Chapter 327 Making Her Heart Ache
While waiting for some news, Stuart made another trip to the hospital. There, he ran into Rex, Steven, and Laura.
Stuart never really liked Laura due to her fiery personality that rubbed him the wrong way. Plus, the thought of her taking Josephine to all those inappropriate places made his blood boil.
But he couldn't deny that Laura was a true friend to Josephine and genuinely cared about her. If only Laura could be a bit more dependable and stop trying to set Josephine up with random guys.
And why did she have to drag Rex along? Just to get on his nerves?
This time, Stuart decided to play it cool and show Rex who's boss. So, for the first time, he greeted Rex with a smile instead of his usual stern look. "You're here, please sit down," he said, sounding like the perfect host.
Laura rolled her eyes. "Mr. Haustia playing waiter now?"
"Not a waiter," Stuart shot back, "a maid. Want some coffee? Or maybe some fruit?"
Laura turned to Josephine. "Is he nuts?"
Josephine was caught off guard by Stuart's behavior. "Let's all go sit outside instead of just standing here," she suggested.
Jeffery was still getting an IV, so the guys headed to the living room.
Laura tucked Jeffery in and asked, "Jeffery, is Stuart bothering you?"
Jeffery shook his head. "No, the food he brings is pretty good."
"Then let him keep bringing it," Laura whispered. "He owes you this."
Josephine sighed and pulled Laura aside. "Why are you saying this to Jeffery?"
"I'm just letting him know he can boss Stuart around without any worries."
Jeffery chimed in, "Laura, I know."
"Smart boy," Laura said, pinching his cheek. "What do you know?"
"I know it all!" Jeffery shot back. "My mom's in a good mood today."
Laura looked at Josephine. "What did Stuart say to you this time?"
Josephine pulled her outside. "Alright, enough talking."
In the living room, the vibe among the three guys was tense.
Rex knew the secret about Jeffery's eyes, which made him uneasy. What was so great about Stuart that Josephine would have a kid with him, especially since he found Stuart particularly annoying?
Funny enough, Stuart felt the same way about Rex.
Steven broke the silence. "You've been here every day lately?" he asked Stuart.
Stuart quickly replied, "Josephine's here alone, so I come every day to make sure she's okay."
With a hint of provocation, he added, "I leave very late."
Rex, irritated, said, "You still leave? I thought you might stay over."
Stuart gritted his teeth. "What's your deal? Josephine pities me 'cause the couch is too tiny."
Rex shot back, "Oh, so you sleep on the sofa."
His sarcastic tone almost made Stuart lose it. "Do you even get the chance to sleep here?"
Just then, Josephine and Laura walked in.
Laura asked, "Sleep where?"
Silence followed. Steven swiftly intervened, "They were just chatting about how soundly Jeffery snoozes through the night."
It was an obvious lie.
Josephine reassured them, "He's fine. He eats and sleeps well, so no need to worry."
With Josephine around, the two guys didn't dare argue. But it was clear they were ignoring each other.
After a while, Rex stood up. "I need to take a call."
Stuart also got up. "I need to step out for a bit."Steven was about to get up when Laura yanked him back. "Stay put!"
Steven pouted, "But I really want a cigarette."
Laura pulled a lollipop from her pocket, unwrapped it, and shoved it into his mouth.
Steven stayed put.
Josephine chuckled, "Are you trying to quit smoking?"
Steven nodded, "Almost there."
"That's impressive," Josephine said, "Quitting smoking is tough."
Steven agreed, "Yeah, it is."
Laura jumped in, "If it's that rough, why bother quitting? No one's twisting your arm."
She reached to take the lollipop from his mouth.
Steven quickly grabbed her wrist, "Why not quit? I don't need anyone to force me; I'll do it on my own."
Josephine watched them and couldn't help but laugh.
These two had been together for eight or nine years. Despite Laura's fiery temper, Steven always put up with her.
Josephine hoped they could carry on in this manner. Despite their occasional disagreements, their bond remained strong.
Now, Josephine just hoped they'd get married and have a kid soon. But when she asked Laura about it, Laura had no plans to tie the knot.
She wasn't getting any younger, so what was she waiting for? Josephine really wanted to shake some sense into her. Only Steven could handle her; any other guy wouldn't stand a chance!
Josephine thought she needed to have a serious talk with Laura later.
As for Stuart, after stepping out, he saw Rex at the end of the hallway, not making a call but pulling out a cigarette.
"Hey, you can't smoke in the hospital," Stuart said as he approached. "Didn't you get the memo, Mr. Armstrong?"
"Did you see me light it?" Rex rolled his eyes. "It's not over yet, Mr. Haustia. Don't get too cocky."
"Cocky about what?" Stuart laughed. "But you, Mr. Armstrong, some things can't be forced. If Josephine had feelings for you, wouldn't you have noticed by now?"
"But hey, at least I have the guts to make a move," Rex shot back. "Mr. Haustia, with all the stuff you've dealt with and running a massive company, doesn't that hit you?"
"Sure," Stuart said, "But sometimes, it also depends on fate."
"Are you saying you think you've won?" Rex asked.
"I wouldn't say that, but Josephine knows how I feel."
"Not just your feelings," Rex said, "but also your ex-girlfriend, ambiguous relationships, first love—it's quite a circus."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Stuart got anxious. "There's no such thing!"
"Then why are you so worked up?" Rex said. "If Josephine isn't blind, she won't let herself get hurt again."
"My matters with her are none of your business!" Stuart snapped. "I just hope Mr. Armstrong will stop bothering Josephine in the future!"
"Oh? In what capacity are you saying this? Has Josephine acknowledged you? Mr. Haustia, don't be in such a hurry. Wait until you two are married, then come and tell me this."
"Then watch, Mr. Armstrong. Next time, I'll show you our marriage certificate!"
Even though he was talking tough, Stuart knew deep down that the marriage certificate was a distant dream. But he couldn't lose his momentum!
The two returned to the ward one after the other. Not long after, Rex took a call and left. Laura and Steven also left together.
Stuart was ready to talk to Josephine about Elbert. Maybe he could make Josephine feel sorry for him.
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