Chapter 370 Will They Accept You?
Nicole said, "Josephine, I really feel for you. You took care of Jeffery all by yourself back then. How much did you go through? It's all because of him!"
"Mom, I could've chosen not to have Jeffery. I had him because I knew I could raise him. Jeffery has brought me so much joy and warmth. I don't feel like I suffered."
"Josephine, I won't force you to do anything or mess with your feelings. But now, you're a daughter of the Clarence Family, and you need me to have your back, got it?"
Josephine leaned on her shoulder. "Got it, thanks, Mom."
"Good girl."
The next morning, Nicole went to the kitchen to whip up some home-cooked dishes for Josephine. Later, Gerald and Ulysses showed up.
Ulysses said, "How long since Grandma last cooked? I only remember crying as a kid, and she'd whip up something tasty."
Nicole chuckled, "Can't even keep quiet for food, huh?"
Jeffery said, "Grandma's cooking is delicious!"
Nicole ruffled his hair, "If you love it that much, eat up. Grandma might just cook for you every day!"
She then looked at Josephine and suggested, "When you go back this time, why don't you and Jeffery move back in, okay?"
Josephine hadn't thought about this and was momentarily stunned.
Gerald quickly said, "Mom, let's take our time with this. There's no rush. Besides, where Josephine lives now is very close to her workplace."
"There's a driver to pick her up every day, so a bit of distance doesn't matter." Nicole looked at her. "Josephine, don't you want to move back?"
Josephine quickly said, "Mom, how about this: on weekends or when I'm not busy, I'll bring Jeffery over to stay with you."
Nicole knew that, for now, this was the best they could do. Josephine had been away for over twenty years. It was impossible to become close all at once.
Ulysses said, "Josephine's room has always been there. Now we just need to prepare a room for Jeffery."
Gerald said, "I've already asked someone to start getting it ready."
Nicole said, "We should ask Jeffery what he likes."
The family breakfast was warm and harmonious.
However, Josephine received a call afterward and had to go back to work.
Steven and Laura decided to stay and play for two more days, while the others went back.
Nicole reluctantly said goodbye to Josephine, but at least she still had Jeffery with her.
Nicole discussed with Gerald, "Look into Josephine's research direction and see if we can get her transferred to Celestia Springs. Then our family can be together."
Gerald said, "Mom, take it easy. We gotta hear what Josephine thinks first."
Nicole was now staying at Gerald's house in Hustalia. Although Jeffery was with her, she still missed Josephine after not seeing her for two days.
Josephine was indeed busy. Her research had reached a critical stage, and she really had no time.
Nicole made some food and had the family driver take her to deliver it to Josephine.
As it happened, she ran into Stuart, who was also there to deliver food.
When he saw Nicole, he quickly greeted her, "Nicole."
Seeing him with a food container, Nicole's expression softened a bit. "What are you doing here?"
Stuart said, "The cafeteria food isn't very good, so I brought some food for Josephine."
"At least you're showing some consideration," Nicole said. "Let's find a place to sit and chat."
Stuart had no choice but to agree.
They headed to a nearby café. Stuart pulled out a chair for Nicole and helped her sit down.
Nicole said, "I'm not that old yet. Sit down; let's talk about Josephine."
As soon as they sat down, Stuart said, "Nicole, I messed up in the past. But I promise you, from now on, I won't let Josephine suffer any more."
"I believe you mean what you say," Nicole said. "Plus, Josephine isn't the same as before. She has people backing her now. If you two end up together, I doubt you'd dare to mistreat her. But the real question is, will Josephine accept you?"
This hit Stuart right where it hurt. He said, "I'm still trying."
"You should know better than anyone that some things can't be fixed just by trying."
Stuart lowered his eyes. "Yeah, I know."
"I'm not here to break you two up. I just want to find a man who can be responsible for Josephine for her entire life. Whether you're that man still needs to be seen."
"I get it," Stuart said. "I don't blame you. In fact, I understand where you're coming from. If I had a daughter, I might be even stricter than you."
"Good that you understand," Nicole said. "As parents, we can't be with our kids forever. They'll grow up and have their own paths. A spouse is the one who stays by your side for life. The key to a successful marriage is having a lifelong companion."
"You're right," Stuart said. "When Josephine was with me, I didn't appreciate her. It was only after she left that I understood the importance of companionship. Nicole, I hope you can give me a chance to make things right."
Nicole said, "That's between you and Josephine. If she chooses you, I won't stand in the way."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Although I won't stop you, I will give Josephine my opinions and share some life experiences with her."
At the research institute, Josephine received two lunches.
She knew Stuart had been bringing her food these past few days. But she didn't expect Nicole to come as well.
After finishing her work, she quickly called Nicole. "Mom, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I know you're busy," Nicole laughed. "I made a couple of simple dishes. See if you like them."
"I love them. They're delicious," Josephine said. "Mom, you should rest more at home. Don't cook for me anymore."
Nicole said, "I used to be unwell because of a mental illness. Now that you're back, I'm perfectly fine! The doctor even said I should exercise more!"
Josephine had no choice but to say, "Alright then. Jeffery hasn't been any trouble, has he?"
"What trouble?" Nicole said, then glanced at Stuart. "I'm with Stuart right now."
Josephine immediately felt a bit nervous. "Mom, why are you with him?"
"We're just talking," Nicole said. "What, are you afraid I'll bully him?"
Josephine quickly said, "Of course not. Mom, you two talk. I have to get back to work."
After the call, Josephine sighed, feeling a bit sorry for Stuart.
Before, she was all alone, with Todd and his wife showing no concern for her. Stuart was the only one dealing with her.
But now, with Nicole, Gerald, and Ulysses around, she pondered if Stuart's behavior would shift because of this.
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