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?"

glanced at me, offering a soft

welled up in Jacqueline's eyes

gently hit Dustin again before pulling him into a tight embrace, mumbling, "We thought we did something

explained, his gaze still fixed on me. His

Although Herschel seemed to come around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and

he was hungry and was longing

the kitchen, insisting I join them

Dustin, and having said everything

said, "I was starting to

can come whenever I

the busy

realized it was the perfect

my stuff and

to the car, avoiding

sadness or persuasion from

Jacqueline when it was time to

with the luggage," I offered,

Dustin immediately

touched, and I quickly pulled

you carry my