The words dripped with provocation, each one meant to drive a wedge between them. Judy could feel her composure starting to crack.

No wonder people said that dating the wrong man left a permanent mark. She finally understood how true that was. The mere sight of Joseph now made her stomach turn. How could she ever have been with someone like him?

Kenneth’s expression darkened. He turned to Joseph, his voice calm but firm. “I already know about that. It has nothing to do with you. I chose Judy, and that means I accept everything about her–the good and the bad.”

Joseph let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “You call that being a man? Accepting the bad and pretending it doesn’t exist?”

Kenneth’s tone stayed even, but there was a hint of contempt beneath it. “You talk about being a man, yet you stand here tearing open her wounds for everyone to see. That’s not love; that’s cruelty.”

“Cruelty?” Joseph’s brows knitted, his voice rising. “You think you can lecture me about love? Do you even know what love is?”

“I do,” Kenneth said without hesitation. “And I know what it isn’t.”

Judy straightened, stepping forward before either of them could say another word.

“This is between me and him,” she said coldly, her voice cutting through the tension. “You have no right to interfere. I know exactly what love is and I know who deserves mine.”

Her tone sharpened as she met Joseph’s gaze. “Compared to him, you’re nothing. You’re not even worth the dirt under his shoes. So do yourself a favor and leave. I’ll never go back to you.”

When she’d first seen him, shock had left her frozen, but now her head was clear. Why should she fear him? They were long over. And this wasn’t some lawless world where he could drag her away on the street. She had Kenneth now. She wasn’t alone, and she refused to be intimidated again.

Joseph’s expression shifted, the fury behind his eyes darkening. This wasn’t what he’d come for. He hadn’t crossed oceans just to be rejected. He wanted to take her back with him no matter what it took.

“So that’s your final answer?” His voice was low, dangerous. “You really won’t come with me?”

“Of course not.” Judy’s answer came without the slightest hesitation.

Joseph jabbed a finger toward her, his face twisting with fury. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. I hope you won’t regret this.”

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off. The moment he disappeared, Judy felt her knees weaken. She sucked in deep breaths, like a fish gasping for air after being pulled from the water.

Turning to Kenneth, she whispered, “You’re not angry about what I said, are you? About my choice?”

“Of course not,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Why would I be? I’m just glad you chose to stay.”

His calm steadiness washed over her like warmth after a storm. Hearing his words, Judy felt something settle deep inside her. No matter what came next, she knew she wouldn’t regret standing her ground today.

Back home, Grace reached out once again–this time inviting Aurora and Lucas to dinner that weekend. Aurora went through her schedule in her head, then checked with Lucas about his. When she saw there were no conflicts, she agreed. After all, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Better to get it over with now and avoid future tension.

When Aurora brought it up, Lucas didn’t hesitate. He could tell she’d already made up her mind, and if it was important to her, he’d stand by her.