No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Henrik's words were not to be taken lightly. As promised, I didn't catch a glimpse of him until the day of the big game, when he mentioned that Ernest would be showing up. By then, I had lost all anticipation; disappointment had weathered away even the deepest of affections, proven by my past with Conrad and now with Ernest.

Henrik returned on the third day, just as the sun was painting the sky with shades of dawn. I was lounging on the porch swing, absorbed in the serene morning when I spotted him below, signaling me with a wave. Dressed in a light coffee-colored suit paired with casual white slacks, he was holding a bouquet of white roses. His towering height, coupled with his physique, could easily put world-renowned models to shame.

"Hey, girl, come down," he called out to me.

Descending the steps, I was immediately enveloped in his embrace as he handed me the flowers, "Good morning, princess."

Western men sure knew their romance. Despite Ernest showering me with affection, his love was always more reserved, never quite as fervent in his embraces.

However, I wasn't accustomed to Henrik's embrace and gently pushed him away, "Let's keep it proper, no unnecessary touching."

It seemed like the more defiant I was, the more amused Henrik became, probably because people of his status were so used to compliance that my resistance was a refreshing change.

"Ah, keeping it proper, I see," he chuckled, making his way to the sofa.

Following him, I inquired about the match, "When do we head out?"

They can't start without me," he said, not shying away from his influence

not just snooker but many competitive sports were subject to manipulation. Thinking about how such actions robbed hardworking athletes of their fair chance

get used to it,"

trying to make peace with my situation, the underlying tension and

stormed off towards my

change of

had me here for three days,

door, he added, "Then get ready. I'll take you

tightened, heart racing at the

was if it was Ernest, but I couldn't let Henrik see my lingering concern for him, not wanting to

feelings for Ernest had faded, I didn't wish harm upon him, especially not

out," Henrik teased, keeping the

his estate, he called the shots. So, I

good," Henrik commented as he