Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 93

The walk wasn’t long, and she figured it’d help her work off that big lunch. When she got to the library, her regular spot from the morning was already taken, so she grabbed another seat. She’d barely gotten settled when Judy showed up, all sunshine and smiles.

“Afternoon, Rebecca!” Judy called out, grinning wide as she pulled out the chair across from her and sat down. She slid one of the two coffees she’d brought over to Rebecca’s side of the table.

Rebecca had already had coffee at lunch, but with Judy looking so happy, she just couldn’t say no. “Thanks.”

Judy’s eyes sparkled. “Did you just get here too?”

Rebecca paused for a second. “No, I was here this morning. I just had to run out around noon. I’m back now.”

“Oh, got it.” Judy seemed like she wanted to chat more, but when she saw Rebecca dive straight into her books, she didn’t push it. Soon, she got lost in her own studying too.

Time slipped by until the sun dipped down, painting the sky with gold and pink. Judy stretched, arms over her head, and let out a quiet sigh. Whenever she studied with Rebecca, she always got so much more done. Way better than being stuck at home, staring at the ceiling.

She leaned over, hopeful. “Rebecca, can I study with you every week? I get so much more done when you’re around. It just feels easier to focus.”

She sounded so sweet and genuine that Rebecca felt her heart melt a little. It reminded her of how Lottie used to call out her name with the same affection. But that was a long time ago… People really do change, just like that.

Rebecca didn’t exactly say yes or no. She just smiled. “If we bump into each other, sure.”

Judy heard what she really meant and couldn’t help feeling a little let down.

Rebecca started packing up her books, but then a sudden pain twisted in her stomach. She set her things down and hurried to the bathroom. Her period had just started. Thankfully, it wasn’t too heavy. She could make it home.

When she came back, Judy was still there. She took one look at Rebecca’s pale face and the way she was holding her stomach, and immediately understood.

Judy rushed off, then came back with a cup of ginger tea. “Here, drink this. It should help a little.”

Rebecca pulled away, her voice weak. “No, it’s nothing serious.”

Paul’s frown deepened. She was clearly hurting, but still trying to brush him off.

He gently took her wrist. “Your health comes first. I know you want to keep your distance because of Bruce, but don’t mess around with your body. Come on, I’ll drive you.”

Rebecca tried to pull free, but Paul wouldn’t let go. She was honestly at a loss for words. How was she supposed to explain that these were just period cramps, not some emergency?

Judy stepped in. “Paul, relax. Rebecca’s just on her period. It’s cramps.”

Paul froze, finally letting go. Cramps?