No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I was frozen, staring at the text on my phone screen, disbelief and confusion swirling in my mind. "That jerk, what's he trying to pull?" Conrad cursed under his breath before dialing Ernest again, but this time, it went straight to voicemail.

My eyes blurred as I looked at my phone, the words swimming before me. I spun around, taking a few steps to the window, gazing out at the darkening skies.

I heard footsteps behind me, and without turning around, I said, "Can you guys give me a moment alone, please?"

Conrad and Dustin could see how upset I was. Without saying anything, they quietly left the room and gently shut the door behind them.

Tears I had been holding back finally escaped, streaming down my face.

Was I crying because Ernest had broken up with me so easily, or because of the deep-seated hurt I felt inside?

I had been longing for him to come, only for him to refuse even a glimpse of me.

It had only been a long nap, three days and three nights, but that didn't justify Ernest's cold estrangement.

Something must have happened.

Had he been seriously injured while saving me, keeping it from me to spare my feelings?

Or was there some unspeakable secret he was hiding?

family had some objection to

all sorts of wild speculations, but I forced myself to stop. Speculating

Ernest's phone off, I had no choice but to call Susie Collins, completely forgetting

at a loss

"Licia?" she said again.

trying not to let my sadness show. I didn't want to worry

call you these past few days, but my brother insisted you were busy abroad," Susie sounded more awake

Ernest made my

see my distress as she cheerfully asked,

a deep breath, steadying my voice,

to confront Ernest tomorrow. Had he

You're coming

brother, right? I'll

to dinner," Susie's voice was filled with joy, "Licia, I got paid for giving a floral

today.

liked it."

for her independence and ambition. "That's

I have so much to tell you when you get here," Susie said