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.

ask if he

delicious," I complimented, under Dustin's

tonight?" Dustin asked, hanging onto every word I

replied,

must have looked, Dustin's gaze deepened, his

but not unexpected,

it was time to give him a glimmer of hope after keeping him on tenterhooks for

you feel

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

to leave, "I'll see you

I let out a sigh and turned my attention

were generous, but I didn't leave a single bite, confident I wouldn't be hungry until the

finishing the meal, I checked my phone and saw a message from Grant asking if someone was with me, hinting I might

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