No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 63



"Hey, girl, don't forget about me." Dustin's voice broke through the silence, his large hand gently patting my head before letting go.

I hadn't shed a tear until then, but they suddenly started flowing, unstoppable.

I tried to swallow them back, fearing they'd betray my feelings, but it was in vain. The more I tried, the harder they fell. I had to turn away, not wanting Dustin to see me like that.

Dustin's hand landed on my head again, gently messing up my hair. "Crying before me is nothing to be ashamed of, get it?"

He'd said it before. And there he was, repeating it. But it felt like a blow to my already fragile pride. I turned away, hastily wiping my tears.

He seemed to understand, picking up my suitcase. "I'll put this in the car for you."

He left, and I covered my face, letting the tears flow freely.

When I went downstairs, Herschel and Jacqueline were still bustling in the kitchen, their joy at their son's return overshadowing their sorrow at losing me, their daughter-in-law. I couldn't bear to say goodbye, not wanting them to see my red, swollen eyes, afraid of their pleas for me to stay.

waiting by the car, lost in thought. Seeing me, he put on a

forcing a smile. "You've been gone four years. The city's changed. You might

smile played on his

looked down, not meeting his gaze, not wanting him to see the pain in my eyes. "I'll go now. Let's catch up over dinner

reply. As

to drive

off, he

you be

steering

out a rueful laugh, pulling

streaming down my face as I left the place I'd known

to my love. Goodbye to the person I used

seemed Dustin had spoken to Jacqueline. She

unpacked, tidied up a bit, and went to bed. I woke up the following morning,

a pact with Conrad

spend more time

amusement park, conveniently

run-ins