Chapter 234

**Chapter 0234: Judy’s POW**
**+25 BONUS**

Gavin wanted to take me out tonight. He sent me a text telling me to be ready by a certain time, and I was more than excited to go out with him. After I…

This morning, after leaving the kitchen, I headed straight to my room to take a long bath. I really needed some time to clear my head and wash away all the negative thoughts that had been building up in my mind.

I also tried calling Nan a few times today, but she didn’t answer.

It was morning, but now her phone was turned off and going straight to voicemail. I even sent her a couple of text messages, but they stayed unopened. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest. I hated that she was going through this.

I was really upset that Chester was putting her through this.

I knew I would see her at school tomorrow, but I needed to know she was okay right now. As I stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel, I wrapped it around myself and took a deep breath.

I pulled the plug from the drain to let the water go down. Then, I turned to look in the mirror. I looked exhausted, as if I hadn’t slept in days. I sighed, knowing it was going to take a lot to feel better.

I wanted to look nice for my date with Gavin tonight. Just then, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. I quickly turned and rushed out of the bathroom. Part of me hoped it was Nan, even though I knew I had just seen her earlier.

I knew it wasn’t likely, but I still felt a spark of hope. I pulled the door open and was surprised to see Harper standing there. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her nose was pink. It was clear she had been crying, and my heart ached for her.

I didn’t know Harper very well. During my time here, she had been a good maid and slowly started to become my friend. However, I felt closer to Chester and considered him more of a friend than Harper. That said, I didn’t want Harper to be in pain.

“Hey, Harper…” I said, my voice filled with uncertainty. “Are you okay?”

She wiped her tear-filled eyes and tried to put on a smile, but it was clear that it wasn’t genuine.

“Yeah, sorry,” she replied softly.

“I was just checking to see if you needed anything. Sorry, I haven’t been very attentive lately.”

I shook my head, dismissing her concern.

“You don’t need to worry about it, Harper,” I assured her. “It’s all good.”

“Honestly, I’m okay,” she said quickly, but I could see the worry on her face. “I think I just need a distraction,” she added.

I paused for a moment, considering her words. Yesterday had been really tough for her, and I was concerned.

I smiled and said, “Well, I have an idea.” I grabbed her arm and pulled her into my room, shutting the door behind us. She looked surprised and stumbled over her feet for a moment, which made me laugh.

“I have a date tonight,” I said.

She winced at my words, and I realized she probably didn’t want to think about dating or anything like that.

“Well, it’s kind of a date,” I continued, “Gavin and I…”

“Dating isn’t exactly easy; it’s complicated,” I told her.

Harper’s face softened, and she nodded.

“I can understand complicated,” she replied.

“I figured you could,” I said. “But I haven’t seen him in a while.”

In a few days, he wants to spend the night with me. I really want to look amazing for him, but I’m feeling a bit conflicted because I also look like I haven’t slept in years.

She looked at me for a moment, then a smile appeared on her face.

the corner of her lips lifted slightly.

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but honestly, you look kind of terrible,” she teased.

—

**Chapter 234**

I frowned at her and narrowed my eyes.

“You really know how to talk,” I replied.

I teased her right back. Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment, and I nudged her gently with my shoulder.

“I’m just kidding,” I said to reassure her. “I get it. Honestly, I think we could both use the distraction.”

“Do you really think I can help you get dressed for your not-date?” she asked.

I laughed at her choice of words and nodded.

“You have incredible style,” I said. “Honestly, I’m a bit jealous of how well you can do your own makeup.”

“Could you please do that for me?” I asked.

Her face lit up at my words, and she nodded eagerly.

“Yes, I can do that! That’s actually the perfect distraction. I’ve wanted to be a makeup artist for a long time,” she replied, her excitement clear.

“I didn’t,” she admitted.

I frowned. “Why didn’t you?”

She shrugged. “School costs a lot of money, and I don’t have that kind of money yet. That’s why I’m working here… so I can earn enough to pay for it myself.”

“I learned that through school,” she said to me.

I understood that better than anyone. It made me respect Harper even more.

“I get it,” I replied. “That’s why I tutor Matthew. I’m putting myself in a position to help.”

She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“You are?” she asked, curious. “What’s your major?”

“Combat and defense,” I replied. “I’m in Gamma warrior training.”

“That explains why…”

“I train Matthew in combat,” she said thoughtfully.

I nodded in agreement.

“What makes you want to be a gamma warrior?” she asked.

“I want to protect the werewolf Kingdom,” I admitted. “I’ve always wanted to do better.”

“I’m more determined than ever. Recently, something terrible happened to my family, and I want to make sure I can protect them from anything like that happening again.”