No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Felicia, just take a deep breath and hear Herschel out," Jacqueline soothed me.

Herschel adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Felicia, would you believe me if I said I never intended to take your dad's life?"

Lord had made his intentions clear, and now Herschel wanted to backtrack?

I was all ears now.

"Your dad had a knack for business that I couldn't match. But he wanted to go solo, not partner up. I knew if he got involved, Seabreeze City would be his oyster," Herschel paused for a moment.

"Everyone's selfish by nature. So, back then, all I felt towards your father was jealousy and resentment. It felt like he was looking down on me, wanting to make a fortune all by himself."

"Just when I was fuming over his refusal to join forces, he landed that contract with Lord. I was vying for it too, but out of everyone, he was the one who succeeded. It just proved his extraordinary business acumen all over again."

"I knew that contract was a stepping stone to success. Driven by jealousy and the desire to win, I thought about taking that project from him."

Herschel took off his glasses, shaking his head, "So, I had someone scare your parents into giving up the partnership with Lord. But, the person took matters into their own hands to 'solve' the problem permanently."

ran cold as Herschel clearly shifted

those ill intentions. I can't shirk the responsibility; I am the reason your parents are gone. Despite my success, I've been living with this guilt..." I cut him off before

expression faltered as he nodded slightly. At this point, Jacqueline chimed in, "Felicia, it's not entirely like that.

looking out for me because I might be Conrad's lifeline someday, right?" "Felicia," Jacqueline began, shaking her head

selfish thoughts, but our affection for you

bought with my parents' lives, their way of dealing with

off me; I can now rest in peace," Herschel looked genuinely relieved. "You're at peace, but what about my parents? How can they rest in peace?" I

Tears streamed down Jacqueline's

Herschel has been tormented by his conscience for ten years, barely sleeping, often waking up

that doesn't bring my parents back. Their lives were

the pain of losing my

I know nothing I say

е

any punishment or demands you have," Herschel coughed,