Second chance ~ Jude Bellingham

chap 16

Over the Next Two Weeks

Over the next two weeks, the dynamic between Juliette and Jude evolved in unexpected ways. Despite their usual banter and teasing, there was an undeniable shift in their interactions. Jude, true to his recent behavior, made noticeable efforts to be more considerate and protective. He toned down his arrogance, focusing more on genuinely connecting with Juliette. This change was not entirely natural for him, and he often found himself struggling against his ingrained habits, but the thought of winning Juliette's trust and possibly her heart motivated him to push through.

Juliette, on the other hand, found herself slowly lowering her guard. She started to see Jude not just as the cocky player she had always known, but as someone capable of growth and sincerity. They spent more time together, sharing stories, jokes, and even some deeper conversations about their lives and aspirations. With each passing day, Jude's façade of arrogance cracked a little more, revealing glimpses of vulnerability and genuine care.

Despite his initial intentions being clouded by the bet he made with Rodrygo, Jude's feelings began to shift. The thrill of the competition, the chase, and the potential bragging rights started to feel hollow compared to the genuine connection he was forming with Juliette. The idea of reducing Juliette to a mere conquest began to feel distasteful. Instead of seeing her as a prize to be won, he started seeing her as a person he genuinely cared for and respected.

Jude's transformation didn't go unnoticed by those around them either. Friends and his mother saw a different side of him, one that was less focused on fleeting conquests and more on building meaningful relationships. This change in perception was crucial for Jude, as it helped reinforce his new behavior patterns and provided external validation that he could be more than his past actions.

Juliette's initial skepticism began to wane as she witnessed these changes firsthand. She couldn't help but feel a cautious optimism, hoping that Jude's efforts were genuine. She noticed the small acts of kindness, the thoughtful gestures, and the way he seemed to genuinely listen and care about her thoughts and feelings. It was a stark contrast to the Jude she had known, and it left her feeling confused and intrigued.

Their relationship subtly but steadily shifted from antagonistic to something warmer and more complex. The lines between hatred and affection blurred, leaving both of them to navigate this new, thing. For Juliette, each day brought a mix of emotions, but her hope for Jude's transformation and the possibility of a different future kept her moving forward. She found herself looking forward to their interactions, feeling a flutter of excitement at the prospect of seeing this new side of Jude.

There were moments when Juliette caught herself smiling at his texts or laughing genuinely at his jokes. She began to realize that her feelings were changing; she was starting to care for Jude in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying. This new face of Jude, one that was considerate, protective, and genuinely interested in her well-being, stirred something special and new within her.

Jude, too, found himself in a complex emotional landscape. The bet with Rodrygo still lingered in the back of his mind, a reminder of his past behavior and the superficial motivations that once drove him. But as he spent more time with Juliette, those motivations seemed increasingly irrelevant. He started to see the bet as a mistake, something that cheapened what he was starting to feel for her. Jude grappled with guilt over his initial intentions and the fear that Juliette might find out and think less of him.

Every time he looked into Juliette's eyes, he felt a mix of determination and apprehension. He wanted to prove to her that he could be better, that he could be worthy of her trust and affection. He was falling for her, and it was both exhilarating and daunting. The challenge now was not just winning her over but doing so in a way that was honest and true to the new person he was striving to become.