Chapter 108 The Bachelor's Agreement
The contract made it clear that their sham marriage had to remain concealed; both he and Kristina were bound to its terms.
Even as he was explaining, Judson couldn't give away the full story. He just hoped Eula would trust him.
Eula looked at him: "Your grandfather really likes Kristina, doesn't he?"
He had mentioned before that his grandfather urged him to marry Kristina.
Judson softly grunted in agreement, puzzled because the two families barely interacted. Maybe it was just an old acquaintance, nothing more.
Afterward, the two fell silent as they returned to Starry Villa.
Eula headed to the kitchen to make sweet corn chowder while Judson went upstairs for a shower, putting on his robe before coming back down. He turned on the TV while sitting on the couch, but he wasn't really watching. His gaze kept drifting toward the kitchen, and eventually, he got up and walked toward it.
Eula stood at the counter, preparing a sweet corn chowder - a recipe that was sleep-inducing and wouldn't lead to weight gain. Mary had recently taught her how to make it.
She appreciated the job Judson had given her; it was a saving grace, allowing her to provide for her child without juggling several jobs. No more racing against time, and she could even enjoy nights out like this evening, taking in the city's beautiful nightscape.
It had been years since she'd taken the time to look out at the world, to even glance up at the sky.
Judson approached her stealthily, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, his cheek brushing against hers.
Startled, Eula instinctively tried to pull away.
He held her firmly, "Teach me how to make it?"
Judson wasn't really interested in learning to cook. He just wanted to be close to her, enjoying the kitchen's warmth as they made the sweet soup together. It felt pretty good to be in her embrace like this.
"Judson, let go of me. It's hard to stir it like this," she said, trying to find an excuse to loosen his grip.
In truth, the soup didn't need stirring. She was just looking for a way out.
Hearing the quiver in her soft voice, Judson chuckled lowly and released her. "Scared of me?" He stood close, turning his head to look deeply into her eyes.
Eula turned the stove down and shook her head. "No, it's not that. It's just... Judson, you might not realize I really dislike the idea of being 'the other woman.' I don't want to be that person, and I don't want to put you in a tough spot either."
There was a part of her that wanted to snatch Judson away from Kristina, to make her feel the pain her mother had experienced years ago.
But she couldn't do it – she was human, unlike that heartless mother-daughter duo.
Judson understood her now. His relationship with Kristina was complicated and not something they could openly clarify, which was why it bothered her.
"Is it ready yet?" he asked, his voice suddenly cool. Eula liked this side of him more.
"Almost. Where do you want to drink it, Judson?"
He pointed to the living room. "Let's have the soup together in the living room."
His tone was commanding, and Eula, who had planned to leave after cooking, reconsidered. The room was tidy; there was nothing she needed to fix.
Judson, poker-faced, returned to the living room and grabbed his phone to message a group of bachelor friends:
The Bachelor One, “Guys, out with it – how do I chase a woman?”
Bachelor Two: “Damn, this group’s back.”
Hugo then nudged Elbert Hicks: "Judson's asking for advice in the group."
Bachelor Three: “I've never struck out with the ladies. Come out, junior, and I'll teach you a thing or two.”
Elbert Hicks had his fair share of romances. Despite being in the military, he always managed to charm the ladies, some even visiting him on base.
