The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow

Meanwhile, Judson stayed totally chill on the phone, stirring oatmeal on the stove. "Not bad," he said, completely unfazed.

There was a brief silence on the other end. "Just not bad, huh? I said we should take him out, and you're not into it. You've gone soft, Judson. I hardly recognize you anymore."

Judson frowned in correction. "It's not that I don't want to. It's just not the right time yet."

Judson had his reasons for disliking Baldrick but had discovered that Baldrick had stood up for Nancy a few times when Cyrus was giving her trouble.

Baldrick punched Cyrus for Nancy, enough for Judson not to want to harm him seriously.

"It sounds like you've got your plans." The caller mused, "So, when are you planning to return? I can hardly wait for your return.'

"What's the rush? Let's wait for the next guy to make his move. Now, stop bothering me. I'm trying to make oatmeal here," Judson replied, annoyed.

This time, it was the caller who was shocked. "What did you say? Oatmeal? I thought you said you'd only cook for your dream girl. Judson, have you lost your mind, waiting for some goddess?"

Before the word "goddess" could even land, Judson quickly hung up the phone as the sound of the shower turned off.

Judson grabbed the oatmeal he'd prepared but hadn't taken two steps before he paused, his expression pensive.

Nancy had just finished blow-drying her hair and tossed the dryer aside.

The door creaked open, and the next second, Judson poked his head inside. "Nancy, guess what I've got for you?"

Nancy sighed. "Can I not guess?"

Looking downcast, Judson held out the oatmeal. "I made this for you. Please have some."

After saying that, he walked in.

Nancy intended to decline, but Judson had handed her the oatmeal. Just one look at it,

Nancy suddenly gripped Judson's hand, noticing it was red and swollen.

"Judson, what happened?"

Looking into Nancy's concerned eyes, Judson quickly shook his head. "It's nothing, Nancy. Please don't be upset. The oatmeal's not hot."

"It's not hot, and yet your hand looks like this?" Nancy's tone was fiery. "I've told you not to hurt yourself. You-"

"It was an accident, not like I did it on purpose. Plus, you promised you'd be back for dinner." Judson's eyes began to fill with tears as his vision blurred. "Nancy, you've really let me down."

Nancy was at a loss for words. She had said it in passing, not expecting Judson to take it to heart.noveldrama

Seeing Judson's tearful eyes, Nancy sighed softly and eventually took out some antiseptic wipes. "Let me clean that up for you."

Judson obediently nodded, tearfully watching Nancy.

"Does it hurt?" Nancy gently asked while cleaning Judson's wound.

Judson shook his head, then admitted, "A little, but I can bear it."

Nancy remained silent, her touch becoming gentler and more careful as she cleaned and bandaged Judson's hand.

"Judson, no more cooking, okay? It's frightening," Nancy said seriously.

Judson looked at his bandaged hand and smiled. "Does that mean you care about me?"

The pain seemed worth it.

Nancy paused, then blushed slightly. "No."

"Is that so?" Judson felt a pang of sadness but still smiled. "Then please eat the oatmeal."

Nancy looked at Judson's injured hand, then back at the warm oatmeal, and nodded.

She began to eat.

After finishing the oatmeal, Nancy felt sleepy. As she was about to speak, Judson came closer. "Go to sleep, Nancy. I'll be right here."

Nancy wanted to say more, but her eyelids drooped, and she fell asleep.

Judson lay beside Nancy, watching her sleep. His gaze lingered on her delicate features and full lips. He swallowed hard and leaned down to kiss her.

But as his lips barely touched Nancy's, Judson snapped awake and sat up straight. "No, Nancy would hate this."

Before Judson could calm down, Nancy's phone buzzed. He picked it up, careful not to wake Nancy, and stepped outside. He answered the call and didn't wait to speak.

Lenard's voice came through, sobered up. "You're not still with Baldrick, are you?"

"My wife's asleep," Judson retorted, protective.

With him around, how could he let Baldrick and Nancy be together?

Hearing Judson's voice, Lenard sighed in relief, "As long as she's not with Baldrick, I'm relieved. It scared me sober."

Listening to Lenard ramble, Judson asked indifferently, "What's with Baldrick?"

Lenard was spiteful. "Why should I tell you? You called me a lovesick fool this morning."

"Do you know how many guys in the studio have a crush on Winnie?"