Since bringing Josephine back, she hadn't said a word to Stuart.
He knew she was angry and resentful.
He believed his persistence and love would win her over.
But he didn't know that untimely feelings were useless.
Josephine had already lost hope.
Being kidnapped by Donna might have been the final straw for her.
But really, she had given up on Stuart long before that.
Stuart knew he had gone too far, but he thought his concern for "Angela" was understandable given the situation.
He explained it to Josephine, thinking if she was reasonable, they could work it out.
Even if she was mad, he was willing to make it up to her.
Since bringing her home, he was careful with his words and actions.
Even if she ignored him, he took care of her, even bathing her himself without taking advantage.
He was patient and meticulous, but Josephine still didn't react.
Stuart was frustrated by her lack of response.
He drank and confronted her.
She still didn't react.
He grabbed her shoulders. "Look at me! Speak!"
Josephine looked down, expressionless, like a doll.
Fueled by alcohol, Stuart got angry. "Ignoring me? Let's see how long you can keep this up!"
He threw her onto the bed, tore off his clothes, and pressed down on her.
He kissed her eyes, mouth, and neck, but she lay there, motionless.
She was like a soulless body, unresponsive.
He tore at her clothes, kissed her skin, and lifted her leg, feeling her soft skin.
They were in the most intimate position, chest to chest, but Stuart felt she was far away.
Even holding her, he felt insecure.
"Josephine, Josephine..." he called, tasting her tears.
He panicked, trying to comfort her, but she remained unresponsive.
Even when he entered her, causing pain, she didn't say a word.
Every time before, it had been incredibly pleasurable.
Stuart never realized how hard it would be when she didn't want him.
He missed her so much, dreaming of being with her.
He couldn't control his urges, and her expression made him anxious.
He was desperate to prove he was the one closest to her.
He kissed away her tears, held her hand, and intertwined their fingers.
He coaxed her with gentle words but used force to thrust into her.
Josephine was his. He wouldn't let her leave or be with another man.
Just thinking about her leaving drove him mad.
Her indifference and his fears made him almost lose control.
Only in these forceful moments did he find temporary solace.
But he didn't realize it felt like rape to Josephine.
By the time he noticed, she had bitten her lip until it bled, but she didn't make a sound.
Stuart's heart sank. He hadn't realized he left so many marks on her body.
She was covered in bruises, looking like she had endured a brutal assault.
She lay there, barely breathing.
He pulled the blanket over her, his hands trembling. He wasn't drunk.
He could lie to himself, saying it was the alcohol, but his heart ached too much.
He cupped her face, his voice choked. "Josephine, I'm sorry.."
She still didn't move.
Stuart took a deep breath, picked her up, and cleaned her.
She was like a rag doll, letting him move her.
When he brought her back to bed, he went to get a hairdryer.
He returned to see her curled up, looking extremely insecure.
Stuart's heart tightened, the pain almost unbearable.
He knew she was suffering, but he was determined not to let her leave.
He couldn't imagine life without her.
He might go crazy if she left.
The best solution seemed to be keeping her by his side, even like this.
He had no other choice.
After tidying her up, he got into bed and hugged her from behind.
He felt her body trembling.
"Don't be afraid, Josephine," he said hoarsely. "I just don't want you to leave. What will I do if you leave? Please, have pity on me, okay?"
He spoke a lot. He kept apologizing and promised to improve in the future.
But no matter what he said, she remained unresponsive.
Stuart held her tightly. "Don't blame me for being ruthless. I won't let you leave!"