No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

In Herschel and Jacqueline's hopeful gazes, I finally nodded.

But deep down, I made a promise to myself. Even after we married, I'd leave Conrad if he had more drama with Haley.

I agreed, and everyone at the dinner table sighed with relief. The atmosphere lightened and warmed considerably.

After dinner, I obviously couldn't just leave.

Back in the bedroom, Conrad and I were awkward, even more so than before.

"You go shower," Conrad broke the silence first.

Right then, my phone rang. It was Fanny calling. I looked at Conrad, "You go ahead. I'll take this call."

Conrad headed into the bathroom, and I answered the phone. Fanny's voice came through immediately, "Felicia, you didn't return to my place last night, and you haven't shown up today, either. You're not back with the Wagner family, are you?"

Staring at the king-sized bed in the middle of the room, I hummed softly.

"You and Conrad are making up?" Fanny sounded surprised.

I bit my lip, then I replied, "We're getting the marriage license tomorrow."

Fanny was silent before asking, "Are you sure about this?"

I walked to the window, looking out at the crescent moon. "People have their phases, just like the moon. He's blocked Haley and promised no further contact. I want to give him another chance."

After a pause, I added, "The last one."

Knowing my determination, Fanny didn't press further, only saying, "Felicia, just remember, you're in it for safety and happiness."

"Sure," I hung up, lost in thought, feeling oddly empty and emotionless.

Then I suddenly felt a cold touch. Conrad hugged me from behind, shirtless, with just his pajama bottoms on, and his arms were still wet from the shower.

He looked so wild and sexy.

He kissed my neck softly, sending a tingle through me. I tensed up, knowing what he wanted, but I placed a hand over his. "Let's wait until tomorrow." After all, we were getting our marriage license then. One more day wouldn't hurt.

Conrad froze, then tightened his hug but didn't push further. Instead, he kissed my cheek, "Take a shower. Let's go to bed early. We'll be the first ones at the town hall tomorrow."

He sounded eager.

I laughed. "Is there a prize for being first?"

He paused, "There is."

He was ready, but I wasn't. So, wisely, I headed to the shower, staying there for nearly an hour, waiting until he was likely asleep before coming out.

Conrad was asleep, his phone quietly resting on the nightstand, ensuring a peaceful night ahead.

Despite nothing happening between

us that night, the shadows of our

past made me restless. I dreamed of Conrad driving to a riverside,

one

drinking in a cave, his car door open with a snake slithering in and out, which then turned into a monkeyCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

jumping around.

I woke before dawn. Conrad was sleeping soundly.

I quietly turned to look at him, admiring his tall nose and long eyelashes, his lips fuller than most, a sign of fortune and depth of character.

Caught in my gaze, Conrad suddenly opened his eyes, and I got busted.

Even though we were close, my heart raced and my cheeks turned red. "Morning," I managed to say.

"Morning," his voice was husky from sleep, "Mrs. Wagner."

I blushed deeper, scooting back before quickly getting out of bed to freshen up.

When I returned, in a crisp white

shirt dress and a sunny yellow coat, Conrad had left the room, my heart feeling unexpectedly light and ready for the day ahead.