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.

I'll have to ask if he spent these months perfecting

delicious," I complimented,

tonight?" Dustin asked, hanging

the cuff," I replied,

must have looked, Dustin's gaze deepened, his Adam's apple bobbing, "How about dinner together

but not unexpected, considering

was time to give him

"What do you feel like eating? Chinese

Dustin, you decide," I replied just as someone

his cue to leave, "I'll see you tonight

I let out a sigh and turned my attention back to

confident I wouldn't be hungry until the next morning after such a

a message from Grant asking if someone was with me,

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