No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 649



Suddenly, the thought hit me - I wanted a kid of my own.

After leaving the Martins', I headed back to the office, dialing Deborah on the way. But, she just wouldn't pick up.

I trusted Dustin's intel; Deborah's silence was probably her way of dodging me. So, I texted her: "Deb, if you consider me a friend, answer my calls."

But my message might as well have vanished into thin air. No response. No callback. My hands were tied, unless I decided to confront her face-to- face.

Despite being at work, my boss was pretty lenient, so I spontaneously booked a flight to Goldbridge. No sooner had I confirmed my ticket than my boss showed up.

"Seems like Director Hudson's been too idle lately," Grant Smith said, planting himself across my desk with his coffee.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

His remark was clearly a nod to the latest buzz online. "Thinking of loading more onto my plate?"

"Well, wouldn't want you getting into too much mischief. If something happened, I fear Ernest would rise from his grave to hold me accountable," Grant joked.

"Highly unlikely," I mused. From last night to this morning, I'd mulled over the amusement park lights incident countless times. There was only one explanation: Ernest was not dead. He was very much alive and pulling the strings.

"No matter, I can't keep spoiling you. From today, you're sticking to the rules, or you'll face the consequences," Grant finally asserted some authority. "Fined, then? Fine by me," I quipped. Money was the least of my concerns.

As Fanny would say, I had no parents, no kids, no spouse - a person with nothing to lose. The money had to be spent somehow during my lifetime. "Take this seriously," Grant mistook my jest for play.

I nodded. "I am. You impose a fine, I'll accept. That's why I'll need to take the next couple of days off."

"Denied!" For once, Grant wasn't bending the rules for me.

I showed him my booked flight on my phone. "It's all set. So, Mr. Smith, you'll have to cover for me. If that's not possible... I can resign right now."

Grant's face went stiff before melting into resignation. "Felicia, you're truly incorrigible."

"Exactly. I've got money to burn. I'm not here for the paycheck," I admitted, a truth that could infuriate anyone.

My job was more about seeking a semblance of purpose, holding onto the memories I shared with Ernest here.

"Alright, you got it. But this is a

one-time thing. Don't expect me to go easy on you from here on," Grant caved, shaking his head. "Not even my own grandma would get his kind of break."

His remark cracked me up. "Thanks a bunch, granny's boy!"

"You..." Grant pointed at me, his frustration dissolving into laughter.

I laughed along, realizing it had been ages since I felt this carefree.

"Out with it, did you really do... that thing last night?" Grant awkwardly broached the topic while fidgeting with his cup.

He shouldn't have asked, but since he did, it meant someone prompted him to.

The more I thought about Ernest being alive, the more convinced I became. Still, I played dumb. "Which thing?"

Grant cleared his throat. "The whole motel shenanigan. Don't tell me you actually messed around with that guy? Felicia, if you're looking for company, at least aim for someone with class."

"Mr. Smith, you seem awfully interested in my personal life. Why's that?" I tilted my head, curious.

He avoided my gaze, focusing on his drink. Leaning in, I teased, "Mr. Smith, you don't... have a thing for me, do you?"

And with that, he choked, spewing water right across the table... and onto my face.