No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Felicia, just take a deep breath and hear Herschel out," Jacqueline soothed me.

Herschel adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Felicia, would you believe me if I said I never intended to take your dad's life?"

Lord had made his intentions clear, and now Herschel wanted to backtrack?

I was all ears now.

"Your dad had a knack for business that I couldn't match. But he wanted to go solo, not partner up. I knew if he got involved, Seabreeze City would be his oyster," Herschel paused for a moment.

"Everyone's selfish by nature. So, back then, all I felt towards your father was jealousy and resentment. It felt like he was looking down on me, wanting to make a fortune all by himself."

"Just when I was fuming over his refusal to join forces, he landed that contract with Lord. I was vying for it too, but out of everyone, he was the one who succeeded. It just proved his extraordinary business acumen all over again."

"I knew that contract was a stepping stone to success. Driven by jealousy and the desire to win, I thought about taking that project from him."

Herschel took off his glasses, shaking his head, "So, I had someone scare your parents into giving up the partnership with Lord. But, the person took matters into their own hands to 'solve' the problem permanently."

My blood ran cold as Herschel clearly shifted the blame.

"Felicia, while I never wished for your parents' death, the events wouldn't have unfolded if I hadn't harbored those ill intentions. I can't shirk the responsibility; I am the reason your parents are gone. Despite my success, I've been living with this guilt..."

I cut him off before he could finish, "So, you turned your guilt into kindness towards me, is that it?"

Herschel's expression faltered as he nodded slightly. At this point, Jacqueline chimed in, "Felicia, it's not entirely like that. We genuinely care for you." Reflecting on my rare blood type, the same as Conrad's, I scoffed, "You're only looking out for me because I might be Conrad's lifeline someday, right?"

"Felicia," Jacqueline began, shaking her head in denial.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Herschel, more honest, admitted, "We did have selfish thoughts, but our affection for you is real."

Their affection was bought with my parents' lives, their way of dealing with guilt.

"Felicia, everything I've said today is the truth. Speaking out has lifted a weight off me; I can now rest in peace," Herschel looked genuinely relieved. "You're at peace, but what about my parents? How can they rest in peace?" I couldn't help but lash out.

Tears streamed down Jacqueline's

face, "Felicia, I'm so sorry... Herschel

has been tormented by his

conscience for ten years, barely

sleeping, often waking up in terror. His illness is his punishment."

"But that doesn't bring my parents back. Their lives were cut short because of your selfishness," I accused.

Despite their kindness, the pain of losing my parents early was irreplaceable.

"Felicia, I know nothing I say now will make a difference. So, I'll accept any punishment or demands you have," Herschel coughed, with Jacqueline rushing to his side.

He gestured for her to stop and took a deep breath, "Felicia, I never told Jacqueline about what I did to your parents. She was in the dark until

just before you arrive

today."

Herschel paused to catch his breath, "Felicia, Jacqueline never harmed your parents, nor did she partake in it. Please, don't hold it against her, okay?"

Jacqueline, tears staining her face, shook her head at Herschel, "Please, stop talking."

He patted her hand, saying, "Stop crying, and call the police."

Jacqueline buried her face in his arm, her hands pounding on his back...

The living room was drenched in sorrow, and I felt like I was suffocating, gasping for air. "Mr. Wagner, it seems your story is missing a character," Ernest broke the heavy silence.