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'd been holding. He nuzzled his face against her hand,

her expression remained stern. "Will there be a next time for this

hers, filled with an intensity that seemed to burn.

filled with a raw vulnerability. "I'm

emotions. She knew it was all a bit much, but there was something undeniably genuine in

I'll go get a doctor to take

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

over her, and she slowly drifted off to sleep, only to 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 of his cologne mixed

the night deepened, casting long shadows through the

a mischievous grin curling his lips as he saw Judson

"Judson..." he started.

eyes snapped open,