The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

Chapter 180

"Hey, Nancy," Judson called out, his voice breaking through the silence like a sudden gust of wind, as he placed his hand firmly on the stack of sketches in front of her, preventing her from leafing through them any further.

Startled, Nancy looked up, her brow furrowed in mild annoyance, only to find Judson standing there, his eyes rimmed with a tell-tale redness, his face a picture of unspoken dismay.

With a sigh of resignation, Nancy said, "Judson, I'm knee-deep in work right now. Let me finish this last review, okay?"

Judson's face was a mix of disbelief and hurt as he spoke. "Nancy, don't you love me anymore? Am I less appealing than your pile of work?"

Nancy rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "That's not what I meant."

"You've ignored me for a whole week! You've barely eaten or slept properly. What's more important, your job or your health?"

Well, if she were honest, it was the job. But seeing Judson's wounded puppy-dog look, Nancy quickly changed her tune. "Health is important. How about we hit the amusement park this weekend? We could use some fun."

"Really?" Judson's eyes widened in surprise.

an amusement park. They gave me tickets

"I suppose I can manage a little happiness. But, if Nancy could give me a kiss,

amused and exasperated all at once, ready to respond when the door swung open with a suddenness that

of urgency. "Nancy, I need a huge favor, like,

Orlando replied, his brow creased with worry. "Problem is, I've already set a meeting with Mr. McBride for tonight, and I can't

partners, instrumental in introducing Lena's Studio

under pressure, nodded. "I'll handle the meeting with the

though clearly displeased, held his tongue, knowing better than to

away, as he spoke. "You're a lifesaver, Nancy,"

Orlando was gone, leaving the door to swing shut in

ghost of a whisper, "Nancy, I want to

had expected him to push back, so she surprised even herself when she said, "Sure, but you can't come into the meeting. Wait outside, grab a bite,

was as much of a compromise as he was going to get. Nancy took her work seriously,

nodded. "Alright, I'll be waiting for your