Stuart had never been there for Jeffery growing up.
Just like his own childhood, his parents were MIA. Not just when he was a kid, but through his teenage years too—they were never around.
He'd missed out on four years of Jeffery's life, and now, he was determined to be there for everything in Jeffery's future.
And man, did he miss Josephine. He missed her like crazy.
It was like craving a dessert for over five years and never getting to taste it. But what hurt even more was getting just one bite and then never having it again.
He felt addicted; only a kiss from Josephine could fix it.
But now that he was in Celestia Springs, he couldn't just go find her in the middle of the night.
Early in the morning, Josephine woke up to a message on her phone.
It was from Stuart, sent at 5:06 AM. He asked her to call him when she woke up.
Josephine freshened up and then dialed Stuart's number.
It rang once before Stuart picked up. "Josephine."
His morning voice was deep and charming, like a whisper right next to her ear.
Josephine responded with a soft "Hmm."
She asked, "Why are you up so early?"
"I'm in Celestia Springs," Stuart said, "outside The Clarence Family's place."
"You came over?" Josephine was surprised. "Are you done with things over there? When did you arrive?"
"I came early this morning," Stuart didn't dare to say he had come in the middle of the night. "I was wondering if my girlfriend could join me for breakfast?"
Josephine laughed, "Sure, give me a few minutes. I'll come down after I freshen up."
As Josephine came downstairs, Nicole was arranging flowers in the living room.
The yard had all kinds of roses, something Nicole never had the mood for before.
Now that Josephine was back, Nicole's days had become happier. She was trimming a champagne rose when she saw Josephine.
"Josephine, up so early?" she smiled. "Are you hungry?"
Josephine was braiding her long hair as she came down the stairs. "Good morning, Mom. I'm not hungry; I'm going out for a bit."
"Going for a morning run?" Nicole looked at her outfit and didn't think so. "It's quite cold outside. What are you going out for?"
"Stuart is here," Josephine said honestly. "He's waiting for me outside."
"Oh," Nicole went back to arranging flowers. "What's he doing calling you out so early in the cold?"
Josephine smiled, hugged her, and said, "Mom, I'm going now."
"Go ahead," Nicole immediately smiled. "Remember to come back for breakfast."
"Okay!"
Josephine walked out of the villa and saw Stuart's car. He was parked by the roadside, standing next to the car.
Stuart had been keeping an eye on the house, so he saw Josephine as soon as she opened the door. He walked over quickly.
Josephine stepped down the stairs, took a couple of steps, and couldn't help but start running.
Stuart also quickened his pace to meet her. When Josephine got close to him, she stopped and stood in front of him.
Stuart, however, pulled Josephine into his arms.
It had been several days since they last saw each other. Stuart finally understood what it meant to feel closer after being apart.
These few days of separation had indeed made Stuart realize that missing someone was painful but also sweet.
His previous longing was pure pain, with no enjoyment in it. But now, it was a mix of pain and joy.Now, holding Josephine in his arms, Stuart felt pure happiness. Even though it was early and there weren't many people around, they were still outside, so Josephine gently pushed him away.
Stuart took her hand and led her to the car. He helped her into the passenger seat and then got in the driver's seat himself.
Josephine thought he was going to take her somewhere and was about to fasten her seatbelt when Stuart leaned over.
"Josephine," he whispered her name and kissed her lips.
Stuart's kiss was intense and overwhelming. Josephine had no resistance, her back pressed against the seat, and only soft moans escaped from between their lips.
Stuart held the back of her head with one hand and ran his other hand through her hair, pouring all his longing and desire into the kiss. When he finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavily.
Josephine's hastily braided hair had come loose.
Her hair fell around her face, and Stuart gently tucked it behind her ear.
"Josephine," he looked into her eyes, unwilling to blink, "I missed you so much."
Josephine asked him, "How long can you stay this time? Do you have to go back?"
"I'm not going back for now," Stuart said. "Didn't I promise Jeffery that I would pick him up?"
Josephine laughed, "Just once is enough."
"No, I have time. I can pick him up every day." And this way, he would definitely get to see Josephine every day.
Back in Hustalia, Stuart could be sure of seeing her often. But now, in Celestia Springs, with her at the Clarence family's place, Stuart wasn't so sure.
But if he picked up Jeffery every day, he would have the chance to see Josephine, and maybe even have meals with her and Jeffery.
"Is Grandpa's room and stuff all set up?"
"Yes," Stuart said. "It's pretty much the same as the Haustia Manor in Hustalia. When will you come to take a look?"
"I don't think I'll go."
"You have to go," Stuart looked at her. "Your room, you get to decide how it looks."
Josephine tilted her head, "I have a room there?"
Stuart said, "Or maybe our room?"
Josephine didn't say anything for a moment.
Stuart quickly added, "Okay, okay, it's your own room. You and Jeffery will visit Grandpa occasionally, right? Grandpa would definitely want you to stay over."
"Alright, I'll go take a look," Josephine said. "I don't have many requirements, as long as it's livable."
"Shall we go have breakfast now?"
Josephine cupped his face and looked at the red veins in his eyes. "Tell me the truth, when did you arrive in Celestia Springs? Did you stay up all night?"
Stuart couldn't look her in the eyes. "I won't do it again."
"Your stomach isn't good. Besides not drinking, regular meals and rest are also important."
"I know," Stuart said. "I just wanted to see you sooner."
Josephine was taken aback, then kissed the corner of his lips. "Alright, but you can't do it again, or I'll be mad."
Stuart immediately nodded. "What do you want to eat?"
"My mom just said I should go back for breakfast."
Stuart immediately looked at her pitifully.
Josephine laughed, "I'll call her."
Josephine called, "Mom, I'm going to have breakfast with Stuart outside."
Nicole frowned, "What's so good about breakfast outside?"
"I'll just have it once in a while."
"You're with Stuart? Fine, ask him to come over and eat at home."
After hanging up, Josephine said, "My mom said you should come over for breakfast."
Stuart was so close that he had heard it all. He said, "It's my first time coming over, and I didn't bring any gifts. Isn't that a bit rude?"