No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 846

"Do you want to hear the truth?" Ernest asked me, his voice calm and steady.

"You promised you wouldn't lie to me," I replied, a hint of accusation in my tone. He had indeed promised, but he had already broken that vow once before.

"Licia, I had my reasons for lying before," Ernest said, his clear eyes meeting mine earnestly. "But from now on, I swear I won't lie to you again."

I lowered my head slightly, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Let's not talk about the future anymore," I said softly. "Let's just focus on the present."

When I was a kid, my parents painted bright pictures of the future for me, but they left before I could see it come to life. Later, Conrad promised me a lifetime together, but he veered off course. And Dustin, he once ruffled my hair and vowed to always take care of me, yet he let bitterness lead him astray.

Even Ernest promised to be with me forever, though he nearly got engaged to Yolande. So, I stopped dreaming about the future. I didn't want the promises of tomorrow. I only wanted the certainty of today.

For a moment, Ernest's eyes darkened, but he nodded. "Alright."

He mentioned he needed to see Conrad. I didn't ask why. If he wanted to go, he could. But when he couldn't reach Conrad on his phone, he turned to me. "His phone's not connecting. Do you have another way to reach him?"

thinking aloud. "But the company's been shut down because of Dustin's mess, and he probably wouldn't go back to the Wagner's. After Herschel and Jacqueline left, it must be hard for him. Why would

could he be? Any friends who

for a moment before dialing Ivan. "Ivan, do you know where Conrad is? I can't reach

hesitated for a moment. "Ms. Hudson, I was just about to

wasn't particularly interested in what he wanted, so I pressed

Silent Wisdom Retreat,"

aback. Why would he

and was

need to discuss with you," Ivan said, his tone suggesting it wasn't something he could say over the phone. "Is it urgent?"

would be best to meet in the next couple of

to see Conrad today," I said. I was going with Ernest, but I also wanted to see Conrad

in the afternoon at

efficiently setting the time and

you tomorrow," I