No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

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I was frozen, staring at the text on my phone screen, disbelief and confusion swirling in my mind. "That jerk, what's he trying to pull?" Conrad cursed under his breath before dialing Ernest again, but this time, it went straight to voicemail.

My eyes blurred as I looked at my phone, the words swimming before me. I spun around, taking a few steps to the window, gazing out at the darkening skies.

I heard footsteps behind me, and without turning around, I said, "Can you guys give me a moment alone, please?"

Conrad and Dustin could see how upset I was. Without saying anything, they quietly left the room and gently shut the door behind them.

Tears I had been holding back finally escaped, streaming down my face.

Was I crying because Ernest had broken up with me so easily, or because of the deep-seated hurt I felt inside?

I had been longing for him to come, only for him to refuse even a glimpse of me.

It had only been a long nap, three days and three nights, but that didn't justify Ernest's cold estrangement.

Something must have happened.

Had he been seriously injured while saving me, keeping it from me to spare my feelings?

Or was there some unspeakable secret he was hiding?

Perhaps the Collins family had some objection to him dating someone like me?

My mind raced with all sorts of wild speculations, but I forced myself to stop. Speculating was futile; I needed answers.

But with Ernest's phone off, I had no choice but to call Susie Collins, completely forgetting about the time difference. "Licia," Susie's voice was groggy, clearly I had woken her up.

I was at a loss for words.

"Licia?" she said again.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you? I dialed by mistake," I lied, trying not to let my sadness show. I didn't want to worry her, especially since she was still recovering from her surgery.

"It's okay. I've been meaning to call you these past few days, but my brother insisted you were busy abroad," Susie sounded more awake now. Hearing about Ernest made my throat tighten.

Susie couldn't see my distress as she cheerfully asked, "So, Licia, when are you guys coming back?"

I took a deep breath, steadying my voice, "I'll be back tomorrow."

There were no flights today, but I was determined to confront Ernest tomorrow. Had he turned into some high-society snob who thought I was beneath him?

"That's great! You're coming back with my brother, right? I'll treat you guys to dinner," Susie's voice was filled with joy, "Licia, I got paid for giving a floral arrangement

overne

workshop online today. They really liked it."

ton

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I've always admired her for her independence and ambition. "That's amazing," I complimented.

"Licia, I have so much to tell you when you get here," Susie said sweetly.

"Alright, get some rest," I cut the call short, fearing I might give away my distress.

Hanging up, I felt even worse.

Ernest was okay, that much was clear from Susie's tone. But why would he walk away without a single glance, let alone break up with me?

Yes, I had mentioned breaking up, but it was only to scare him. How could he just agree?

What was he thinking?

I needed answers.

I was about to book a flight back home when suddenly remembered I hadn't checked on Jefferson

Daniels Shaking my head, I closed

the booking app, took a deep breath, and decided to seek out Dustin and Conrad for answers.

As I reached for the door, I overheard their conversation outside. Dustin was telling Conrad, "Ernest must have seen the news

and got the wrong idea about Felicia still having feelings for you. That's why he's acting this way towards her."