No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

The burning sensation in my throat scorched its way straight to my heart as I finally broke the silence between Ernest and me, "I won't disturb your ring shopping spree anymore. Goodbye!" With that, I ended the call with such force it felt like my fingers broke along with the connection.

I just stood there, motionless, until Conrad approached.

Seeing him get closer, I quickly lowered my head and sped toward the elevator entrance, passing by Conrad, I mumbled, "Wait for me, I need to pack my bags."

"I'll come up with you," Conrad offered.

"No need, I can manage on my own," I declined loudly, quickening my pace.

But Conrad followed anyway. "What's wrong?"

He had noticed something was off.

My heart was already in a sour state, and his question nearly made me burst into tears on the spot. But I knew I couldn't cry, I couldn't let Conrad see my weakness.

Back when I had decided to be with Ernest, I had boasted about it in front of Conrad with so much pride and confidence. And now, I felt as though I had been slapped in the face.

Suppressing the overwhelming sadness, I put on a facade of strength, "Conrad, it's not right for you to come up with me."

looked at me sincerely, saying, "I mean no harm. I just want to make sure nothing untoward

and frankly, I needed some space to nurse

phone proved me wrong. I hadn't let go at all, and

few words had crushed

you being a bit too cautious?" In

looked slightly embarrassed but didn't say anything

of being inescapably entangled suffocated me, especially in such a confined

numbers on

panel felt like

like I was

en

stormed out, with Conrad

need anything,"

and slammed the door shut, leaning against it. I dug my fingers into the sturdy door, trying to suppress the discomfort rising in my

been bleeding, but it was no use. It couldn't mask the pain deep within. Tears inevitably escaped. I closed my

up crouched beside the door, curling into myself, burying my face between my

his words to