No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Even though shopping with Haley put me in a bad mood, it didn't kill my appetite.

I wolfed down a massive cheeseburger before heading back to the office. As soon as I got there, my phone rang. It was Jacqueline, Conrad's mom. Not having been home in two days, her call wasn't unexpected. "Jacquelin," I greeted.

"Felicia, sweetie, stop crashing at your girlfriend's place. Come home tonight, will you? I made mutton chops, your favorite, with black pepper," Jacqueline's offer made me chuckle.

It looked like Conrad had come up with an excuse for my absence.

I had already decided to move back to my folks' house, meaning I'd have to return to the Wagner family to pack up my things. "Jacquelin, I'll be there tonight," I said.

Just before leaving work, Deborah sidled up to me. "Felicia, you alright?"

"What's up?" I asked, puzzled.

"You know how people love to gossip around here. Just ignore them. I've seen firsthand how much Mr. Wagner dotes on you," Deborah's words made me reach out for her hand.

She instinctively hid her phone behind her back. My face turned stern. "Hand it over."

Under the pressure, Deborah handed me her phone and opened their private gossip chat. The content was similar to what I had overheard from some employees the day before, but they had dug up some past dirt on Haley and Conrad's university days, too.

They were college friends, including Haley's late husband, Aiden. There were rumors of a love triangle back in the day. That was news to me. Even though it was just gossip, there's usually some truth to it.

After returning the phone to Deborah, I drove off, but not back to the Wagner family. Instead, I headed to Jefferson's place.

He owned a popular entertainment venue in town. When I arrived, he was in the middle of a pool game. Catching sight of me, he invited, "Care for a game?"

I had been there with Conrad before, who had also been my pool mentor. Shedding my coat, I picked up a cue stick and joined Jefferson at the table. "Not bad at all. A credit to your teacher," he complimented, referring to Conrad. "Jefferson, did you attend college with Conrad?" I asked while lining up my shot.

"Yeah, why do you ask? Are you fishing for some old college gossip?" Jefferson was sharp.

"Was there something between him and Haley back then?" I asked straightforwardly.

Jefferson paused his game to look at me.

I offered a light smile. "I know you wouldn't lie to me."

"Nothing," Jefferson took his shot, sinking the ball. "I promise."

After his assurance, he looked at me. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Just curious," I replied briefly, focusing on the game.

"You are getting the marriage license tomorrow. If you've decided to be together, trust is key," Jefferson added before wishing us welb "Happy early wedding."

"We broke up," I blurted out, causing Jefferson's hand to falter mid-shot.

After a moment, he nodded, "Better to part ways now than to end in divorce later."

He was such a straight shooter. Remembering his advice from the other day, I thanked him, "Thanks, Jefferson."

"What?" He looked puzzled.

Without further explanation, I left and headed back to the

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the driveway when t

family. Conrad's car was already in

I

Approaching the house, I overheard Herschel's booming voice. "Felicia is your fiancée, and you're out there

carrying another woman at worke

You might have no shame, Conrad, but at least spare Felicia the embarrassment."

It seemed the office gossip had reached the Wagner family. I also realized why they wanted me back tonight.

"Conrad, if you don't make it right with Felicia tomorrow, don't bother coming back home," Herschel's voice thundered once more.