No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"What's up?"

"Ernest!"

Both of us spoke at the same time.

"Did you say you were leaving today? Where are you off to?" I was panting from having run up to him.

The frown he had from my sudden sprint from the car eased at the sound of my voice, then a smile crept onto his face, "Scared I'd take off without saying goodbye?"

His teasing made my cheeks flush, and I feigned annoyance. "Where exactly are you going?"

"Not leaving anymore," Ernest replied, dodging the question.

I frowned, asking, "What's that mean?"

"I was going to leave since my job here is done, and there wasn't anything keeping me here. But now, that's changed," he said, stepping closer and leaning down slightly, "Because I have a girlfriend now."

That statement sent a thrill through me, making me step back, overwhelmed.

But before I could take another step away, Ernest caught my wrist and pulled me into a strong embrace.

His chin brushed the top of my head, his voice husky, "I won't just disappear. If I have to go, I'll tell you, and I'll only leave if you agree."

My heart was racing, my whole body felt warm.

Such intensity first thing in the morning... It was a lot to handle. Just as I was about to respond, a voice suddenly exclaimed behind us, "Oh my, what's all this?"

It was like getting shocked by electricity, prompting me to quickly wriggle out of Ernest's arms.

But it was too late, we'd been seen, and now teased, "Who do we have here, snuggling up so early in the morning? If it isn't Felicia and Ernest." It was Olivia.

Even though Olivia and other neighbors already considered Ernest and I as an official couple, being caught in an intimate moment was still embarrassingly awkward.

"Olivia, you're up early," Ernest greeted her, seemingly unbothered by the situation.

Compared to my embarrassment, Ernest appeared quite at ease.

"Earlier than you," Olivia quipped, aware that Ernest was an early riser for his morning workouts.

Then she turned to me with a teasing look, "Rare to see Felicia up this early too."

I didn't know how to respond - did they all think I was lazy?

"She's up early every day," Ernest jumped in to save me from my awkwardness, and then said to me, "Go ahead."

And so, I left, but Olivia moved closer to Ernest and I overheard her saying, Felicia's so lucky, ending up with a guy who's not only handsome but also treats her so well and can do just about anything."

The envy in her voice was palpable.

"Olivia's got it backward. I'm the lucky one to have Licia as my girlfriend," Ernest replied, flipping the script.

Olivia chuckled. "Ernest, always adding a layer of charm to your compliments..."

I didn't stick around to hear the rest of their conversation, but I was sure it was all in good spirits.

As I drove away and glanced in the rearview mirror, Ernest was still watching in my direction.

It felt like a gaze that could span centuries.

I'd bought Fanny's favorite breakfast, pancakes and bacon, but she didn't have a bite. She didn't even get the chance to ask me about last night before she was rushed off t@an emergency C-section.

With Fanny occupied, I couldn't stay at the hospital. But where could I go this early?

Heading back home didn't seem right.

So, I decided to head to the office, but just as I was leaving the hospital lobby, I bumped into a man rushing in.

Luckily, I dodged in time to avoid a

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full collision. Even so, bit, but t the man quickly

saying, "I'm so sorry..et

"I'm so sorry... Oh...

you?!"

He recognized me.

Of course, I recognized him too.

It was Jimmy Perez, Haley's brother.