No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Dustin walked over with a frosty look, confronting his parents head on.

Immediately, Herschel's face soured, "Dustin, are you really set on walking this dark path?"

Dustin met their gaze, "In my memory, ever since my brother was born, everything changed. Mom and Dad coddled him, loved him, while I was sidelined. You'd tuck him in bed with you, and I'd be left alone, scared, huddling under the covers in my own room." "You said he was just a baby, but did you ever think? I was only a few years older, still a child myself, also craving my parents' affection."

"He took everything from me my toys, my clothes, my everything. You didn't care about what I wanted; as long as he desired it, you'd use the 'big brother' card on me, expecting me to give in."

"Under your manipulation and threats, I became the brother who always had to give way to him. It became a habit, even if I liked something, I'd let him choose first. If he took it, I'd be left to cry in the middle of the night."

Dustin's words visibly shook their parents, and I could see the hurt in his eyes.

He had bottled these feelings up for over twenty years, and today, they finally came pouring out.

"Then, Felicia came into our lives, and I liked her the moment I saw her. But you said she was destined for Rad, my brother. Again, I had to hide my feelings..."

Dustin's gaze met mine as he spoke, his love twisted but undeniably pure.

"Then you handed the company over to Rad, coming up with all sorts of praises for me, all to send me abroad. In the four years I was overseas, how often did you visit? Not once did you ask me to come back, not even for Rad's engagement..."

guess what? Your plans fell through anyway, and I seized my chance to come back home. But you

that hurt me? I've doubted countless times

I was here first, the one you loved first, so why do I

I've managed to swallow

maybe because I'm

charming of

when Rad and Felicia

I

my

you're afraid your favorite son might

Why do I always end up being the

tension in his voice

are you the less

should ask yourself that," Conrad interjected, heightening

was the spark

QUMS