No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 88



"Ernest, what's your game here? Blackmailing me with our past and last night's events, is that it?" I confronted him.

"No," he muttered, avoiding my gaze.

His evasion was a clear indication of his guilt. I clenched my fists, feeling a sudden urge to give him a piece of my mind, physically.

"I'm a stranger in these parts, what's wrong with asking for a little help? I've had your back before," Ernest spoke up again, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

It felt as though by not helping him, I'd be the one betraying a debt of gratitude.

Debts, whether of money or of favors, always come due.

I sighed. "Alright, Mr. Collins, where would you like to go today? Got any shopping to do? Just tell me, and we'll head out."

"I was thinking of apartment hunting," he said, catching me off guard.

"Apartment hunting? I thought you were just here temporarily?" I asked, puzzled.

"I might not be going back, so I thought I'd look around in advance," Ernest's words felt like a punch to the gut.

couldn't place the feeling, but it was definitely

even here," I reminded

resign!"

I was speechless.

now," Ernest confessed without a

guys put on a show, flaunting what they don't have to keep up appearances, Ernest was

job?"

didn't respond, probably lost in

admission of financial hardship unexpectedly stirred my sympathy, and before I knew it,

the downtown area. The rent here

work in this

I added, "I could lend you

an arrangement with me?" Ernest's reply took me

glared at him, thinking about

between us, and the thought that he might have considered marrying me once,4 scoffed, "Wishful thinking.

started the car, I suggested, "Let's head to the

a real estate agency in the suburbs, my

I ended the call and turned to Ernest, "You go

Need to get it fixed

neighbor, informing me that water