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

Chapter 202

Judson stood there, his face a mixture of guilt and quiet resolve, while Nancy's expression was clouded with worry and anger.

"Judson," Nancy began, her voice sharp yet tinged with concern, "I know Cyrus couldn't lay a finger on you, and even with Lenard holding him back, you could've dodged that kick."

She glanced at Judson, battered and bruised, with a broken leg. Her heart twisted at the sight. Despite herself, she admitted she was worried. Judson had come through for her more times than she could count, always at the crucial moments.

Judson caught the troubled look on Nancy's face. He hung his head, feeling the weight of her disappointment. "Nancy, I didn't mean to ignore you. I was just scared-scared you'd leave me for him." Nancy's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and something else. She grabbed his shirt collar, her voice steady yet fierce. "Judson, did you ever ask if I'd choose him? Or do you just enjoy making me worry?" Judson shook his head quickly, then nodded, his expression earnest. "I mean, if it means you care about me, then yeah, a little." His voice was hopeful. "But, Nancy, will you ever choose him?"

"Not in this lifetime!" Nancy bit out, her voice firm. "If I was going to choose him, why would I be here now?"

From the moment she had cut ties with her past, she had chosen Judson.

He nuzzled his face against her hand,

stalled for a moment, but her expression remained stern. "Will there be a next

hers, filled with an intensity that seemed

raw vulnerability. "I'm terrified someone else will take you away. Promise me you'll

him, her heart a confusing whirl of emotions. She knew it was

that. I'll go get a doctor

free and hurried out, her cheeks tinged a warm pink. Judson watched her go, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. She was his, and no one was going to take her away again. After Nancy calmed down and brought the doctor to check on Judson, they found him already asleep. The doctor assured her everything was fine before leaving, leaving the room in silence but for Judson's steady

find herself wrapped in a warm embrace moments later. Just as she was about to open her eyes, Judson's soft voice reached her ears. "Sleep, Nancy. I'm not going anywhere." Comforted by his presence and the familiar scent

night deepened, casting

a mischievous

"Judson..." he started.

an instant, Judson's eyes snapped open, shooting a warning look at