Chapter 4 Win-Win Cooperation

Over the next couple of days, Josephine didn't catch a glimpse of Stuart. The hospital kept her swamped, and honestly, she enjoyed the break from his usual whirlwind of energy. Her parents insisted she come home for dinner, so she reluctantly agreed.

The Kalmien family, a big name in Hustalia's elite circles, had set up a business marriage between Josephine and Stuart to strengthen ties with the Haustia family. Despite growing up together, they couldn't stand each other.

Josephine's home was always cold and uninviting. Raised by her grandparents, she barely saw her parents, who were always busy with work and trying for another kid.

When she decided to study medicine, it caused a huge fight. Her parents didn't care about her dreams; they only saw her as a pawn to marry off for the family's benefit. To them, being a doctor wasn't prestigious or fitting.

Over time, she and her parents barely spoke, their obsession with money driving a wedge between them.

After marrying into the Haustia family, her visits home became rare.

This time, her dad, Todd Kalmien, called her back, claiming the family missed her and wanted her over for a meal.

But Josephine knew better. Todd was always chasing money, and her mom, Esther Kalmien, was busy socializing with other rich ladies. They didn't really care about her.

They probably had some ulterior motive for calling her back!

As soon as she arrived home, Todd cut straight to the chase at the dinner table. "Josephine, is Stuart super busy? Why didn't he come with you?"

Josephine kept her eyes on her plate. "Busy."

Esther frowned. "You've been married three years. No matter how busy he is, he should make time to come back with you once in a while."

She looked at her daughter, puzzled, and said earnestly, "I gave you this beautiful face; you could be the hottest woman in Hustalia. How can you be so clueless about winning your husband's favor? Drop that stubborn streak and stop clashing with Stuart. He's your husband, so learn to be obedient. Men work hard outside; you need to be a sweet and thoughtful wife."

Todd chimed in, "Stuart's got a big business, it's normal for him to be busy. As his wife, don't always be caught up with hospital stuff. You need to care for him and look after him, got it?"

Josephine hummed and kept eating. The meal, prepared by their servant Mira Peterson, was delicious and included many of her favorites. But the constant nagging was killing her appetite.

Todd nodded, satisfied, and then said, "By the way, about Stuart's new project, our subsidiary can handle it. Did you talk to him? Did he agree?"

"Dad, he's pretty set in his ways, and I don't have much sway. If he's not on board, he's not on board." Josephine looked up, confused. Didn't Stuart agree? "Dad, don't come to me with this stuff. I don't meddle in his business affairs."

"Not meddling is one thing, but talking to him is another," Esther said. "The whole point of our marriage alliance was to cooperate and win together."

Josephine raised an eyebrow. Her mom was really stretching it.

Todd added, "Right, this project is crucial for us. I need it, so you need to talk to him again."

Josephine rarely showed any bitterness, but she shook her head. "He won't listen to me."

At this point, Esther dropped her wealthy lady facade and hinted not-so-subtly, "You need to please him more, especially at night."

Josephine kept quiet, a bitter smile tugging at her lips, her nose stinging. Were these really her parents?

Seeing Josephine being so stubborn and unyielding, Todd got angry and slammed his utensils down. "What's the use of you! You married into the Haustia family, what benefits have you brought to the Kalmien family?"

Her parents believed she lacked business acumen, but she was aware that their assets had tripled since her marriage to Stuart. And yet, they remained unsatisfied?

Josephine suddenly lost her appetite for the table full of delicacies. She decisively put down her utensils and stood up. "Mom, Dad, you take your time eating. I'm done, I'm heading back."

Esther was displeased. "Why do you always throw a fit when we offer a little advice, kid?"

Josephine picked up her bag and walked straight to the door.

Todd roared behind her, "Don't forget what your grandmother told you before she passed away!"

Stunned, Josephine froze, her mind involuntarily replaying her grandmother's passing.

She tried hard to control her trembling voice and said, "Dad, this is the last time."

With that, she walked out without looking back.

When Josephine returned home, Stuart embraced her from behind, his familiar scent halting her. Hadn't he just been with his lover Doris? The thought repulsed her. She instinctively struggled, but he held her tightly, nibbling on her earlobe as their breaths intertwined.

Stuart said, "What are you avoiding? Let me hold you properly."

Josephine pursed her lips, paused for a moment, then stopped struggling, coldly saying, "Stuart, did you have sex with Doris?"

Stuart pinned Josephine on the living room sofa.

He tore off his tie, his white shirt already unbuttoned two buttons, revealing a flat chest.

His eyes held a hint of desire, but his voice remained clear. "What? Jealous? Don't forget, we agreed not to interfere with each other."

Josephine shook her head. "But I noticed you treat her differently. At least for now, you are still my husband in name. I told you, if you cheat physically, I will find you dirty."

As soon as she finished speaking, Josephine's gaze drifted to Stuart's well-defined abs. Despite her devastatingly gorgeous face, her expression remained indifferent and cold, even in sweet, cute attire or when discussing other women with her husband.

Stuart sneered. "Of course, she's different. I warn you, don't touch her."

His eyes were fixed on Josephine, not missing any of her expressions.

Josephine also sneered and turned her face away. "So protective? What do you take me for?"

They had been married for three years. Even if he couldn't love her, he should at least understand her. She lived by the principle of not offending others unless they offended her.

Seeing Josephine's indifferent reaction, Stuart felt a strange blockage in his chest.

He grabbed Josephine's chin, forcing her to look at him. "What are you avoiding? Don't worry, I always have a sense of proportion. At least I won't have sex with her."

Josephine exposed him. "Won't? Or can't bear to?"

Stuart fell silent for a moment before admitting, "Can't bear to."

As he spoke of the woman he held dear, Josephine's breathing quickened, and the intensity in her deep eyes deepened even further.

Josephine felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, pushing Stuart away. "That's perfect, a dirty man shouldn't touch me."

Seizing Stuart's distraction, she slipped away and headed for the stairs. Enraged, he blocked her path. She tried to dodge, but he caught her, carrying her effortlessly to the sofa and wrapping her legs around his waist.