The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 414

As the eggs cracked into the pan, a drop of sizzling oil splattered onto the back of Julian's hand.

He jerked his hand back slightly, making no sound.

But Jocelyn caught the movement perfectly.

Walking over, she noticed the glistening spot of oil on his skin and frowned.

He had beautiful hands.

The proportions of his palms and fingers were striking—defined knuckles, long elegant fingers, and faintly visible veins that radiated a quiet, masculine strength.

Without thinking, Jocelyn grabbed a tissue, gently wiping away the glaring speck of oil, and asked in a soft voice.

"Does it hurt?"

Julian stiffened ever so slightly.

"No."

Jocelyn: "Let me do it. You go rest."

She had been so wrapped up in her own emotions that she had forgotten to consider if he was exhausted.

And she hadn't even thought to ask if something bad had happened to make him miss the dinner.

Julian: "Go wait outside. The smoke and grease in here aren't good for you."

A stifling sensation suddenly tightened Jocelyn's chest.

In the past, she had been utterly desperate for anyone to show her an ounce of care.

But right now, why did she feel a pang of guilt?

"I'm not that fragile. I'll take over; you go sit at the dining table."

Julian flatly refused.

"I've got it. Breathing in too much of this smoke isn't good for the baby."

Jocelyn: "The baby isn't that fragile either. Just let me do it."

Julian: "I'll do it."

After a bit of back-and-forth.

A weak voice chimed in from behind them.

"How about... I do it?"

Both of them turned around at the same time.

Kyle had his hand raised like a student in a classroom, asking for permission.

The two of them couldn't hold back their laughter.

Julian turned back to Jocelyn. "It's almost done. Go wait for me outside. Be a good girl."

Jocelyn had no choice but to surrender.

She obediently walked over and sat down at the dining table.

A short while later, Julian brought out the freshly fried eggs.

Exactly six of them.

He plated two for Jocelyn.

And four for Kyle.

Kyle was too nervous to pick up his fork.

"As long as you're okay."

Julian turned his head, gazing at her luminous profile.

"Were you worried about me?"

Jocelyn lowered her eyes, nervously pinching her fingertips.

"A little."

Maybe a bit more than a little...

Julian: "I'm sorry."

He couldn't tell her that his father had called him over specifically because of her.

It had been a rehash of their usual argument.

Only this time, the fury was far more intense.

Because he had once again mobilized significant resources to wipe out anyone who posed a threat to her.

Jocelyn tilted her head, looking into his deep, endless dark eyes.

"Why do you keep apologizing to me?"

If anyone should be apologizing, it was her.

She was always dragging him into her messes.

The man's gaze softened.

"Because I made you worry."