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."

him," I said with a bitter smile, sitting down at

as soon as I tasted it. Phipps noticed and asked, "Not good? Too salty or

answer. My frown wasn't because of the taste or the seasoning,

So, he wasn't Ernest.

man had me oscillating between hope and despair, torturing me with

seemed patient, waiting for my

put down my fork and lied,

just said, "I'll make something

don't bother,"

okay. I can make plenty of other dishes," he seemed eager to please, as if he

know, but let's save it for another time. It's late," I said, brightening

for you again?" he asked, his face lighting

I figured he

nodded, "I'll have

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

I was right. His soup was delicious, almost as good as

me, I can't finish it all by myself. It'd be a

ate in silence, and towards the end,

you

Ernest for me?"