Chapter 369 Marriage Is a Serious Matter
As soon as she said that, Stuart's back stiffened up.
Josephine was caught off guard and looked at her. "Mom, let's not get into this right now."
"There are no strangers here, what's the big deal?" Nicole replied, "You're single now, so you have every right to choose a partner."
"Mom," Josephine said with a forced smile, "I really don't want to think about this stuff right now."
Gerald jumped in, "Mom, let's save this for later. We're having such a good time today, let's talk about something else."
Nicole glanced at Stuart and reluctantly nodded, "Alright. But in the future, we need to take Josephine's marriage seriously."
After dinner, Nicole finally shifted her attention from Josephine to Jeffery.
Josephine once again realized just how much Nicole adored Jeffery.
She always thought Andrew and Elbert spoiled Jeffery enough, but seeing Nicole's enthusiasm, Josephine realized there might be no limit to how much Jeffery could be pampered.
In the evening, Nicole suggested sharing a room with Josephine.
Nicole actually preferred to bunk with Josephine but opted for a suite to be thoughtful of Josephine's feelings.
While Nicole and Jeffery were reading in the room, Josephine stepped out for some fresh air.
So much had happened today, and she needed some quiet time alone.
She stood by the edge of a wooded area for a while when someone tapped her on the shoulder, "Josephine!"
Josephine turned around and saw Laura.
"Laura," Josephine hugged her, "What are you doing here?"
Laura said, "Steven and I are soaking in the hot springs on the other side, and I saw you."
"It's okay, you go enjoy the hot springs."
"I came over to keep you company."
"Laura, why do I feel a bit uneasy?"
Laura patted her, "What are you worried about? Don't stress, what's meant for you won't be taken away."
Josephine was amused by her. After chatting for a while, Josephine felt much better.
Josephine urged her to go back to Steven.
Laura said, "By the way, there's something else."
"What is it?"
"Did I ever tell you about the Clarence Family? You originally had three brothers."
Josephine hadn't paid much attention at the time, but today Nicole mentioned that there was a second brother abroad.
So, does that mean she has a third brother too? Why didn't Nicole mention it?
Laura said, "I got this information from Steven. This is a sensitive subject within the Clarence Family, so it's best not to bring it up in the future."
"What happened?"
"He made a sacrifice at that time."
"Sacrificed?" Josephine looked at her in disbelief.
Laura nodded, "I heard he was a police officer. Because his identity had to be kept secret and to protect the family from retaliation by criminals, very few people know about this."
Josephine was stunned for a long time, her eyes unfocused, not knowing what she was looking at.
Laura said, "I was just thinking, the Clarence Family is actually quite pitiful. First, they lost you, and then they lost another son. Nicole must have been heartbroken. It's a good thing they found you now."
"You go ahead," Josephine said, "I want to be alone for a while."
Laura patted her shoulder, "Don't overthink it. Better days are ahead."
"Okay."Not long after, Josephine heard footsteps again. Soon, they stopped, and someone sat down beside her.
She caught a familiar, cool scent. It was Stuart. "Why are you out here alone?"
Josephine sat there, hugging her knees, looking a bit lonely.
She said, "Why aren't you soaking in the hot springs?"
Stuart replied, "Do you want to go? I'll join you."
Josephine shook her head, "I don't feel like it."
"Well, if you're not feeling it, I'm not either."
Josephine tilted her head to look at him, "Don't take what Mom said today to heart."
Stuart said, "I get where they're coming from."
Josephine looked back at the woods and murmured, "Okay."
"Josephine," Stuart wanted to hold her hand but hesitated, "Please... don't look at anyone else."
Josephine didn't get it at first and tilted her head again, "What?"
"I mean, if Nicole wants you to go on blind dates or something," Stuart lowered his eyes, "Can you not go?"
Josephine's heart, which had been clouded with gloom, seemed to brighten a bit.
She smiled, "My mom won't make me go on blind dates."
"I'm saying, if she does?"
"Then I won't go."
Stuart was relieved and smiled, "Thank you."
Josephine said, "Why are you thanking me?"
Stuart heard the teasing in her voice and just smiled without saying anything.
Josephine said, "Let's take a moment to calm down, then we'll figure out what we really want."
Stuart thought, 'I've always known what I want. After five years of separation, this world has already shaped me into someone different.'
However, no matter what Josephine said, he would agree.
They sat quietly, listening to the wind rustling through the trees.
Although the temperature wasn't high, the surrounding hot springs made it not too cold.
Still, Stuart took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
In a daze, Josephine realized they had been sitting for a long time.
She said, "I need to go back."
Stuart looked at her, "Go back and rest well."
Josephine had been too emotional today, and her body must be tired.
Josephine nodded, "Okay, I know."
Stuart escorted her to the door, and Josephine waved goodbye, returning his jacket.
After watching her go inside, Stuart left.
As soon as Josephine entered, she saw Nicole sitting on the sofa, waving at her, "Josephine, come here."
Josephine called out, "Mom, is Jeffery asleep?"
"Yes," Nicole pulled her to sit down, "Jeffery is so well-behaved and sensible. Josephine, you've raised him so well."
Josephine smiled.
Nicole asked, "Josephine, don't be mad at me for being direct. Do you still like Stuart?"
Josephine lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Nicole sighed, "Honestly, I don't want to meddle in your love lives. Just look at Gerald—he's still single at his age."
Josephine said, "Mom, Gerald must have his own plans."
"Yes, so I don't interfere with him," Nicole said, "But with you, Josephine, it's different. Stuart must have messed up before, which is why you split and raised Jeffery on your own."
"Mom..." Josephine said softly, "I'm not in the mood to talk about relationships right now."
"Even with Stuart?"
"Mom, the past is behind us. Jeffery and I are doing well now. Besides, if I hadn't divorced him, maybe we wouldn't have reunited."
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