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Chapter 10 

Fanny held back her following words. She didn’t spell it out, but I got the message loud and clear. She thought Conrad wasn’t in love with me enough. 

If he truly loved me, he wouldn’t have left me in the middle of our sex. If he loved me, he wouldn’t be out comforting another woman in the middle of the night. 

Though tragic, his buddy’s widow didn’t warrant such overstepping boundaries from him! 

“You said you were thinking of calling it quits, right? Then say your goodbyes sooner rather than later. The next one might be a real prince charming. Fanny tried to cheer me up. 

I remained silent. Giving up on Conrad was one thing, but what about the Wagner family? The Wagner family had become my home. Herschel and Jacqueline treated me like their daughter. They raised me through the years, especially Jacqueline. She was like my mother teaching me how to handle my first period and washing my soiled clothes.} 

Fanny sensed something in my silence. “Licia, maybe we’re jumping to conclusions. Think about how good Conrad has been to you over the years, always introducing you as his girl, Maybe he’s just too kind–hearted, looking after a widow, I doubt he’s interested in playing stepdad, especially to a pregnant widow” 

The way Haley looked at Conrad crossed my mind. “What if it’s unrequited love on her part?” 

“What?” Fanny was momentarily stunned before sighing, “It’s possible. Conrad is the dream husband for many women, especially a lonely widow 

“The more reason Conrad should keep his distance. A woman in her vulnerable state can cling to the slightest affection as a lifeline.” Fanny added, pausing briefly. “I’ll keep an eye out tonight, just in case.“) 

I then remembered Fanny was only staying late for a shift. “Don’t worry about it. Finish up and get some rest. If there’s something between them, it“! 

I stopped, considering Conrad’s recent strange behavior, and finished my thought, “It might have started a while ago.” 

Fanny snorted, “True. But Licia, don’t fret over it. If Conrad ever betrays you, dump his ass. You’re still a catch, unspoiled and free to find someone truly worthy.” 

I chuckled. If that were the case, should I be grateful that my relationship with Conrad had remained dignified all these years? 

Feeling a yawn, I ended the call with Fanny 

Sleep eluded me that night, and Conrad didn’t return till dawn. I had fieldwork, so I got up early, sneaking out before Herschel and Jacqueline woke up, partly fearing their questions. 

Conrad’s room renovation was genuine, but Jacqueline’s ulterior motive was to hasten our commitment to each other. Their hopes were dashed, and it was an awkward situation for me. A woman felt like a failure when she couldn’t make a man commit 

Around 8 AM, Conrad’s call came through as I reached our client’s company. I stared at the number for a few seconds, then chose not to