Stuart leaned in and kissed her cheek. "As long as you like it. It's just..."
He hesitated, and Josephine looked at him. "Just what?"
"It's just, can you not accept flowers from other guys in the future?" Stuart said. "Whatever you want, I'll get it for you."
Josephine asked, "Are you jealous?"
Stuart nodded, openly admitting, "Yeah, I even want to punch Roy. Do you think I'm being petty?"
Josephine laughed, "It's normal for lovers to be jealous. But as for Roy, he might like me, but I don't have those feelings for him, so there's no need for you to be jealous."
"I know, but I can't control it." Stuart looked at her, his Adam's apple moving. "Josephine, it's been two days since I last saw you. I want to kiss you."
Josephine raised the flowers in her hand. "Aren't these in the way?" Before she could finish her sentence, Stuart had already cupped the back of her head and leaned in.
As for the flowers, Josephine only had time to push them forward to avoid them being crushed.
A long, deep kiss, and it was Stuart who finally pulled away.
He had to; if he didn't stop, he feared he might lose control and do something more.
But they were at the entrance of The Clarence Family's villa, not a place to linger.
He paused for a moment, then gently kissed Josephine's forehead before starting the car.
Stuart took Josephine to a well-known revolving restaurant in Celestia Springs, a romantic haven for couples where, overlooking the entire city, one could be with their loved one forever.
Josephine didn't expect Stuart to believe in such a cliché legend.
Even more exaggerated, when they reached the top floor, Josephine was surprised to find that Stuart had booked the entire place. The whole restaurant, as far as the eye could see, was just the two of them.
"Was this necessary?" Josephine remarked as she sat down. "It's such a waste."
"Not a waste," Stuart said. "I just wanted to have a quiet meal with you."
Josephine couldn't help but ask, "When did you learn all these tricks to woo girls?"
Stuart was taken aback.
Josephine regretted it as soon as she said it. After all, three years of marriage had left indelible marks on both of them. Many of which were not good memories.
Stuart held her hand. "Josephine, you might not believe this, but I really, I never had feelings for any other woman. I didn't realize it then, but looking back, even if I did something, it was out of spite, to see your reaction. Bringing someone to a place like this, it's my first time."
"I believe you," Josephine quickly said.
Such a nice place, such a good atmosphere, she didn't want to ruin it.
"Josephine, I'm sorry."
"Alright, let's not talk about that." Josephine picked up the menu. "What's the specialty here?"
"I haven't eaten here either," Stuart said. "We can ask them."
The place was known for its romantic atmosphere, but surprisingly, the food was also delicious.
Josephine, who loved good food, was satisfied and closed her eyes in enjoyment when she found something she liked.
Stuart didn't eat much; most of his attention was on Josephine. Preparing food for her, even just watching her eat, was a pleasure for him.
They ate for over an hour. After the meal, someone quickly came to clear the table and brought dessert and coffee.Stuart hugged Josephine from behind as they stood at the best viewing platform, looking at the dazzling lights outside.
"It's so beautiful," Josephine couldn't help but say. "No wonder everyone wants to come here."
"Not as beautiful as you," Stuart kissed her earlobe. "It's only worth seeing because I'm with you."
"If the restaurant owner heard you say that, he'd be furious."
"He wouldn't," Stuart said. "But if you like it, should I buy this restaurant?"
"Forget it," Josephine said. "We've been together for so long, we're not as romantic as young people."
"We're still young," Stuart said. "If you like it, I'll bring you here often."
"Sure," Josephine said. "So, are we staying here all night?"
Stuart leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "Can you not go back tonight?"
Josephine was taken aback.
Stuart said, "Come back to... my place. Your room is ready. Don't you want to see it?"
Josephine knew exactly what he meant by "see it." If she nodded, she wouldn't be going back tonight.
Josephine's body slowly tensed up.
Stuart, holding her, naturally noticed. He lowered his eyes, hiding the disappointment in them, and said, "I'm just kidding. I haven't even gotten past Nicole yet. How could I dare to keep you out all night?"
As he finished speaking, Josephine visibly relaxed. She said, "Sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry about," Stuart said. "But if you really feel a bit guilty, how about a kiss?"
Josephine lifted her chin. Without standing on tiptoe, she could only kiss his Adam's apple.
Stuart's Adam's apple moved up and down against her lips.
Josephine couldn't help but stand on tiptoe and kiss his lips.
The staff had already left, even the violinist was gone. In the vast space, it was just the two of them.
The beautiful lights, reflecting the stars outside the window, and the city lights below, made it look like a painting.
They stayed in the restaurant until after eight, then Josephine suggested going for a walk. Stuart drove to a nearby park.
The park had hills and a lake, but it was quite cold at night, and there weren't many people around. They walked hand in hand by the water.
Stuart asked her, "Are you cold?"
Josephine shook her head. Her hands were a bit cold, but Stuart had put them in his coat pocket, and now they were warm.
They talked for a while, chatting about Jeffery and when Andrew would come back.
Then they fell silent, just walking forward, and Stuart felt very happy.
The park was so quiet, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Stuart couldn't help but hold Josephine and kiss her lips.
The moonlight was bright, shining on them, and the lake's shimmering water looked like a scene from a TV show.
"Josephine," Stuart murmured, kissing the corners of her lips, her cheeks, and down to her earlobe. "What should I do? I love you so much."
Josephine leaned against him to stay upright, her hands around his neck, feeling a tingling sensation wherever he kissed her.
"Josephine," Stuart whispered, "I know I've made many mistakes in the past. I also know that now, you might be resistant to some things. Can you give me some time? I believe all these problems will be solved."
Josephine snuggled against him and gently nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry."
"Don't say sorry again," Stuart interrupted her. "If anyone should say it, it should be me."