No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 693

"Time for dinner," Phipps called out to me.

I didn't move, just watched him as he set the table. "Come on, give it a taste."

Under the soft glow of the lamp, he bore an uncanny resemblance to Ernest. It was almost eerie, especially the way he stirred the pot earlier. People can disguise themselves, but oftentimes, it's the little habits and gestures they can't hide.

So Phipps was my Ernest, wasn't he?

With that thought, I got up and walked over, wrapping my arms around him from behind, my cheek pressed against his back.

Phipps tensed up but didn't push me away. Instead, he said, "Dinner's ready."

"You're Ernest, aren't you?" I whispered.

Phipps didn't answer. I turned him around to face me, insisting, "There's no one else here, just you and me. Tell me you're Ernest, please?"

"I'm not," he replied coldly, shattering my fantasy.

"I am Phipps!" he stressed.

I didn't ask further, just slowly let go of his hand and even apologized, "Sorry, you cooking in that apron, even stirring the pot with your left hand three times... You reminded me so much of Ernest." Phipps's jaw tightened. "That's just a coincidence."

with a

it. Phipps noticed and asked,

wasn't because of the taste or the seasoning, but because it wasn't Ernest's

So, he wasn't Ernest.

man had me oscillating between hope

seemed patient, waiting for my

my fork and

didn't seem disappointed, just said, "I'll make something

bother," I

he seemed eager to please, as

another time. It's late," I said, brightening his

mean I can cook for you again?" he asked, his face

figured he really did want

"I'll have some

made with the same care as Ernest's, surely couldn't

His soup was

be a waste,"

silence, and towards the end, remembering a promise

you pretend

for