The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 266

Julian handed her a napkin.

"Why would you feel that way?"

Jocelyn collected herself.

"About what happened last time, I..."

Julian's expression remained perfectly gentle, as natural and unbothered as if the incident had never occurred.

"You were caught in a tough situation last time, and it wasn't your fault. If anyone should be apologizing, it's me."

"Why you?" Jocelyn asked.

Julian paused, stopping himself before he said too much.

Should he tell her that he had almost lost control and taken her right there in the car?

Probably not.

He really didn't want to ruin the connection they had.

Instead, Julian asked, "Can you promise me one thing?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Let's just completely forget what happened. Let's go back to how we were—just good friends who can talk about anything. Deal?"

That was exactly what Jocelyn had been praying to hear.

"As long as you're okay with it, I'm all in."

The corners of Julian's lips lifted slightly.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Only then did Jocelyn finally gather the courage to look at the cut on his lip.

Thankfully, it had scabbed over.

It didn't look too bad.

Maria brought out a bowl of soup for Julian.

"Mr. Vance, you're welcome here anytime. Treat this place like your own home, don't be a stranger. Since you live alone, cooking must be such a hassle. Whenever you're hungry, just come over and I'll make you something good."

Julian's smile broadened.

"I thought you guys were moving."

Maria slapped her forehead.

"Oh my goodness, how did I forget that?! Oh dear, once we move, it won't be as easy for you to visit."

"Not necessarily," Julian said. "It's actually not that far. The drive is pretty easy."

"Well, that's wonderful then!" Maria beamed. "You'll have to come visit often, and I'll make sure you're well-fed."

Julian looked at Jocelyn.

"Is that okay with you?"

Maria gasped and rushed over to gently support her.

"Mrs. Reed, why are you out of bed? Are you still hungry? If you are, I can get you another bowl."

Sylvia didn't say a word. Instead, she walked straight over to Julian and sat down right next to him.

She turned her head and reached out to touch his face.

Jocelyn quickly stood up to gently pull Sylvia's hand away.

"Mom, you can't do that. It's not polite."

Julian, however, remained completely unfazed.

"It's fine."

Sylvia stroked his cheek a few times before suddenly calling out a name.

"Ian."

Jocelyn froze.

Some deep, unexplainable instinct told her that this name was tied to her very existence.

"Mom... who are you talking to?"

Suddenly, Sylvia threw her arms around Julian.

"Ian, why did it take you so long to come back? I... our daughter was born. She was so beautiful, but..."