No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Will Ernest regret it?

I have no clue, but just the thought of him walking away so decisively sends a sharp pain through my heart.

With each passing second, the pain intensifies, making me toss and turn all night, unable to find any sleep.

Breaking up with Conrad never hurt this bad.

I somehow made it till dawn, got up, got ready, and headed to the office.

There, I'd see Ernest. I wanted to see how well he slept, given the rough night I had.

To cover up my weariness, I put on some makeup and went to the office.

And as fate would have it, I bumped right into Grant Smith at the office lobby. He greeted me with his usual enthusiasm, waving, "Director Hudson, good morning."

Every time he sees me, it's like he's found a long-lost family member, his excitement barely contained, almost ready to hug me and burst into tears.

"Good morning, Mr. Smith!" I nodded slightly.

"How come you're alone? Didn't bring your other half with you?" Grant asked with a grin.

The term "other half" hit harder than if he'd just mentioned Ernest by name. My already aching heart twisted further at his words, and I managed a strained laugh, "Other half? Did Mr. Smith assign me a new one?"

off, waving someone over, "Look, isn't

the fancy clothes from last night,

he still showed up to work here, given

his company. Jeremy was just a

while he had listed all my faults last night, he

hid his true identity,

guard against me, fearing I'd be with him just for

anger flared up

I might lose my cool, I started to walk away, but Grant called

shouted to Ernest, saying, "Mr. Collins, hurry up, don't keep your

landing on

I

oblivious, could tell something was off

and teased, "Mr. Collins

Hudson and I were just talking about you. She doesn't quite recognize

how to lighten the mood, "Mr. Collins, those dark circles are quite something.

Grant's comment

much salt today,"

stir-fry this morning.