I was completely at sea for a moment,

"What's wrong, you're not into this anymore? Or...

", His kiss cut off my words, not deep, just blocking my lips. After a moment, he murmured,

"I'm all in.

", I grinned, cheeks flushing. So did Ernest..., Though his tan skin made it less noticeable, the tips of his ears were undeniably red., We stood there in silence, neither of us making a move to let go., It was awkward, but neither of us wanted to break the connection., It felt sticky sweet, yet we couldn't bear to part., Wanting to get closer, yet too shy to make a move., Were Ernest and I really going to stand here embraced all night?, No way, my legs were already stiff, and my back was starting to ache.,

"Um...

",

"Maybe we could...

", Ernest and I spoke at the same time, turning the moment even more bashful. As we fell silent again, both of us brewed what to say next, my phone rang. Ernest let go, and I quickly fished out my phone to see Fanny calling. That woman, calling me back after ages and at such a moment too.,

"Um, I gotta take this,

" I said, nudging my door open with my hand.,

"Yeah, goodnight!

" Ernest said for the second time.,

"Oh, goodnight,

" I replied, turning swiftly and sticking out my tongue., This wasn't my first rodeo with love, but my heart was racing, thumping uncontrollably., As I stepped inside, I leaned against the door and answered Fanny's call.,

"What took you so long? Don't tell me you were up to no good?

" Fanny always had a knack for catching me., I paused for a few seconds before saying,

"Got some good news to share.

",

"Let me guess?

" Fanny teased., I laughed, and from the other end, Fanny said,

"Don't tell me you and Mr. Collins have made it official?

",

"Yeah, just now,

" my response left Fanny speechless., I frowned,

"What's up? You've been pushing for me to get with him, why the silence now?

",

"I'm just checking if my bank account can handle the wedding gift,

" Fanny's words eased my tension, and I chuckled.,

"Oh, planning to bet your fortune on me?

" I played along.,

"Exactly, and when it's my turn, you better return the favor double,

" Fanny's words left me speechless., I sighed,

"Ms. Willis, you're quite the schemer.

",

"It's not scheming, it's just how things are nowadays. You might not know, but a lot of young folks these days aren't marrying for love or forever. It's all about recouping wedding gifts,

" Fanny's words were a real eye-opener., I scoffed in disbelief,

"You're pulling my leg. Who does that?

",

"There's a couple at my work, did just that. Married last week, everyone chipped in with gifts, threw a big party, and then, bam, divorced this week. Someone recorded their scheming and leaked it online,

" Fanny explained with vivid detail., I was lost for words, staring at the ceiling, Ernest's light show playing across my mind.

"Maybe some do, but Ernest and I aren't like that.

",

"I know, you guys are all lovey-dovey...

" Fanny's voice trailed off as my phone vibrated again., A message from Allen popped up., Hey, you up?, Followed by another: Want to join me at my dad's place tomorrow?, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.