Josephine looked at her. "It’s fine to speak casually in front of me. However, don't say anything out of line when we meet William later."
Claudia knew what to do and obediently said, "Okay!"
When they saw William, his eyes sparkled as he stared at Josephine.
Claudia chuckled to herself.
She hoped Josephine would leave Stuart soon.
Josephine deserved someone better.
Claudia noticed that William was handsome and well-built. And he was rich.
Even though William knew Josephine was married, he still had feelings for her. Claudia was pleased.
Although Josephine was the only one in William's eyes, he was considerate and polite, taking care of Claudia as well.
During the meal, Josephine learned that William had decided to stay in the Hustalia.
Claudia asked, "Do your family also return to the country?"
William replied softly, "I don't have a family."
Josephine was taken aback.
Claudia was surprised.
William smiled, "It's nothing. My mother passed away when I was in middle school, and my father was also gone."
Josephine and Claudia fell silent for a few seconds.
Josephine said, "I'm sorry, we don't know."
William shook his head. "That's all in the past. I'm fine now."
On the way home, Claudia said, "I didn't expect him to have such a tragic past. He's handsome, capable, and yet so miserable. Such men are the easiest to make women fall for them. Josie, I think he's great!"
Josephine said, "Don't fantasize. William is indeed a good man, but he knows I'm married and still openly shows his affection for me. Don't you think there's a problem with that?"
Claudia replied, "Is it wrong to like someone? Besides, he didn't know you were married when he fell for you at first sight!"
"Now that he knows, I hope he will keep his distance from me in the future."
"You..." Claudia was so angry that she didn't know what to say. "Infuriating!"
For a while, William didn't do anything out of line. He only invited Josephine and Claudia to his house to celebrate when he moved.
He used to live in a hotel. He bought a house because he planned to stay in the Hustalia.
Josephine's cast was removed, and her check-up results were good. She could finally move freely.
William knew her cast was off and wanted to take her out for a celebration.
Josephine refused.
During this time, she hardly went back to the Haustia Manor. She either worked overtime at the hospital or stayed at Claudia's house.
Stuart didn't contact her either.
They were at a stalemate, neither willing to give in to the other.
Jair called Josephine. He said he was returning to the military and wanted to have a meal with her before he left.
He booked a restaurant near the hospital for their meal, making it convenient for Josephine.
When he saw Josephine push the door open, he was pleasantly surprised. "Is your foot better?"
Josephine's style of dressing had changed. She used to dress up deliberately to please Stuart.
But Stuart didn't pay attention to her.
Now, she no longer cared about Stuart, nor would she compromise herself.
She looked beautiful, and her clothes made her look charming.
Even though Jair knew that Stuart didn't like Josephine, he still felt sorry for Stuart when he saw such an outstanding Josephine.
For various reasons, it seemed unlikely that Stuart and Josephine's marriage would continue.
Josephine and Jair sat down. Jair poured her a cup of coffee. "Josephine, I've always wanted to have a good chat with you, but I never had the chance."
"Jair," Josephine took the coffee and thanked him. "Don't talk to me about Stuart."
"Josephine, marriage is different from love. If you're dating, you can be willful and break up if you want."
"Jair, shouldn’t you say these things to Stuart?"
Jair sighed, "Josephine, I understand how you feel. Stuart made a mistake. When you got married, there should have been an understanding that a marriage of convenience is different from a regular one. Stuart has someone he loves, and Doris is not significant. Don't let her bother you."
"You're his friend, so you'll naturally speak for him," Josephine smiled. "Who he likes and is with is none of my concern."
"Don't think that way," Jair advised. "That person means something special to him. Though I'm afraid I have to disagree with his actions, I understand him."
Josephine snorted.
Jair continued, "Josephine, I know what I'm saying isn't fair to you. However, if you trust me, I'll talk to Stuart and make sure he treats you well and takes responsibility in the marriage."
"Jair, it's not necessary," Josephine said. "We get married for the family's benefit. I shouldn't have expected anything from this marriage. Since we've come this far, I have nothing more to say."
Jair looked at her. "Do you want a divorce?"
Josephine smiled. "We may seem harmonious, but we each have our thoughts. Isn't that the case for many couples in arranged marriages?"
Jair said, "I'll talk to Stuart. Being a couple isn't easy. You both should cherish each other."
Jair and Josephine had a pleasant conversation.
The next day, Jair returned to his unit.
Josephine went back to work as usual, continuing with the surgeries she had scheduled.
She also agreed to participate in a project with Liam and Force 407. Before that, she needed to organize her work.
When she focused on her work, she didn't have time to dwell on things that troubled her.
Josephine lived a fulfilling life.
If only that annoying person wouldn't disturb her.
Robin had already come to see her for the third time.
The first two times, Josephine was in surgery, and he waited for her for a long time before leaving.
This was the third time. Robin encountered Josephine in her office.
Josephine was looking at X-ray images when Robin saw her. "Is your foot better?"
Josephine turned around and frowned, asking, "Why are you here? What do you want?"
She didn't hide her aversion to Robin.
Josephine hadn't changed. She had a way of driving Robin crazy.
Robin's smile disappeared. He said, "Do you think I want to come? You blocked me."
Josephine didn't want Robin to bother her and asked, "What do you want?"
Robin asked, "When do you get off work? Shall we have dinner together?"
Josephine looked at him. "Do you think we're close enough to have dinner together?"
Robin wanted to get angry, but he restrained himself. "I have something to discuss with you."
"Go ahead," Josephine said, turning her head to look at the patient's X-ray images again.
Watching her, Robin became angry. "Can you listen to me?"
Josephine impatiently said, "It's none of your business."
As Robin took a deep breath, preparing to speak, he heard someone talk beside him. "Robin, what brings you here?"
He turned around and saw Liam.