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Chapter 8 

Conrad told me about the heated love his parents shared in their youth, a passion that eventually simmered down to a comfortable calm. Maybe that was just what love would be like in the end. 

“Mom, Dad!” 

“Jacqueline, Herschel 

Conrad and I greeted them, each to our own. 

“Have you two eaten yet? There’s plenty of food left if you’re hungry.” Jacqueline said gently. 

“We’ve had dinner Conrad answered, then looked at me, “Are you hungry? Do o you want to eat something?” 

I barely touched my dinner, but then, I wasn’t hungry. “No, I’m good.” 

“Then head upstairs to rest. I have the housekeeper bring up some milk.” Jacqueline said, smiling. 

I couldn’t shake off the feeling that her smile seemed off, but I didn’t dwell on it and went upstairs. But I paused when I opened the door, tuming back to look at Conrad. 

Standing at the doorway, Conrad looked back at me 

Before we could head downstairs, Jacqueline was already coming up. “Felicia, I forgot to mention we’re preparing Conrad’s room as your bridal suite. For now, Conrad stays in your room.” 

“Mom, listen. Felicia and I are planning to move out after the wedding. Why are you setting up a bridal suite here?” Conrad questioned. 

“Even if you move out, you’ll still stay here from time to time, during holidays, or just if it gets too late.” Jacqueline retorted with a playful scold and proceeded to lead Conrad to my room door. “You two are about to get married. Staying together shouldn’t be an issue.“8 

“Felicia, you don’t mind, right?” Jacqueline then asked me 

Conrad’s words to Jefferson echoed in my ears, leaving me unsure how to respond.) 

“No problem Conrad surprisingly answered for me.. 

I looked up at him, and the next thing I knew, his arm was around my shoulder as we entered the room. 

“Goodnight, Mom!” Conrad said as he closed the door behind us 

We both remained silent, the atmosphere filled with an awkward tension and perhaps a hint of something more. It felt like our wedding night, especially with the roses spread across the bed. 

My cheeks flushed. “I’ll just go change.. 

I tried to pull from Conrad’s grip, but he caught me, locking my eyes with his sharp gaze. My heartbeat quickened, and my breathing grew heavy.& 

Conrad cleared his throat, stepping closer, sending shivers down my spine 

His hand, gripping my arm, slowly moved up, resting on my shoulder, then my neck, as he leaned in.8 

Nervously, my hands clutched at him, “Con…“K 

His lips silenced mine with a fierce and passionate kiss, unlike any kiss we had shared, During all our years together, our kisses had always been brief, never venturing too deep. But tonight, it was different. His kiss was intense. 

I was so nervous that my teeth chattered, preventing any further exploration 

Conrad stopped, whispering in my ear, “Relax” 

Then, feeling lighter, he carried me to the bed. As he unbuttoned my 

my shirt, my toes curled in nervous anticipation. I could see the veins o 

his forehead and the tension in his throat.8 

Though I was inexperienced in matters of intimacy, I was aware of the excitement, the anticipation. Maybe what Conrad said about lacking interest was just a lack of trying 

Wasn’t there a saying about the unknown pleasures of the untried? 

I closed my eyes, ready for our intimate journey to begin. 

As the cool air hit my skin, my clothes got gently removed, and as his lips touched my neck, 

Conrad’s phone rang 

I tensed up, instinctively gripping his arm. “Conrad