"You're such a jerk.

" Conrad's roar was low as he grabbed Ernest by the collar., My heart skipped a beat, and without caring about my own sorrow, I was about to intervene when Ernest coolly responded,

"Mr. Wagner, maybe you think I'm despicable because you've never put your heart into treating Licia the way I do?

", Conrad's gaze narrowed sharply.

"Ernest, your little high school tricks won't fool Felicia. She doesn't like all that smoke and mirrors, get it?

", Didn't I like it? Indeed, I had once told Conrad I didn't., I remember our first Valentine's Day after we became an item; he didn't get me anything, not even dinner., The next day, while having lunch with Jefferson and some friends, Jefferson jokingly asked how Conrad had spent our first Valentine's Day together., I was so embarrassed at that moment, and later, when Conrad apologized saying he had forgotten, I had to save face by claiming I didn't like such things., But what girl doesn't appreciate flowers and a bit of romance? The problem was, he never offered any!,

"Do you still think she doesn't like it?

" Ernest asked softly., Conrad looked over, not sure if he could see the tears on my face, but he had seen them before., He should know my tear-streaked face was because of what?, Apart from the tears of joy and longing because Ernest used Al to bring back my parents, there were tears of being touched and happy for Ernest's heartfelt efforts. Ernest's love was in the details, his love was in every meal he cooked, his silent protection, and the personal light show he put on just for me..., After a long stare, Conrad finally looked away, still with a chilly gaze at Ernest,

"Felicia loves me. We've been together for a decade, and she would die for me.

" Ernest didn't speak, and Conrad scoffed,

"Don't believe me? Have you noticed the small dent on her left middle finger? That's the proof.

", My finger instinctively twitched, remembering the injury I suffered for him., Did he still remember his promise to me?, The promise to replace the flesh that was lost with a ring? No!, He had forgotten., If he had remembered, he wouldn't be entangled with a widow behind my back.,

"And how do you treat that girl who would die for you?

" Ernest retorted coldly., Conrad was taken aback, and Ernest's hand reached out, grabbing Conrad's wrist with a force equal to his voice,

"Mr. Wagner, it's your failure to cherish her that has given me the 'despicable' opportunity, understand?

", With that, Ernest forcefully pulled Conrad's hand away., At that moment, I walked over and simply laced my arm through Ernest's,

"It's getting late. Let's go.

", Ernest gave me a deep, affectionate look as we walked away., On the way back, we were both silent. Even climbing the stairs to our apartments, it was just the sound of our footsteps.,

"Good night!

" At my door, Ernest spoke, then turned to open his.,

"Ernest,

" I called him., He turned to look at me, and under the dim light, I stepped closer, tiptoeing to kiss him on the lips., I felt him tense up as my arms wrapped around his waist instinctively.

"Let's date,

" I whispered., Ernest stood still, without a word., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.