People were bustling around them. Josephine gave him a gentle pat. "Too many people here."
Stuart just hummed in response, then let go of her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the car.
In the back seat, away from prying eyes, Josephine spoke freely. "I've got plans with Claudia and the others later."
Stuart nodded, "I'll drive you there."
"Okay," she agreed.
For a few moments, the car was silent. Josephine could feel the sadness radiating from Stuart, wrapping around him like a blanket. She couldn't help but say, "Don't dwell on it. I really don't care about the past anymore."
"But I do. I can't just let it go," Stuart's voice cracked. He turned to look out the window, not wanting Josephine to see him like this.
Josephine cupped his face with both hands, making him look at her.
Stuart's eyes were deep and slightly wet, tears clinging to his lashes. Usually so cold and tough, he now looked like a vulnerable, pitiful little animal.
Josephine had always noticed that Stuart's eyelashes were more beautiful than a girl's. Now, with tears on them, they looked even thicker and longer.
She held his face, leaned in slowly, and her soft lips gently pressed against Stuart's eyes.
Stuart stared at her in disbelief, not daring to believe what had just happened.
"Stop overthinking," Josephine leaned in again and kissed his lips, "Does this make you feel better?"
Stuart reached out and hugged her waist, his breathing quick and heavy.
"Josephine," he called her name, his eyes filled with tears, just looking at her.
He had promised to respect her. He wouldn't act without her consent, despite his strong desire to kiss her now.
In the next moment, Josephine let go of his face. Stuart felt a void in his heart. But then, unexpectedly, Josephine hooked her arms around his neck again.
Stuart's Adam's apple bobbed as Josephine sighed softly and boldly kissed him.
Unlike their earlier brief kiss, she deepened it by gently parting Stuart's lips with her tongue.
Stuart seemed to freeze, not responding to Josephine's initiative.
After a while, Josephine felt a bit breathless. When it came to matters like this, she was never as naturally adept as Stuart.
'So tired,' Josephine thought. Just as she was about to pull away, her head was held in place, and Stuart's lips pressed down.
Stuart's kiss was intense and passionate, in stark contrast to Josephine's earlier tentative gesture. It felt as if he wanted to consume her entirely.
Josephine almost couldn't breathe, going limp in his arms.
Reluctant to release her, Stuart lingered on her lips, savoring the moment.
Josephine finally could breathe properly.
Their breaths intertwined, and the temperature in the car began to rise.
"Josephine," he called her name, filled with deep emotion.
"I'm here."
Stuart's large hand threaded through her hair, their lips still touching. "I will never lose you again," his voice was low and hoarse, "Never again."
"Okay." Josephine nestled in his arms. "Then I'll give you another chance."
Stuart suddenly hugged her tightly, burying his face in her neck, and Josephine felt his warm tears flowing on her skin. She didn't move, just held him and gently patted his back.
Yeah, Angela's actions led Stuart to view her as his savior, yet this wasn't enough to win his heart. Ultimately, he chose Josephine.
Josephine was actually glad that Stuart's feelings for her weren't mixed with anything else.
If his emotions stemmed from gratitude, the love wouldn't be genuine and could shift with future events.
Currently, his feelings for Josephine were authentic, not tied to her role as a savior.
Fate had messed with them, but in the end, it seemed like the universe was on her side.
Those who don't follow the right path end up with nothing. So, it's better not to do things that weigh on your conscience, to avoid ending up with nothing.
"Have you become so prone to crying now?" Josephine teased with a smile, "If Jeffery knew, he'd laugh at you."
"Just this once," Stuart's voice was hoarse. "You can't tell him."
Josephine patted his back. "I know. But, how much did you drink today?"
Earlier, she had smelled the alcohol on his breath. Although he no longer smelled of alcohol, maybe he had taken a shower, and there was even a faint scent of body wash.
Sure enough, Stuart said, "I brushed my teeth."
"You've got a bad stomach, so why keep drinking?" Josephine remarked. "I don't want a boyfriend with health issues."
Stuart got anxious. "I'm very healthy! I won't drink anymore, I will definitely take good care of myself!"
He looked at Josephine anxiously, his eyes a bit red from crying earlier.
Josephine reached out and touched the corner of his eye. "You don't want me to tell Jeffery, but anyone can see you've been crying."
Stuart held her hand, "Will you laugh at me?"
Josephine looked at him seriously, "I will only be angry if you don't take care of your body."
"I won't anymore." Stuart kissed her fingertips. "Josephine, am I your boyfriend now?"
Josephine looked at him, "Do you think I'm someone who kisses just anyone?"
"Of course not." Stuart looked at her eagerly. "I just want you to acknowledge my status. Otherwise, I always feel like I'm dreaming."
He had thought that Josephine would definitely blame him after learning about that incident, for mistaking someone else for his savior and taking care of the Lopez family for so many years.
He never expected that he would be blessed in disguise. Not only did Josephine not blame him, but she also hugged and kissed him.
Now, she even let him be her boyfriend!
"Yes." Josephine finally smiled, "Laura called me, saying that Jair and Claudia have made progress. I think I should have a boyfriend too, otherwise, they will laugh at me."
Stuart understood that she said that to ease the pressure on him. His Josephine was so good.
"Don't worry, I won't be worse than Jair and Steven. Whatever they have, you will have too."
"Okay." Josephine said, "Then I declare, from now on, Stuart, you are my boyfriend."
Stuart couldn't help but hug her again.
Josephine leaned on his shoulder and smiled.
Stuart asked, "Do I need your permission to kiss you in the future?"
Josephine tilted her head. "What do you think?"
Stuart pinched her chin and kissed her deeply again.