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.

to ask if he spent these months perfecting

complimented, under Dustin's

Dustin asked, hanging onto every

I replied, licking

Dustin's gaze deepened, his Adam's

not unexpected, considering his pursuit of

figuring it was time to give him a glimmer

feel like eating? Chinese

as someone walked in, noticed us, and

to leave, "I'll

and turned my attention back to

single bite, confident I wouldn't be hungry until the next morning after such

a message from Grant asking if someone was with me, hinting I might not

of him, but instead of responding, I tried calling Deborah, only to find her