No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Huh?! I was utterly shocked.

Pregnant?! Where did that come from?

Ernest was so close to me, close enough that I could once again catch the crisp and invigorating scent that was uniquely his.

This scent that belonged only to him made my breath catch, and a slight ache began to spread across my chest...

It was only at this moment I realized that the aftereffect of being apart from him was like the cider in a midnight bar, already fermented...

It was just my stubbornness that kept me pressing down the sour discomfort, even managing a smile as I looked at him, "What are you talking about? Has Mr. Collins taken up sleepwalking and hysteria?" Ernest's jaw clenched tight as he demanded, "Answer me."

He clearly wanted a definitive answer from me.

That would be a no.

I was definitely not pregnant, I was clear on that. But why would he suddenly think I was?

Had he heard something, or did I give him that impression somehow? Or was he suddenly afraid that I was pregnant, worrying it would affect something?

By the end, my heart was rolling with anger again. I was actually curious to see what his choice would be if he knew I was pregnant.

if I said yes?" I found myself holding my

stepped even closer. "You're not lying

grabbed my shoulder, "Why

to ignore the first part of his question, thinking about how he went to Houston and didn't see me, how he misunderstood me and wouldn't listen to my explanation, and even after listening, he still insisted on breaking up. I scoffed, "Did you

face grew even colder, looking almost predatory. I felt a pang of pain as he gripped my shoulder tighter, I struggled, trying to

sank at his words, a wave of despair engulfed me, leaving me momentarily

called out more

used to call me Licia, and now he addressed me

it extended to

me, he could give me all the tenderness in the world. Now that he didn't want me, all I

before finding my voice again, "What for?

Ernest frowned, "What?"

pushed him away with one

if I really was pregnant, the baby would be mine,

ide its fate."

my tears finally broke free in front

through several changes,

all the little things he and his friend Grant had been up to these past days, my anger burst. forth, "What does it matter