"Okay,

" I nodded at Jacqueline,

"Jacqueline, we're heading out now.

", Jacqueline seemed to notice my unease as well. She glanced upstairs, probably curious about what I had discussed with Mr. Wagner, but she didn't hold us back.

"Take care on your way,

" she said. As Ernest and I left and got into the car, I was about to start the engine when he stopped me.

"What's wrong?

",

"It's nothing, just brought up my parents,

" I didn't hide anything from Ernest.,

"Did you ask about their accident?

" Ernest guessed immediately., I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Influenced by you, I wanted some clarity.

",

"And?

" he pressed on., Thinking back to Herschel's words, I started the car and hit the gas, giving Ernest his answer.

"Just an accident.

", As we drove away from the Wagner residence, I added,

"There was an official investigation at the scene.

", Ernest didn't say anything more, and we headed back. By now, the city was alive with lights and bustling activity, especially near the pedestrian street, where traffic had already started to pile up.

"Have you eaten yet?

" I broke the silence while we waited for a red light.,

"No,

" Ernest replied honestly., I looked at him.

"You've had a long day. Let me treat you to dinner.

",

"Okay,

" he didn't refuse., After parking the car, we walked towards the lively food stalls. I pointed authoritatively,

"Tonight, all the delicacies here are yours to choose.

", No sooner had I finished speaking than I felt a bump, sending me staggering to one side. Instinctively, I grabbed Ernest., Once I steadied myself, Ernest was right in front of me, my hand clutching his collar., It was a scene straight out of a drama, perfectly executed by us. And with Ernest's face so close to mine, our noses touching and lips merely a breath away, neither of us moved., In the hustle and bustle of the street, this little screw-up obviously turned into a show for all to see., People were gasping and whistling., Even a child chimed in gleefully,

"Kiss, kiss...

", Amidst the growing crowd's curiosity, my face turned red, and I hastily let go to push Ernest away but couldn't., That's when I realized Ernest was holding me by the waist., He didn't let go; instead, he pulled me closer, whispering in my ear,

"If you're feeling shy, don't move. I'll get us out of here.

" This time, I obediently didn't push him away, letting him lead me through the crowd., Unexpectedly, the onlookers weren't willing to let us off easily, egging us on to kiss., It seemed the saying was true; a crowd loves a spectacle., Though Ernest and I had shared moments of closeness, a kiss was off-limits.,

"Kiss, kiss...

", The more we tried to break through the crowd, the louder they cheered.,

"Do something,

" I pinched Ernest.,

"It's tough with so many people; we can't just break through,

" Ernest surprisingly gave me such a response., Sweating with anxiety, Ernest whispered again,

"How about we just kiss? I won't charge you.

", Hearing that, my eyes widened, momentarily forgetting the heckling crowd, shocked at his suggestion., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.