No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

At this moment, I couldn't push him away. I needed redemption.

Even if it was just for a fleeting moment.

Suddenly feeling lighter, Ernest scooped me up in his arms, while Jacqueline called out to both of us, "Felicia, Ernest, you two..."

"I'm taking her home first. Whatever decision she makes, we can talk about it later," Ernest said, then carried me away swiftly.

As he put me in the car, I grabbed his shirt, buried my face in his neck, and started crying my eyes out.

Ernest didn't move, just letting me cry, letting my tears and snot smear all over him.

This time, I cried until I couldn't breathe, and he ended up taking me to the hospital. Lying there, I finally calmed down, but my mind was a complete mess.

I didn't even know what to do next.

Call the police and get Herschel arrested for what he did to my parents?

But that wouldn't be revenge, just bringing a vile man to justice.

Even so, it meant nothing to me because what I had lost couldn't be brought back.

The thought made me restless, tumultuous waves crashing in my heart, leaving me feeling utterly helpless. Even if Herschel and Lord were caught, even if they died, it wouldn't fill the void in my life.

I had never felt so helpless, like a solitary boat adrift at sea.

"Do you want some water?" Ernest asked, noticing I was awake.

I barely fluttered my eyelashes, "Ernest, tell me, what should I do?"

He extended his long arms, pulling me up to sit, and offered me a glass of water, "Drink some water first."

I didn't take the glass, just looked at him as if he was the only one who could pull me out of this abyss.

He brought the glass to my lips, "Your voice is hoarse."

Hoarse, was it?

I hadn't even noticed.

But even as he said that, I didn't open my mouth.

Seeing my resistance, he showed a hint of helplessness, "Please."

Those words made my heart clench, and tears started falling again.

It had been so long since he had spoken to me with such tenderness, I thought he never would again.

I opened my mouth, taking a sip from the glass he held, but I choked after just one gulp.

Ernest quickly put down the glass and pulled me into his embrace, patting my back to help me catch my breath.

I took the opportunity to wrap my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest.

Ernest tensed up for a moment, but after I stopped coughing, he whispered, "Now, we are bound by a blood feud."

My heart skipped a beat, understanding his reminder.

I didn't say anything, just held him tighter.

Ernest didn't push me away or say anything more. I just stayed there, nestled in his arms, soaking in the peace and warmth I hadn't felt in days.

Until my phone began to ring. Ernest softly reminded me, "Your phone."

I didn't want to answer it and remained silent.

"Felicia," he called out my name.

His tone felt stiff and distant. He used to call me Licia.

My heart twisted in pain,

remembering that his father wasz responsible for my parents' deaths. With a hoarse voice, I whispered, "Ernest, if only I had never met you, that would have been better."