Chapter 533

This all felt way too sudden.

The thought alone made Judy’s steps feel lighter as she headed back to her studio. The smile on her face never faded. In fact, it only grew brighter. But the moment she walked in and saw Joseph already waiting there, her smile faltered. She paused, caught off guard, and the cheer on her face stiffened slightly. Blinking in surprise, she asked awkwardly, “What are you doing here?” The joy she’d been wearing so openly just moments ago now softened, no longer as radiant.

She knew why he was here—it had to be about getting back together. He’d shown up a few times recently but never stayed long. Lately, he’d gone quiet, and she’d honestly thought maybe he was finally giving up. She hadn’t expected him to show up today of all days. Still, Judy reminded herself that she had plans involving him too. Since he came to her, wasn’t this perfect timing?

Joseph stared at her, eyes full of envy as he took in how energized and radiant she looked. There was a sharp glint in his gaze, his focus locked on her. “Judy, can we start over?” he said, stepping toward her. “I really don’t want to lose you again. I can’t go back to how things were. After everything we’ve been through, I know now that I truly love you.”

Judy had instinctively wanted to step back, but remembering what she needed from him, she held her ground. She let him pull her into his arms, putting on a moved expression. “Joseph, I… I don’t even know what to say…”

Her voice trembled, her expression touched and wistful. Seeing that, Joseph’s heart softened even more. He held Judy tightly. “But I really do love you. These past few weeks have made everything clear—I don’t want to be without you.”

Judy slowly wrapped her arms around him in return, her expression a mix of hesitation and sorrow. “I know what you’re trying to say, but the truth is… we’re just not right for each other anymore. This isn’t just about the two of us. It’s about our families now, too.” She said it to make Joseph face reality—to stop him from chasing something that no longer made sense.

Right now, her entire focus was on her career. She had no patience for romance, not when her goal was to crush Aurora completely, and along the way, prove every person who had ever looked down on her dead wrong. With that thought, Judy took a deep breath and tried to pull away. But Joseph only tightened his hold, refusing to let go. “Judy, please, don’t push me away. Just give me one more chance. I swear I’ll treat you right this time.”

She exhaled slowly, her patience wearing thin. She didn’t have time to sit here talking about love. “You’re still this naive after all this time?” Her voice was firmer now. “I’ve already told you that it’s not something just the two of us can decide. Even if I wanted to be with you, what would your parents say? And can’t you just grow up a little?”

Joseph stood frozen, stunned. He hadn’t expected Judy to sound so fed up with him. The Judy he remembered had always been gentle and sweet when it came to him.