Chapter 90 Looking Forward to the Gift
Josephine's cold had completely healed.
When she went to work, Liam brought her a lot of fruit.
Josephine said helplessly, "How can I eat so much?"
"Eat more fruit to supplement vitamins and prevent colds," Liam said, "Keep what you like and share the rest with your colleagues."
Liam specifically brought her cherries, each as big as a walnut, bursting with sweet juice with every bite.
Josephine remembered Andrew's words, saying that the fruit at home was airlifted from abroad by Stuart for her to eat.
She didn't believe it.
Before leaving, Liam said, "I have surgery today, so I can't have lunch with you. Claudia is nearby for some errands; she'll come over; make sure you eat well, okay?"
Josephine smiled. She replied, "Got it."
At noon, Claudia indeed came to find her.
They didn't go anywhere else, just found a clean restaurant near the hospital.
With the Starlight Festival approaching, Claudia wasn't as busy. Those who wanted her to make clothes had already discussed styles and details with her a month in advance.
After all, many people consider new clothes for the Starlight Festival very important.
Claudia said, "Josephine, the coat I designed for you is almost ready. When do you have time to try it on? See if any adjustments are needed."
"Why are you making me another one?" Josephine said, "You're so busy every day, you don't need to worry about me. I have clothes to wear."
"That's not okay. It's the Starlight Festival; you must wear the new clothes I made for you." Claudia leaned in closer. She inquired, "By the way, you won't be foolish about Stuart's birthday this year, right?"
Josephine was stunned, only then remembering that Stuart's birthday was coming up.
She glanced at her phone. Was it tomorrow?
In previous years, Josephine always prepared early for Stuart's birthday.
This year, with so many things happening, and after spending twenty days at the military base, her relationship with Stuart had been tense since she returned.
She had actually forgotten about it.
Claudia said, "Every year you go to great lengths to prepare gifts for him, and he never thanks you. Since you're getting divorced anyway, don't be foolish this year, okay?"
She then took out her phone and showed Josephine Doris's Instagram. She remarked, "Doris knitted a scarf, probably for Stuart."
Josephine glanced at it and smiled. She simply replied, "Okay, I got it."
At this moment, Stuart received a call from Robin.
"Tomorrow's your birthday. Same as last year tonight?" he said, "Hosting it at the club? Have some fun."
Stuart pinched his brow. He said, "Alright, but I need to go back to the Haustia Manor first to have dinner with Grandpa."
"Got it," Robin said, "Can you come out by nine?"
Stuart said, "I can."
After hanging up, Stuart looked at his phone.
Last night, for some reason, after Josephine fell asleep, he took a photo of her.
She looked peaceful in her sleep, without makeup, her skin delicate, like a sweet and charming doll.
Stuart remembered that every year on his birthday, Josephine would give him a gift.
What did she give him last year?
Stuart couldn't remember.
But he didn't think it was important.
He wanted to know what gift Josephine would give him this year.
Even though he didn't care before; for some reason, he was a bit expectant this year.
After dinner, he spent some time with Andrew.
If Josephine gave him a gift, should he also give her one? He shouldn't be too cold to her.
Leaving her alone at home after dinner seemed a bit inappropriate.
Maybe...
He should spend more time with her.
Stuart picked up his phone and messaged Robin.
Stuart: [I'll come over at ten tonight.]
Robin quickly replied: [Why so late?]
Stuart didn't reply.
He didn't want to talk much about his matters with Josephine to others.
He had made up his mind. If he received a gift from Josephine tonight, and the atmosphere was good, they could have a "deeper conversation."
Last night, considering her health, Stuart hadn't had enough.
Someone knocked on the door, and Stuart said in a deep voice, "Come in."
Doris came in, placing the documents on the table for Stuart to sign.
After finishing the work, she asked, "Stuart, don't you like the scarf I gave you?"
Stuart said, "Why wouldn't I?"
"But you haven't worn it." Doris bit her lip. She said pitifully, "I know my gift isn't expensive."
"Don't think that way." Stuart sighed. He said, "It's not that... fine, I'll wear it."
After work, Doris came to his office and personally put the scarf on him. "I'll be waiting for you at the club tonight; don't keep us waiting too long."
Stuart responded indifferently.
He was in a hurry to leave, eager to know what gift Josephine would give him.
Watching Stuart leave in large strides without any reluctance, Doris lowered her eyes, her nails digging into her palm.
Tonight was another chance for her.
The mysterious person had called, saying they would help her.
With Robin's help, she was sure to succeed this time!
On the way home, Stuart suddenly asked the driver, "Do you know what girls like?"
The driver didn't dare ask more, thought for a moment, and said, "Flowers, I guess. Women of all ages like them."
Stuart said, "Find a flower shop and stop."
The driver saw a flower shop and stopped.
Stuart said, "Just say there's an elderly person at home and ask what flowers are suitable. Never mind, I'll go myself."
He got out and went into the flower shop. When he came out, the driver opened the car door for him and saw him holding two bouquets.
At home, as he entered, the housekeeper opened the door and stood by, calling him, "Mr. Haustia is back. Shall I take those for you?"
Stuart said, "No need."
He looked up.
Josephine was already back, chatting with Andrew on the sofa.
He walked in and handed one bouquet to Andrew. "Grandpa, you've worked hard all these years."
Seeing he had another bouquet, Andrew accepted it. He complimented, "You're being thoughtful today?"
Stuart said, "They say a child's birthday is a mother's suffering day. Since my mother isn't here, you raised and educated me. Thank you."
Andrew beamed. He said playfully, "Just don't make me angry."
Andrew then pointed to the other bouquet in his hand. He asked, "Is that for Josephine?"
Stuart handed it over casually, feeling a bit awkward. He said, "The flower shop gave it."
Josephine took it, her eyes full of surprise.
Stuart buying her flowers?
Hearing it was a gift, she instantly understood.
Of course, Stuart wouldn't buy her flowers.
Andrew said, "A gift? Do flower shops have such promotions?"
"Grandpa," Stuart stood up. He replied, "Flower shops have all kinds of promotions. I'm going upstairs to change. Josephine, come with me."
Stuart went upstairs first. Josephine handed the flowers to the housekeeper and followed.
As soon as she entered the bedroom, Stuart saw her empty hands and asked, "Where are the flowers?"
