Liam stayed silent for about half a minute after hearing Josephine's words.
Josephine was quiet too.
After a while, Liam finally asked, "When you say going abroad, do you mean for a vacation?"
"No," Josephine replied, "The hospital has a project with a research institute abroad. I want to join."
She had been invited before but never considered it. If she joined now, it could be many years before she returned.
Liam stayed silent.
Josephine broke the silence. "Can you help me with the hospital paperwork?"
Liam nodded, then patted her head.
Josephine looked up, and he lowered his hand, saying, "Okay, I'll help you."
Josephine hummed in response.
Liam asked, "What if Stuart doesn't agree to the divorce?"
Josephine said, "I have my ways."
"Alright. Let me know if you need anything." Liam took out his phone. "I'll call someone to take you home to rest."
"I'm fine," Josephine said, "I'll sleep later. I have surgery in the afternoon."
Liam asked, "Are you sure you're up for it?"
Josephine replied, "I'll be fine by then. I won't risk the patients' safety."
Liam left, but Josephine couldn't sleep. She thought about everything and realized how pathetic she felt.
Loving someone wasn't wrong, but forcing herself to stay with Stuart was.
It was self-inflicted humiliation. Now, it was time to end it.
At dawn, Josephine finally dozed off.
She was soon awakened by her ringing phone.
Stuart's angry voice echoed. "Josephine!"
Josephine held the phone, her head throbbing.
She pressed her forehead and said, "What do you want?"
"Where are you?" Stuart's tone was harsh. "Why didn't you answer the phone?"
Josephine said, "There was an emergency surgery last night. I came to the hospital, and by the time I finished, it was already midnight. Do you have something urgent?"
Stuart's tone softened but then flared up again. "As my wife, you stay out all night. Shouldn't I call to check?"
Josephine pursed her lips and said, "Stuart, let's get a divorce. Whatever compensation you need, I'll agree to it. I'm off tomorrow."
Stuart shouted, "Dream on!"
There was a loud bang, then silence.
Stuart had smashed his phone.
Besides anger, there was also a panic that he had ignored before.
He had heard Josephine's tone. She was serious about the divorce.
After smashing the phone, Stuart calmed down a few minutes later and went to Andrew's room.
Andrew had just gotten up and asked, "Just buying gifts and not showing up, what's the use?"
"Grandpa, Josephine seems really angry this time," Stuart said, "Can you help me calm her down?"
"You can't even calm your wife! Useless!" Andrew was furious. "Just like your father!"
Hearing him mention Elbert Haustia, Stuart's face darkened.
Elbert was born into the Haustia family but loved research and became a scientist. During his wife's pregnancy, he had an affair with a temporary worker at the research institute.
For years, he had hardly returned to the Haustia family.
Stuart had a terrible impression of Elbert.
Andrew fumed for a bit, then said, "Your father did something unforgivable to your mother and has been repenting ever since. Your mother still doesn't forgive him. Big mistakes start small. I've taught you to restrain yourself. You're married, so be responsible and accountable, got it?"
Stuart said, "I understand."
"You understand nothing!" Andrew snapped, "I see how you treat Josephine. She's a great wife; you should treat her better!"
"Grandpa, I was wrong," Stuart said, "Please help me."
"The most urgent thing is to have a child with Josephine," Andrew said, "A child will improve your relationship."
Stuart stayed silent. He had no intention of having a child with Josephine. But he didn't want a divorce either.
When Josephine finished work, she saw a missed call from Andrew.
She called back. "Grandpa, were you looking for me?"
"Josephine, are you off work?" Andrew said with a smile, "Stuart wants to pick you up for dinner. He's already downstairs at the hospital. If you're done, go find him."
Josephine wanted to talk to Stuart anyway. "Okay. Grandpa, want me to bring you anything?"
Andrew said, "No need. The chef at home can make anything. You two have fun."
Josephine went downstairs and saw Stuart's car.
There were many luxury cars at the hospital, but Stuart's was probably the most expensive, though it looked low-key.
He didn't get out. When he saw Josephine, he rolled down the window and looked at her silently.
It was cold, only 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Josephine wore a long white down jacket with a fur-lined hood, making her look ethereal.
Stuart was driving himself, so Josephine got into the passenger seat.
As soon as she sat down, Stuart leaned over to fasten her seatbelt.
Josephine reached out to stop him. "I can do it myself."
Stuart pressed down harder, ignoring her, and buckled it.
Josephine turned her face away.
Stuart leaned over her. "Still mad?"
Josephine shook her head.
There was nothing to be mad about.
Mad that he forced her to have sex? Or mad that he called someone else's name in bed?
Her heart had long been broken, the pain almost gone, so how could she be mad?
"It was my fault." Stuart leaned closer, smelling her faint fragrance. "I was drunk and didn't know my limits. Did I hurt you? I'll apply some ointment when we get back."
Hurt her and apply ointment?
Heartache couldn't be treated with ointment. A broken heart couldn't be healed either.
Josephine pushed him away. "I'm not in pain anymore. Stuart, I hope you can agree to the divorce I mentioned on the phone."
"I know I went too far this time," Stuart said, "But we can't get divorced right now. If Grandpa finds out..."
"I'll apologize to Grandpa," Josephine said, "I'll take all the blame. You don't have to worry about Grandpa punishing you."
Stuart gritted his teeth. "That's easy for you to say! Have you considered his health? Aren't you afraid of angering him to death?"
"I have no other choice." Josephine looked at him. "Stuart, I've made up my mind. I must divorce you."