No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 59



The tension in the room was palpable as Herschel and Jacqueline processed my words. It was no surprise, yet the air was thick with unease.

"Sweetie, we've heard the whole story, and it's not on you. That rascal Conrad is to blame. I already gave him an earful and told him to come home and apologize to you." Before I could even speak, Jacqueline had launched into a tirade against Conrad.

Her actions, though, seemed to be a plea for me not to voice the uncomfortable truth they dreaded to hear.

Ever the more rational, Herschel cut Jacqueline off, "Let's hear what Felicia has to say."

Jacqueline's grip on my hand tightened, her eyes imploring me to reconsider, mirroring her earlier words.

I lowered my gaze, attempting to shield myself from their influence, "Herschel, Jacqueline, sorry, but Conrad and I, we've broken up."

broken only by the tightening

Herschel's voice was deep

enough to stop their objections, or the conversation would circle endlessly. Telling them

honest. "It's because of Haley. Conrad's attention to her was

her as she asked, “What has he done? For that woman to keep chasing after my son, what's going on?" Herschel's expression darkened. "Felicia, we're not fully aware of what he did outside. Tell us, and we

unaware? Rumors had reached their ears, yet they hadn't inquired further. Could

Herschel as I did, ignorance

might be

Group, but Herschel built

ground

many decisions still required his approval. He was the true puppet master, informed of

scandal with a widow was the talk of the company, impossible for Herschel to miss. He was playing dumb, waiting for me to break the

all out. "Conrad gave Haley

her into the house meant for us, and even let her buy his favorite bed linens. Worst of all,