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?"

at me, offering a soft smile. "Wanted to

up in Jacqueline's eyes as Dustin hugged

him into a tight embrace, mumbling, "We thought we did something wrong, that you were holding a grudge for

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

the subject from me and Conrad. Although Herschel seemed to come around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and Herschel's persuasion,

he was hungry and

the kitchen, insisting I join them for

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

silence, Dustin said, "I was starting to think you wouldn't come

Here is my home. I can come

the busy

I realized it was

to pack my stuff

to the car,

sadness or persuasion from

and Jacqueline when it was time to

the luggage," I offered,

immediately protested, reaching

pulled back, a

let you carry my bags,