Chapter 637 Take the Initiative
Jude stared at Tilda in shock. He couldn’t believe she’d actually said that.
Tilda pouted. “We’ve already hugged, kissed, done everything a couple does. And now, you want to back out? You’re really telling me you won’t marry me?”
Jude panicked, stumbling over his words. “No! Tilda, that’s not what I mean! I’ve been waiting for this moment longer than anyone. If you want, we can get married today!”
Seeing how flustered he was, Tilda laughed and pinched his cheek. “Relax, I’m just messing with you. After everything we’ve been through, how could I not know how you feel about me?”
“Then… should we do it now? Should we get married?”
Jude ached to see Tilda’s name listed as his wife, written beside his own.
“Of course, we’ll marry, but there are more important things we need to deal with first, don’t you think?” Her tone shifted, suddenly serious as she looked at him.
Jude caught her hand, his voice low and desperate. “That doesn’t mean we can’t marry right away. We could keep it quiet – no one ever has to know. You can choose any day you like…”
“What is this, some marry-now, love-later melodrama? We’re not actors, and I’m no starlet. But…”
Jude’s gaze pulled her in, making her hesitate. Should we just go through with it? She had already made up her mind that he was the only man she wanted. Tilda had never been one to drag her feet – when she decided on something, she acted.
“I can’t yet. I need to take you to meet my three seniors, and we have to find our mentor first. He has to meet you before we make any decisions. By the way, I asked before if you could help me track him down. Any luck?” The question had almost slipped her mind.
Since discovering that Harvey was still alive somewhere, she and her three seniors had never stopped searching. She had even tapped into her Comet Squad clearance and government resources, poring over servers and satellite feeds for any sign of him. But Harvey had left no trace. A man capable of training Tilda and her seniors would never be easy to uncover. If he wanted to disappear, he could.
She hadn’t been expecting anything when she asked the question. But Jude’s answer caught her off guard. “I think I might have something.”
“What?!” Tilda’s eyes widened. “You actually found a lead on my mentor?”
“I’ve already sent people to check. I didn’t want to say anything until I had proof – I didn’t want to raise your hopes too soon. But trust me, I’ll give it everything I’ve got. The moment I know more, you’ll be the first to hear.”
Jude had never once broken a promise to her. The only reason he had stayed quiet was that he hadn’t been sure.
Tilda nodded quickly, her eyes bright. “Yes! Jude, I believe you! I’m counting on you!”
Finally! We’re getting close. Even if it’s just a possibility, at least there’s hope.
“Tilda, how do you think I should be rewarded for all this effort?” Jude’s fingertips brushed against her lips, his meaning unmistakable.
She understood right away. Smiling, she leaned in, straddled his lap, and caught hold of his tie. With a tug, their lips met. When it came to moments like this, Tilda always preferred to take the lead.
The next day.
After lying in a coma for several days, Justin finally opened his eyes. Wade, who had been at his side, rushed to wake the others. “Dad! Mom! Justin’s awake!”
Russell, Blair, Kayden, and Kyla hurried in. “Justin, you’re awake! How do you feel?”
“Dad… Mom…” Through his dazed vision, Justin saw the familiar faces around him. “How did I end up here?”
Russell hesitated. “You don’t remember anything?”
“I… I only remember going to Sky Dining for dinner… and then – Ah! My head hurts!” He grabbed his head in pain. Blair quickly soothed him. “It’s okay, Justin. Don’t force it. Kyla, get the doctor. Kayden, bring him some water.”
“Got it!”
Kyla returned with the doctor, who gave Justin a full examination. “The trauma caused temporary memory loss. Physically, he’s fine now. If you’d like, he can be discharged today. Some rest at home will speed up his recovery.”