No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 153



I checked my planner, and realized Herschel's birthday was just three days away.

It didn't feel right to burden him with heavy news on his special day, so I decided to deliver my gift early. That way, I could skip the festivities altogether without feeling guilty.

But before I could act on my plan, Dustin showed up out of the blue.

I hadn't seen him since we left the amusement park, and I almost didn't recognize him at first glance.

"Guess I'm a bit of a coal miner now, huh?" Dustin joked, referring to his disheveled appearance.

His comment made me think of Ernest, and I couldn't help but smile. "Your mom would have a fit if she saw you like this."

"Nah, she thinks I look more rugged this way," Dustin said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Definitely adds

his face, "I

things light, I found myself at a loss for

to visit Herschel, I asked, "How are your

Dustin's words tugged at

visit the Wagners every day after work, but since moving out, I hadn't

by today," I paused,

gaze lingered on

the

"Conrad has been aggressively undermining the company I joined, even going

on Dustin's face;

"I've talked to my dad about it. And about you quitting, he's firmly against

said again, "I was arranged by my dad as a lobbyist today. Felicia... come back." Dustin's serious

an incident from my

first time I'd seen Herschel lay a hand on someone, and Dustin took it without a tear or an explanation. His embarrassment was evident only when he caught my eye, making me wish I'd hidden to spare

shame.