But I had to find out the truth about my dad's death., After much deliberation, I decided to reach out to Dustin, but I knew I needed a good reason., As I was pondering, Jacqueline called me, her voice fiery with anger from the get-go,

"That little rascal Conrad is trying to drive me and Herschel mad. If he dares to actually get together with that woman, he'll see me and Herschel in our graves.

", Jacqueline's reaction didn't surprise me in the least; I could only respond in a soothing tone,

"Jacqueline, please, don't be upset. These matters of the heart can't always be controlled by parents.

",

"We might not have control, or we wouldn't have let things get to this point with him and you. But him thinking of marrying a widow? Over my dead body,

" Jacqueline made her stance clear., I was feeling suffocated with my own turmoil and didn't really know how to console her, nor did I want to., After all, both Conrad and Haley Perez wronged me. Why should I speak in their favor? I'm not some saint., At this point, not stepping on them when they're down is already me being generous.,

"Felicia, Herschel is so upset he's refusing to eat, going on a hunger strike. Can you come and talk to him? He only listens to you,

" Jacqueline revealed the reason for her call., It seemed like fate was playing into my hands. Returning to the Wagner family could give me a chance to hitch a ride with Herschel and dig up the information I needed without going through Dustin., I agreed to come over, and Jacqueline continued her rant against Conrad before hanging up., But getting into the Wagner family didn't guarantee access to the car. To ensure my plan would succeed, I still decided to call Dustin.,

"Felicia,

" his voice was gentle as ever when he greeted me.,

"Dustin,

" I called him, both as a sign of respect and a reminder of our relationship., At that moment, I realized how double-standard and selfish I was, not wanting Dustin to have feelings for me while using his affection to my advantage., I was indeed the villain of my own story.,

"Mr. Wagner is throwing a tantrum, not eating. Jacqueline wants me to come over, but I'm afraid I can't do it alone. Come with me?

", Dustin hesitated for a second but agreed., I could tell he wasn't surprised, clearly having been informed beforehand., When I arrived at the Wagner family's place, Dustin was there too, but he hadn't gone inside, seemingly waiting for me.,

"You know about my dad's stubbornness. I doubt any persuasion would work,

" Dustin said upon seeing me, hinting that Herschel still hoped I'd reconcile with Conrad., I couldn't help but scoff at the thought, and Dustin remained silent at my reaction., Entering the house, Jacqueline seemed surprised to see us together. I pretended not to notice and asked her,

"Where's Herschel?

",

"In his study. Won't come out or let anyone in. He's been in there since last night. If it weren't for his occasional outbursts, I'd fear he'd done something drastic,

" Jacqueline was always outspoken, saying whatever came to her mind.,

"Dad's not that fragile, Mom. Don't think like that,

" Dustin tried to comfort her.,

"Jacqueline, I'll go check on him,

" I said, and with a nod from Jacqueline, I headed upstairs., Knock, knock!, After several knocks without any response, I was getting worried and finally called out,

"Herschel, it's me, Felicia.

", Finally, footsteps approached from inside, and the door to the study opened, revealing a sight that took me by surprise., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.