Alfonso brushed off the fortune teller and asked, "Your Josephine? I didn't know you had a sister."
Josephine laughed next to him. "Yeah, Mr. Haustia, don't go around making up sisters."
Stuart glanced at her. "Even if we're divorced, I still see you as family. Is that not okay?"
'Divorced?' Alfonso's heart skipped a beat. The woman who just made his heart race was Stuart's ex-wife?
He used to think Stuart was crazy for not being into Shirley.
But now, knowing Josephine was Stuart's ex, Alfonso could see why Shirley didn't stand a chance.
Alfonso thought, 'Was Stuart nuts to divorce Josephine? Maybe he realized her worth after the split and now wants her back?'
Alfonso felt a mix of jealousy and bitterness.
He said, "So this is Dr. Kalmien. I've heard a lot about you."
He only knew Stuart's ex-wife's name but had no idea what she looked like.
He didn't expect to fall for her at first sight today.
Josephine gave him a slight nod. "You guys chat."
She said this and started to leave.
Alfonso called out, "Hey," but Stuart cut him off, "Mr. Campbell, got something else to say?"
Even though the Campbell family wasn't as rich as the Haustias, they had old money and connections in Celestia Springs, so they weren't scared of Stuart.
Alfonso said, "Since you and Dr. Kalmien are divorced, shouldn't you keep your distance?"
Stuart didn't like that. "Mr. Campbell, aren't you overstepping? Josephine and I were married, the closest bond. Even after the divorce, she's like family to me. Any issues with that?"
Alfonso shot back, "I don't see Dr. Kalmien sharing that sentiment. Your 'concern' might just be a burden to her."
Stuart's face darkened. "How Josephine and I are is none of your business, Mr. Campbell. However, I do hope you can dispel the rumors about a marriage alliance between me and the Campbell family."
With that, he went after Josephine.
Alfonso's face turned even darker.
As Alfonso was feeling down, Shirley came back from the restroom. "Alfonso, let's go."
Alfonso asked her, "Did you really see Stuart kneeling to tie Josephine's shoelaces?"
Shirley replied, looking down, "Yeah, it's true. A lot of people saw it."
Alfonso said angrily, "It doesn't matter; they're divorced. Don't overthink it. I'll find out what's going on."
Alfonso left with Shirley, and no one dared to say anything, given Shirley's poor health.
Stuart finally caught up with Josephine.
Josephine looked at him, exasperated. "What's wrong?"
"Josephine." Stuart looked at her intensely. "You knew about the Campbell family's plans, didn't you?"
"No," Josephine replied.
"Don't lie." Stuart stepped closer. "You knew the Campbell family wanted to marry Shirley to me, so you questioned me earlier. Josephine, were you jealous?"
Realizing this, Stuart felt both excited and pleasantly surprised.
He thought this might be a turning point in his relationship with Josephine.
But Josephine said, "First off, I didn't question you. Second, the jealousy thing? Not true."
Stuart frowned. "No! It is."
Josephine sighed. "Jeffery's waiting for me. Goodbye, Mr. Haustia."
Mentioning Jeffery killed Stuart's enthusiasm.
"But—"
Josephine didn't listen and walked away.
Laura pulled up to pick her up and gave her a thumbs-up. "Nice one!"
Josephine looked puzzled. "What?"
Laura asked, "Did Stuart really kneel to tie your shoelaces?"
Josephine was surprised. "How did you know?"
"So it's true." Laura laughed. "He finally got what he deserved!"
Josephine sighed. "I was too slow to react; if I had been quicker, I wouldn't have let him do it. It's all in the past now, and I don't hold any grudges."
"He did it on his own; no one forced him!" Laura snorted, "Wasn't he always so proud? Now he knows how to kneel?"
Josephine stayed silent.
Laura glanced at her. "Hey! What's with that look? Don't tell me you softened because he knelt?"
Josephine smiled. "What are you thinking?"
"Good," Laura continued, "By the way, someone posted a video of Stuart tying your shoelaces in the group chat. And I heard the Campbell family wants Shirley to marry Stuart."
Josephine nodded. "Yeah, I heard that too."
"Do you really feel nothing?" Laura asked, "What if Stuart really marries her? How would you feel?"
Josephine said, "What can I feel? He's free to marry whoever he wants."
Laura said nothing and pulled the car over.
Josephine was puzzled. "What's wrong?"
Laura looked at her. "You're jealous."
Josephine immediately said, "No way!"
"But I can hear a hint of jealousy in your voice," Laura said, "Don't deny it; I know you too well."
Josephine said nothing.
Laura gritted her teeth. "I knew it, you can't let him go in your heart!"
"No." Josephine shook her head. "When I left, I thought I'd never forgive him for hurting me so badly."
Laura replied, "That's how it should be!"
"But holding onto that grudge means holding onto the pain," Josephine explained, "Especially now with Jeffery, I'm really at peace."
"Josephine." Laura held her hand. "I know Stuart was your first love, unforgettable. While he seems genuinely sorry now, I'm not saying you shouldn't consider giving him another shot, but forgiving him shouldn't come too easily after all the hurt."
"I understand." Josephine smiled. "I know you care about me. Honestly, I don't know what the future holds. Let's see what God has planned."
"Josephine." Laura looked at her seriously. "Remember, never let yourself be wronged. Follow your heart, okay?"
Josephine couldn't help but hug her. "I know."
Laura said, "Even though I have many doubts about this world, Josephine, I want you to be happy."
"Okay." Josephine's eyes reddened. "We will all be happy."
Laura let go of her and started the car. "Alright, I hate being sentimental. Don't make me become what I hate."
Josephine wanted to cry and laugh. "Then don't just talk about me. Steven treats you so well; be nicer to him."
Laura turned on the signal and stepped on the gas. "Got it, you're so naggy."
Josephine looked at her phone and was surprised. "Alfonso added me on WhatsApp. How did he get my contact?"