The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 125

"I'm the reason you got an upset stomach," Jocelyn said. "I didn't realize that milk was expired."

"Did Liam tell you?"

"Yeah."

"Back in college, there was a period where my eating habits were terrible, and I pulled all-nighters constantly. Over time, I completely ruined my stomach."

"So it wasn't the milk's fault. It's my own issue."

Jocelyn was taken aback.

Normally, someone born into Julian's kind of wealth could have easily coasted through life. Not only did he refuse to coast, but he actually skipped meals and worked through the night?

Julian guessed her confusion and offered an explanation.

"To be honest, I don't really like being called a trust fund kid. Whatever accolades or success I have, I want them to be earned by my own abilities."

"Of course, I can't deny that being born into money gave me a head start and privileges others didn't have."

"During those college years, to prove my worth, I was dead set on developing quadruped and humanoid robotics."

"So for a long time, I barely ate or slept. It took a massive toll on my energy."

Jocelyn sat there, stunned.

She quickly did the mental math, tracing back the timeline.

Julian was two years older than her, which meant...

Jocelyn gasped. "Wait, the humanoid robots unveiled at the CES keynote and the Winter Olympics opening ceremony—you developed those?"

"To be precise, my team and I did," Julian corrected.

Jocelyn was so amazed she didn't know what to say.

There really was always someone better out there.

Twenty minutes later, a steaming hot breakfast was placed on the table.

Fresh-pressed green juice and a homemade scallion omelette.

Simple.

It was simple, but the savory aroma of the omelet made Jocelyn’s mouth water instantly.

"When I'm eating alone, I usually keep breakfast pretty simple," Julian said.

Jocelyn involuntarily leaned closer to the table.

"You... made this omelette?"

Julian untied his apron. "Want a taste?"

Unable to resist, Jocelyn took a bite.

It was incredibly good.

Jocelyn knew exactly what he meant and smiled. "I used to drink it all the time before I got pregnant. A little bit now won't hurt."

"Not recommended for pregnant women."

"Just a tiny bit is fine."

"Best to avoid it entirely."

"Come on, half a cup won't do anything! I haven't had it in so long. Just let me have a little."

The moment the words left her mouth, she realized how intimate the vibe had gotten.

She suddenly became hyper-aware that she sounded like she was whining, almost playfully begging him. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks.

Julian, however, didn't seem bothered. His tone remained gentle.

"Alright. Just a little."

By the time Jocelyn finished brewing the coffee, Julian had already wrapped up his cleaning and was sitting on the sofa.

She walked over with the mugs while he was on a phone call.

Jocelyn placed the cup in his hand.

Julian reached for it naturally.

The dynamic between them felt like old friends who had known each other for years, completely devoid of any awkwardness or distance.