Stuart's face darkened at the mention of Robin.
Jair, frustrated, took a drink. "You think I don't want to fall in love? I'm stuck at the military base all day, and I only encounter men!"
Stuart laughed but felt bitter inside. "What should I do? I really don't know how to handle her."
Jair sighed. "It's not about you; it's about Josephine's attitude. What did she say?"
Stuart replied, "What could she say? Just throwing a tantrum, saying she doesn't like me anymore."
Jair looked at him. "Maybe it's more than just a tantrum?"
"She definitely likes me," Stuart said through gritted teeth. "Even if she's angry now, it's just temporary."
Jair said, "Then take your time to win her back; there's always hope."
Stuart fell silent.
Jair asked, "By the way, has Robin been busy lately?"
Stuart nodded. Last time Josephine got into trouble, it was all Donna's doing.
Robin had explained that Donna acted out of jealousy and just wanted to scare Josephine, not harm her.
But things went south.
Stuart mistook Donna for Angela and said harsh things that broke Josephine's heart.
If Donna hadn't caused all this trouble, Stuart wouldn't be in this mess.
He planned to deal with Donna, but Robin said he already had someone teach her a lesson and sent her away to reflect.
Still, Stuart was mad at Robin.
If it weren't for him introducing Donna, none of this would have happened.
Seeing Stuart's silence, Jair was puzzled. "Did you two have a fight?"
Stuart shook his head. "No. I just feel like he's too unreliable."
Jair said, "You're just realizing this now? I've told you before, he's a bit obsessive and sometimes goes overboard."
Stuart knew this. But with their family background, personality flaws weren't a big deal.
The conversation shifted back to Josephine.
Jair repeated, "Find a way to make her happy. And tone down your bad temper."
Stuart suddenly asked, "Do you know how to truly respect someone?"
Jair was puzzled. "Do you even need to ask? You should know how to respect someone."
Of course, Stuart knew. He just felt Josephine's words weren't accurate. He definitely respected her.
He was so troubled that even drinking couldn't ease his sorrow.
Jair asked, "Instead of drinking here, why don't you try to win her back? What's the use of getting drunk?"
Stuart gave a bitter smile. "You don't understand."
"Even if I don't understand, I know you shouldn't be sitting here drinking," Jair said. "Is Josephine in Hustalia now? Do you want me to meet her and talk to her?"
Stuart shook his head. "It's useless."
"But I can't rest easy seeing you like this," Jair frowned. "This isn't like you."
Stuart said, "I didn't know that liking someone could be so torturous."
Jair said, "Wait, didn't you like someone before..."
Before Jair could finish, Stuart shook his head. "I don't know either. Honestly, I'm starting to doubt what true love is."
Jair sighed. "Forget it. I won't fall in love. I can't be someone like Robin who changes girlfriends every few days. And seeing you like this is exhausting."
Stuart gave a bitter smile. "Yeah, avoiding relationships means avoiding hurt."
Just then, his phone rang.
Seeing the caller, he answered, "What's up?"
Whatever was said made him stand up abruptly. "What did you say?!"
His face changed dramatically, startling Jair. "What's wrong?"
Stuart hung up and quickly walked out.
No matter how much Jair called after him, it was like he didn't hear.
Seeing him like this, Jair couldn't rest easy.
Stuart got in his car; as Jair caught up, the car had already driven off. Jair had no choice but to have someone follow him.
They followed Stuart all the way to a villa.
Jair suddenly had a feeling the call might have something to do with Josephine.
Stuart got out of the car, and Jair quickly followed.
Just a few seconds after Jair entered the house behind Stuart, Stuart started fighting with someone.
Seeing the person on the other side, Jair quickly stepped in to stop them. "Stop! Stop!"
Josephine hurried forward, carefully supporting Liam as they retreated. "Are you okay? I told you not to come!"
Liam, still recovering, glared at Stuart with bloodshot eyes and gritted his teeth. "You beast! I won't be satisfied until I beat you up myself!"
"Come on!" Stuart pushed Jair aside. "Hiding behind a woman, what kind of man are you!"
"Stuart, that's enough!" Jair grabbed his shoulder. "What's going on!"
Josephine held onto Liam tightly. "Watch your ankle!"
Liam pointed at Stuart. "He's not a good person! He actually imprisoned Josephine here!"
"What?" Jair was shocked. "You! How could you do such a thing?"
Stuart pushed him away again and, with clenched fists, charged at Liam.
But with a loud bang, Jair's fist landed on Stuart's face.
Caught off guard, Stuart was stunned by the punch. He came to his senses and roared. "Are you crazy?"
"I think you're the crazy one!" Jair shouted, "Look at what you've done!"
"You believe whatever he says!" Stuart wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his thumb. "It's not imprisonment. I just asked her to stay for a few days."
"Don't justify your disgusting actions!" Liam said, "Josephine couldn't contact the outside world and couldn't even leave the house. You imprisoned her like a criminal, and you dare deny it?"
"Josephine." Jair looked over. "Is what he said true?"
Josephine said, "Yes. Stuart, you did it, but you don't dare admit it?"
Stuart's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Josephine.
Who leaked the information? How did Liam find out? He really didn't know his place!
Stuart spoke, "Liam, you're really something. Even if you take her away, you can't protect her forever."
"Stuart!" Jair scolded, "What are you saying? You keep telling me you want to change; is this your sincerity? Are you stupid? What are you doing?"
"Maybe I can't protect her forever," Liam said coldly, "But as long as I'm alive, I won't let anyone bully her!"
Stuart sneered. "No matter how hard you try, Josephine loves me. Her diary is filled with her deep feelings for me. Liam, in her eyes, you're nothing."