His voice was low and husky. “Judy, you really are someone special. I promise, I’m going to treat you right…”


    Before the words had even fullynded, his lips were already on hers.


    Judy stiffened at first, her expression a little frozen, caught off guard by the sudden gesture.


    But seeing Joseph put on this show of affection, pretending to be so tender and sincere, she didn’t bother to push him away.


    Whatever.


    In the end, this was the path she’d chosen.


    And Joseph, for all his ws, wasn’t hard to look at. With that face, kissing him wasn’t exactly torture.


    With thatforting thought, Judy softened, letting herself respond more fervently.


    Joseph had only intended a brief kiss, something gentle that would reassure her and prove to her that his feelings were genuine.


    But when he felt her heat and enthusiasm, his restraint melted awaypletely.


    They began kissing passionately, lost in each other in the front seat of the car.


    What Joseph didn’t know was that, deep down, Judy was already sick of it.


    She fought the urge to roll her eyes.


    If it weren’t for his money, she wouldn’t have put up with this for half as long.


    All this time, she’d stuck by his side, yet even now, his thoughts were still on Aurora.


    How could she not be furious?


    Still, thest thing she could afford was to start a fight with Joseph now.


    That would serve neither of them any good.


    Judy took a slow<b>, </b>steady breath, doing her best to keep it all inside.


    After the kiss, Judy’s gaze shimmered as she looked up at Joseph, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his chest. “Joseph… you’re so good to me


    Joseph caught her yful hand and held it firmly, desire shing clearly in his eyes<b>. </b>“You’re my woman. If I’m not good to you, then who else would be?”


    Judy smiled sweetly. <b>“</b>You’re right.”


    “But… I still can’t get over Aurora,” she added softly, her tone dipping just enough to sound wounded. “After everything she did to you, how can we just let that go?”


    At first, Joseph hesitated.


    His father had made it crystal clear–the trouble with <b>the </bpany all traced back to someone Joseph never should’ve tangled with.


    Joseph had tried to figure it out, but the more he thought about it, the less he could pinpoint who that person might’ve <b>been</b>.


    Sensing his hesitation, Judy added a bit more fuel to <b>the </b>fire.


    “Aurora went too far,” she said with a pout, her <b>red </b><b>lips </b>curled in frustration. <b>“</b>She humiliated you in front of others, more than once.


    “If it had been me, I wouldn’t evenin. But you? You didn’t deserve that. I just… it hurts me to think about it.”


    Her words struck a nerve<i>. </i>


    Joseph pulled her back into his arms and gently soothed her<b>, </b>“Alright<b>, </b>don’t <b>get </b>so worked up. I know you mean well. I do.”


    “But this kind of thing… I can’t make rash decisions. We need to think carefully, move smart.”


    “Okay,” Judy said, sitting upright again, her voice soft but firm. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. I’ll always be on your side.”


    Joseph smiled. “Having you by my side means everything.”


    The two of them leaned into each other, lost in their little bubble.


    Just as Judy was starting to let herself sink into the moment, there was a sharp knock at the window.


    They both froze.


    Joseph was the first to react. He rolled the window down and turned to see who was standing outside.