No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Mentioning my father, Dustin fell silent, acutely aware that his own father was responsible for my dad's death.

"I guess I'll never enjoy meatballs the same way again," I said, looking at the dish Phipps had prepared, my words lacking sincerity.

I couldn't let Dustin suspect Phipps. I was now certain that Phipps was Ernest in disguise, which meant he had a purpose.

Though I wasn't privy to his motives, my role was clear: cooperate and avoid causing trouble.

"Felicia, I'm truly sorry about your parents," Dustin said, displaying the expression of a man burdened by guilt.

His pretentiousness sickened me, but I placated him against my better judgment, "It's not your fault."

He managed a bitter smile, "Felicia, you're a kind soul."

Yes, foolishly kind. I once thought I could forgive the harm his parents inflicted on mine, but I've realized that's beyond me.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, I turned my attention to the creamy pumpkin soup before me, its sweet, milky flavor providing a semblance of comfort. Phipps' culinary skills were undeniable, even surpassing Ernest's previous attempts.

have to ask if he spent these months perfecting

I complimented,

have plans tonight?" Dustin asked, hanging onto every word

just speaking off the cuff," I replied,

how enticing that must have looked, Dustin's gaze deepened,

invitation was sudden but not unexpected, considering his pursuit of

to give him a glimmer of hope after keeping him on tenterhooks for days. "Sure!"

do you feel like

Dustin, you decide," I replied just as someone walked in, noticed

his cue to leave, "I'll

gone, I let out a sigh and turned my attention back to the meatballs Phipps had

I didn't leave a single bite, confident I wouldn't be hungry until the next morning

the meal, I checked my phone and saw a message from Grant asking if

tried calling Deborah, only