Ever since I wasn't forced to sit down and write with Herschel, why would I ever pick up a pen on my own? Even though I'm not exactly young anymore, I'm just like a kid in elementary school when it comes to slacking off. If there's a chance to avoid work, you bet I'll take it.,

"It's alright, just write. Whatever comes out, comes out,

" Herschel encouraged me, lifting the pen towards me again., How could I refuse him then?, I had held the pen when we bought it, but the moment I took it from him, it felt significantly heavier. Maybe it was because of the ink, or maybe it was the weight of Herschel's expectations., He hoped I could write as I used to, hoped that I could be as devoted to Conrad as before, so I would still be the little darling of the Wagner family., As I started to write, my shaky hands, despite my best efforts, produced uneven strokes. I knew Herschel wasn't really interested in the quality of my writing, but rather in reading my heart through it.

"Seize the day!

" Herschel read aloud from my writing., He used words to express his thoughts, and I followed suit., He didn't say anything more, just nodded, then looked at me with a serious expression,

"Felicia, I wish you all the best.

", He extended his hand towards me, intending for a handshake. But instead of shaking his hand, I gently hugged him.

"Herschel, thank you.

", Herschel patted my back,

"I'm sorry for putting you through this. I failed to discipline my son.

", He hadn't said a word in response to Jacqueline's nagging earlier, refusing to admit any fault, yet here he was, apologizing to me., Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes..., Perhaps sensing my emotions, he gently stroked my head before pulling away to look at my tear-filled eyes.

"I'm aware of the mess Rad has made. I've had it dealt with. If he dares again, I'll have him out on his ear. He ought to know the gravity of his actions.

", I had come to complain and have him deal with Conrad's reckless behavior, but Herschel had addressed it before I even had the chance., Over these ten years, our relationship, though not by blood, had developed a bond as close as any family's.,

"Herschel, thank you,

" I said, bowing., My gratitude wasn't just for him taking my side and protecting me, but also for his care and affection over the last decade., Herschel stopped me,

"Don't do that. It makes me feel... like you won't be part of this family anymore.

", I shook my head,

"You and Jacqueline will always be my family, my parents.

", Herschel smiled.

"That's right. I'll have a word with Ernest. If he dares to treat you poorly, I will make sure he regrets it.

", This was the first time the usually gentle and refined Herschel had spoken with such ferocity., I smiled back,

"Yes, I'll make sure to tell him.

", Herschel patted my head,

"Felicia, no matter whom you choose, my only wish is for your happiness.

", He was just like a real father to me., Once again, tears filled my eyes, and I nodded emphatically.,

"Alright, let's head downstairs. I'm not sure if Jacqueline is giving Ernest a hard time. She only wants you to be her son's wife and looks down on anyone else,

" Herschel explained, perfectly embodying the saying that no one knows his wife better than he does., I linked my arm with Herschel's,

"It's okay. Let Jacqueline test him. If he runs away, it just means he wasn't meant for me.

", Herschel laughed affectionately, ready to lead me downstairs, but I stopped him,

"Herschel, there's something I want to ask you.

",

"Yes, ask away.

", I bit my lip, feeling my heartbeat speed up inexplicably,

"Herschel, was my parents' car accident really an accident?

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