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.

place the feeling,

job isn't even here,"

could resign!" he

I was speechless.

looking to rent. I can't afford to buy right now," Ernest confessed without a hint of embarrassment about

guys put on a show, flaunting what they don't have to

job?" I mumbled, more to

respond, probably lost

my sympathy, and before I knew

area. The rent here

killer. For an engineer like you, aiming to work

financial situation, I added, "I could lend you some money, pay me back when you're on your

to make an arrangement with me?" Ernest's

glared at him, thinking about

he might have considered marrying me once,4 scoffed, "Wishful

the

at a real

turned to Ernest, "You go ahead and look around. I've

at home. Need to get it fixed ASAP," I

from my downstairs neighbor, informing me that water was flooding