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.

the feeling, but it was

job isn't even

resign!" he

I was speechless.

to rent. I can't afford to buy right now,"

what they don't have to keep

you're considering quitting your job?" I

probably

stirred my sympathy, and before I knew it, I was

The rent here must be through the roof." he

work in this area, finding a

silent, and thinking of his financial situation, I added, "I could lend you some money, pay me back

with me?" Ernest's

glared at him, thinking about

considered marrying me once,4 scoffed, "Wishful thinking. I'm holding out

clouded over, and as I started the car, I suggested, "Let's

real estate

and turned to Ernest, "You go

home. Need to get it fixed

downstairs neighbor, informing