No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 61



Dustin was back, and it was as much a surprise as him remembering that old landline number of my dad's.

Herschel and Jacqueline were just as shocked, staring at Dustin for what felt like forever without uttering a single word.

Dustin had been gone for four years, not once coming back home during that time. His sudden return caught me off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise too.

"What's the matter, Mom, Dad? Don't you welcome me back?" Dustin asked with a smile as he approached.

Dustin was the kind-hearted soul everyone knew him to be. During my decade with the Wagner family, Dustin was the source of warmth in this house before he left.

But unlike Conrad, who was all about grand gestures, Dustin preferred actions over words, and his kindness was not always in the spotlight.

"Dustin," I called out to him.

That seemed to snap Herschel and Jacqueline back to reality. Jacqueline let go of me and walked to Dustin, giving him a few gentle smacks, "So, you finally remember your parents, huh?"

Herschel added, "Couldn't you have given us a heads-up?"

soft

welled up in Jacqueline's eyes as Dustin hugged her.

word made Jacqueline gently hit Dustin again before pulling him into a tight embrace, mumbling, "We thought we did something wrong, that you were holding a grudge for not coming back

about? I've just been busy overseas," Dustin explained, his gaze still fixed on me. His intense look

from me and Conrad. Although Herschel seemed to come around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and Herschel's persuasion, I believed she would eventually accept

was hungry and

food. That instantly got his parents bustling into the kitchen, insisting I join them for the

in the living room with Dustin, and having said everything over the phone,

said, "I was starting

you talking about? Here is my home. I can come whenever I want," I replied, my thoughts drifting

the busy figures

realized it

my stuff and

the car, avoiding

sadness or persuasion from

and Jacqueline when it was

help you with the luggage,"

need!" Dustin immediately protested, reaching

pulled back, a

never let you carry my bags, and I'm not