Chapter 96 You're Out
Josephine woke up to find it was already the next morning.
Stuart was on another business trip.
He left in such a rush that even Doris didn't know.
With just a few days left until the Starlight Festival, Stuart was still running around, which made Andrew very unhappy.
Josephine, however, felt more at ease and could meet up with friends.
Laura had just returned from abroad and had nothing to do, so she spent all day hanging out with Josephine.
Josephine had to work during the Starlight Festival, but she had taken a few days off to go shopping with Laura.
Laura had initially opposed Josephine marrying Stuart, even though she knew Josephine liked him.
At the time, Josephine said she hoped that after getting married, she could get along well with Stuart.
She also hoped that her genuine feelings would touch Stuart, and they could be together.
Unexpectedly, three years had passed; not only were they not together, but Stuart couldn't even tell that Josephine liked him.
"Women always have expectations for marriage and always think they can save a bad man," Laura said, "But it's all self-deception."
Josephine knew she meant well and smiled. She replied, "I know now; I won't do anything foolish in the future."
Laura said, "I told you not to go for a bad man, but you didn't listen. Now you know you were wrong?"
"Indeed," Josephine said, "I thought he would change after we got married."
Laura said, "Men marry wives; they don't change after marriage. You can't change their playful nature."
Josephine laughed. She teased, "Where did you learn all these theories?"
"Online, there's a blogger who's really funny," Laura said, "Listening to her rant is so satisfying. You should learn a few lines and use them to scold Stuart someday."
Josephine smiled. She said, "What's the use of scolding him? It doesn't bother him at all. How do you think I can get him to divorce me?"
"He won't divorce now because that woman hasn't come back," Laura said, "That's easy; just get her to come back early."
"That's not easy." Josephine frowned. She said dejectedly, "We can't decide what she thinks."
"Do you still have feelings for him?" Laura asked, "Cheating is either zero times or countless times. One Doris has appeared; there will be countless more in the future."
Josephine said nothing.
Laura continued, "I know you're not willing to give up, especially since you've liked him for so many years. But Josephine, has he ever respected you? He doesn't even have the basic respect for you, which shows his character is flawed."
Josephine replied, "I know."
"You know what?" Laura was frustrated with her. She complained, "I used to think it was okay for you to marry him because you liked him. But who knew you'd live like this for three years? Robin used to avoid me, but now he dares to bully you."
Josephine laughed. She suggested, "Why do you still talk like you used to? Don't be so rough."
Laura didn't care. She said, "Bring Robin out someday, and I'll deal with him."
Josephine said, "No need, I don't care about these things."
"It's your tolerance that gives others the chance to bully you," Laura said, "Honestly, you're partly responsible for ending up like this."
"I admit it," Josephine said, "That's why I'm cutting my losses now."
"You still love him, don't you?" Laura asked.
Josephine lowered her eyes. She said sadly, "You know, from the time I first felt love, I've only liked him. For so many years, liking him has become part of me. Pulling those feelings out of my body really hurts."
Laura hugged her. She encouraged, "It will hurt to give up this love, but rebirth is even more desirable. Josephine, I believe in you. You can do it."
She also heard from Claudia that Josephine had made new friends and was eager to meet them.
Josephine didn't want to get too close to William; but Laura, having nothing to do, dragged Claudia to meet him.
By the time Josephine found out, Laura and William were already chatting like old friends.
According to Laura, William wasn't perfect, but he was much better than Stuart.
She urged Josephine to divorce Stuart quickly.
As for what Stuart would do after the divorce, whether he would be with Doris or someone else, it didn't matter.
There were plenty of good men in the world; why stick to just one?
As for Doris, with the Starlight Festival approaching, she couldn't be happy at all.
Stuart had promised to take her out before the Starlight Festival, but it was canceled.
By the time Stuart returned from his business trip, the Starlight Festival would be right around the corner, leaving no time for a trip.
She had planned to make something happen with Stuart on his birthday; but Stuart brought Josephine along and ruined the whole party.
Moreover, Doris had no idea about Stuart's business trip.
She only found out from others that Stuart had gone abroad.
Doris panicked.
She called Robin and asked. "What should I do?"
Robin said, "If you can't seize the opportunity yourself, how can I help you?"
"Who knew Josephine would come?" Doris was furious. She asked, "Do you think Stuart has lost interest in me? He didn't even tell me he was going abroad."
Robin chuckled. He assured her, "Don't overthink it. He's just too busy; it's the end of the year, after all."
"Do you think there's any way?" Doris asked, "Help me out; you don't like Josephine anyway."
Robin was silent for a few seconds, then laughed. He asked, "You think I don't like Josephine?"
"Of course," Doris said, "Everyone knows you two don't get along, and you hate her. Honestly, I hate her too, always pretending to be so virtuous. It's annoying."
Robin said, "You just asked if there's a way, but I don't have one. Besides, do you think Stuart likes you?"
Doris was stunned.
Robin continued, "You're selfish, greedy, and stupid. How could Stuart possibly like you?"
Doris thought she had misheard.
She couldn't believe it. She said angrily, "What did you say?"
Robin repeated himself, "I said, a woman like you, pretentious and fake, no one could like you."
"You mean Josephine, right?" Doris couldn't believe her ears. She stated, "I'm Doris."
"I'm talking about you," Robin said, "You've had so many chances, but you blew them all. Not only are you fake, but you're also stupid. No wonder Stuart got tired of you so quickly."
Doris asked incredulously, "What did you say?!"
Robin laughed. He said bluntly, "Don't pretend you don't know why Stuart treated you well. Doris, you're just a stand-in, understand? Do you know why Stuart went abroad? To find his first love. As a stand-in, you're naturally out."
