Josie looked at Winston and the cups of vodka in front of her, but the more immature face emerged in her mind. Four years ago, Josie was humiliated by others at social events like today. It was her first time drinking so much hard liquor and she drank until she vomited blood to secure the deal.
Winston, who had no one else to depend on, cried as he took her to the hospital. He called her foolish and asked why she let people push her around like that. Because she had no money to be hospitalized, she ignored the doctor's advice, took medicine and returned home.
That night, they lay together on a cramped bed, relying on each other to get through life. It was also the first time Winston kissed her. He had said, "Josie, when I grow up and make something of myself, I'll never let you suffer like this again. I won't let anyone bully you."
Winston fashioned a ring from the corner of an exam paper, placed it on her finger and promised to marry her in style one day, declaring to the world that they would be together forever. Winston indeed had grown up and become successful, as he said.
Yet, he had also become one of those who bullied her. Like a shadowy rat in a sewer, their relationship couldn't bear the light of day.
Josie concentrated on picking up a glass of wine and drank it without hesitation. She drank mechanically, one after another as if she had been polished into an unfeeling machine over the years. At this point, even blood could be swallowed along with the alcohol.
She finished the last glass, placed the empty cup in front of George and forced a smile despite the overwhelming nausea threatening to overtake her. "Mr. George, it's getting late. Let's get down to business."
George crossed his arms and looked at her with newfound admiration. "What a ruthless woman. No need to look at the contract. I'll sign it directly."
Josie smiled readily. "Mr. George is indeed decisive. Clarion will not disappoint." The smile softened her stern features, making her somewhat radiant.
As George signed the contract, he glanced at Winston with a grin. "Winston, you sure have good taste, but you're a bit heartless. If you're not careful, your future wife might just run away one day and you'll have nowhere to cry."
Winston frowned. Even though Josie's actions had earned him some face, he didn't feel as pleased as expected. Just as he was about to say something to assert his absolute claim over her, Josie swayed, coughed up blood and collapsed.
Winston was shocked and was about to take it but was preempted by George, who was closer. "What are you doing? Send her to the hospital! What if she dies?"
The room was in chaos. Winston is furious when he looks at Josie, who George was holding. He was about to rush over to grab Josie, but Zelda screamed in fear. "I got cut by a shard of glass! It hurts!"
Winston hurriedly took Zelda's arm, noticing a small cut on her fair skin. Blood was seeping out. He looked at her anxiously. "Is it serious? I'll take you to the hospital."
Zelda's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at him pitifully. "I'm fine. You should check on Josie first."
Winston clenched his fists as the scene from earlier replayed in his mind. His voice turned cold. "She's already past her prime, yet she still knows how to seduce people. I told you before, that her private life is a mess. And now, seeing it for myself, I know I was right. A woman like that isn't worth my concern."
He thought of how he had forced Josie to drink, how George had joked about her running away and suddenly, a deep sense of unease crept into his heart. Would Josie really leave him?
