No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Jeez, I'm done for."

That text from Deborah just sat there staring at me for what felt like forever before I finally decided to call her. But no one answered.

Stubbornly, I tried her number again, still nothing. So, I decided to reach out to her office instead.

"Is Deborah around?" I blurted out as soon as the call connected.

"She's on leave," came the unexpected response, halting my breath momentarily. Before I could even ask, the voice on the other end inquired, "Is this Ms. Hudson?"

Surprised that they recognized my voice, I confirmed, "Yes, it's me. Why did Deborah take time off, and for how long?"

"She took personal leave, I think for three days. She's supposed to be back at work tomorrow. Ms. Hudson, you might want to try her cell," they said, still courteous despite knowing I was no longer their boss' fiancée. Worried sick about Deborah, I pressed on, "I can't reach her by phone. Do you have any other way to contact her?"

"No!"

The blunt response sent shivers down my spine. Something was clearly off with Deborah, and here I was, miles away, unable to check on her personally.

In desperation, I asked the person on the line, "It's urgent. I can't get through to her by any means. Could you perhaps visit her place and check on her?" "...Okay, I'll head there after work."

wait till you clock out. Go now, and ask your boss

"Alright, Ms. Hudson."

and immediately called Deborah's boss, who, out of respect for my past

my engagement

had fallen through, the ties had with the Wagner family meant that their employees still treated me with a

turned back to Deborah's distressing message and began

you picking up calls or

nothing matters in life except our own selves. What's making you feel like

parents and everyone who cares about you. If you do something reckless, I swear I'll

was no reply. My anxiety skyrocketed, but being so far away, I felt utterly helpless and could only wait in

sitting

she had been briefed by

warmly without any sign

place

eased

making me more anxious, and I couldn't solve