Josephine sensed something was wrong. She knew Stuart's drinking habits well.
In all their years of marriage, Stuart often came home tipsy but never completely out of it.
Stuart always claimed he had a high tolerance, but now, after just a few drinks, he was out cold.
"How are you feeling? Any discomfort?" she asked.
This country wasn't as safe as home, with crime everywhere. She was always cautious, even with drinking water, and rarely left the research institute.
Stuart rubbed his temples. "I'm a bit dizzy."
"I'll take you to the hospital," Josephine said, worried. "Anything else?"
"It's nothing," Stuart replied quickly. "Maybe the alcohol's just too strong. I'll be fine after some rest."
Josephine didn't trust Robin but never doubted Stuart. She helped him upstairs.
After their divorce, Josephine had been abroad for over three months. They had slept in the same bed the night they returned from the border, but nothing happened beyond holding hands.
Now, as she supported him, they were close. Josephine didn't know Stuart had other thoughts.
Her submissive demeanor made Stuart feel restless. He didn't know if it was the drug or her allure.
She was holding his arm, but he pulled her into an embrace.
As Josephine was about to struggle, he said, "Don't move. I'm dizzy."
She frowned but continued to support him upstairs.
Stuart, smelling her familiar scent and thinking about the intimacy, held her tighter.
Josephine took him to the lounge, sent a message on her phone, and asked, "How are you feeling?"
Stuart looked at her deeply. He was handsome, with deep features, and his gaze felt affectionate.
Josephine avoided his eyes, ignoring her discomfort.
Stuart pulled her into his arms. "Josephine..."
Caught off guard, she fell onto his chest. She pushed back. "What are you doing?"
"Josephine," Stuart said, holding her hand and moving it down. "I feel terrible. Something's wrong with that alcohol."
Josephine's hand recoiled.
Stuart held her and pleaded with a hint of pity, "Josephine, help me, please."
Her mind went blank, then she reacted. "Stuart, don't do this. Let go of me."
But Stuart's grip was strong. He pressed her onto the bed.
"Josephine," he breathed hotly, his lips near hers. "I feel terrible. I miss you. Don't leave me."
"Stuart, calm down!" Josephine pushed him hard. "I'll take you to the hospital!"
"No," Stuart's breathing was rapid. "It's useless. Josephine, make love with me."
Josephine knew something was off with Stuart. Sure, he got eager before, but he was never this hot and out of it.
She was about to coax him up when she felt a burning sensation inside her. Shocked, her limbs went limp, losing all resistance.
'How can this be? I didn't... No! It's that bottle of water! But it was unopened. Could it be Robin?' she thought.
Remembering Robin's look, she felt a chill. If Stuart was like this, she hadn't thought much of it. But now, she was affected too. This was planned.
Stuart had a scent she once loved—cool and indifferent, like snow on a mountain. But now, it disgusted her.
How could Stuart do this? She never doubted his character. This wouldn't force her to remarry him. Respecting others was something he clearly never learned. He said he liked her, wanted to remarry, but used such despicable means.
Josephine took a deep breath, her body soft with an inexplicable desire. But her eyes were clear, her gaze firm. She couldn't resist the drug and was about to pass out.
She bit her tongue hard and cut her palm with a blade from her pocket. The pain gave her temporary clarity.
But Stuart had stopped moving. He had been kissing her, coaxing her, but now he was lying quietly, as if asleep.
How could this be? Maybe he messed up the dosage.
Josephine was shocked, enduring the pain to call him, "Stuart? Stuart?"
No response. The room was silent.
Just as she was about to move, she heard a light sound at the door. Instinctively, she closed her eyes tightly, gripping the blade.
Footsteps approached, very light, cautious. Josephine didn't move. If it weren't for the pain in her palm, she might have passed out like Stuart.
Who would come in now? Stuart had two bodyguards at the door.
She felt a weight lift off her, hearing rustling as Stuart was moved. Then footsteps moved away, as if the person had driven Stuart out.
Josephine opened her eyes a bit, seeing a tall, familiar figure.
Before she thought deeper, the footsteps came closer, and she closed her eyes again.
The person sat by the bed, silent, but she sensed his gaze on her. Maybe he saw through her act.
Who was he, and what was his purpose? Where were the bodyguards?
"Josephine..."
She was startled. It was Robin!
Robin stared at her face almost greedily. He had liked her since they were young and waited for years.
This moment had finally come. Josephine was about to become his.