mystery.
Nevertheless, Stuart had his team investigate the social circles of William and Melissa during their time overseas.
Subsequently, Stuart uncovered Melissa's medical documentation, revealing that she did not possess an Rh-negative blood type after all.
Therefore, without the need for a formal test, it became evident that William could not be Elbert's son, as two individuals with standard blood types cannot produce an Rh-negative child.
While having people investigate William, Stuart was also thinking about how to cheer up Josephine.
Even Jeffery could tell Josephine was down, and it was obvious Donna's words had gotten to her.
Night fell, and another day passed.
After Jeffery fell asleep, Stuart and Josephine sat in the living room, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Josephine could tell Stuart had something to say. She was a bit upset, but she wouldn't let Donna's words mess with her head.
But no one liked weird people hanging around them. It was really gross.
"You know Donna came to see me?" Josephine broke the silence.
Stuart looked a bit nervous. He clasped his hands together, staring at the floor. "Yeah, I know. And I know what she said."
Josephine said, "I didn't let what she said get to me."
"Josephine, I promise, what she said will never happen! I admit, I messed up, and I have no right to say I was wronged, 'cause no matter the reason, I did it, and I hurt you."
"Stop." Josephine cut him off. "I said, let the past be the past. I know she's up to no good, and I won't let her words sway me. I'm not gonna change my life because of her."
"Josephine," Stuart wanted to hold her hand but didn't dare. "I'll prove it to you, and to everyone."
"Honestly, if I were to start over, I might not be as emotionally invested as before. In the future, I might not put as much energy into love. I have Jeffery, friends, and a career." Josephine looked into Stuart's eyes. "Perhaps I can't give you the love and marriage you desire. Maybe, if we were truly a couple, you'd end up let down."
In a moment of desperation, Stuart grabbed her hand. "You think this way because I hurt you before. I get it, and I support you. You don't have to worry about anything; just stand here, and I'll come to you."
"Have you thought about it? Doing this will be exhausting."
Stuart said, "I know. I don't expect you to have strong feelings, but Josephine, I'm just grateful you're giving me a chance. As long as we're together, I'm happy."
"What if I can't love you anymore? Can you handle that?" Josephine saw the struggle and pain in his eyes. She looked down. "I'm not trying to hurt you, but ever since I left, love hasn't crossed my mind. It feels like love is optional, not a necessity, you know?"
"I get it," Stuart said. "Maybe this is my punishment. Regardless, Josephine, I still wish for us to be together, for me to stand by you, care for you, and protect you. I'll never let you be wronged again."
"Stuart."
Stuart looked at her intently. "I'm here."
"Leave."
Stuart was stunned. "You're kicking me out again."
Josephine turned her face away. "Then be considerate and don't make me kick you out every time."
"But I haven't finished talking."
"What else do you want to say?"
"I want to say, thank you, Josephine."
She lowered her head, and Stuart couldn't see her eyes. He had to kneel on one knee.
Josephine frowned. "You're doing this again!"
"If I don't, I can't see your eyes." Stuart looked at her. "Josephine, I won't push you to decide or give me an answer. Since I found you, as long as you promise me not to disappear again, I'll wait, no matter how long—five years, ten years. I'll take whatever you throw at me."
"I already told you to leave!"
"I'll go 'cause I don't wanna complicate things for you," Stuart said. "But I want you to know, you're the only one in my heart, both in the past and now. So, no matter what anyone says, don't let it mess with us."
Josephine nodded. "I know."
Stuart, though reluctant, had to leave. He got up, took a few steps, and then turned back. "Aren't you going to see me off?"
Josephine got up and followed him to the door.
Stuart didn't want to leave, but he didn't know what else to say.
They had held hands yesterday, but today it seemed like they had taken a step back.
"Take care on the way," Josephine said.
Stuart responded with a hum. "Then I'll come early tomorrow."
Seeing that he wasn't moving, Josephine reached out and pushed him. "Go on."
Stuart held her hand. "Can we... hug?"
Josephine didn't say anything. Stuart gently pulled her, and she fell into his arms. He hugged her, took a deep breath of her scent, then quickly let go and turned to leave.
Josephine didn't even have time to feel the hug.
The reason she wanted Stuart to leave quickly was that she almost couldn't resist saying, "Hug me."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
