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 bitter smile, sitting down at the table and picking up a

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

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

So, he wasn't Ernest.

me oscillating between hope and despair, torturing

seemed patient, waiting

down my fork

seem disappointed, just said,

don't bother," I stopped

other dishes," he seemed eager to please, as if

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

can cook for you again?" he

figured he really

"I'll

soup, made with the same care as Ernest's, surely

His soup was delicious, almost

it all by myself. It'd be a waste," I invited Phipps to share the

ate in silence, and towards the end, remembering a

you

for me?"