So, I kept my hands to myself, just curious to see how the server would handle things., But before the server could make a move, Conrad brought over two glasses of pumpkin spice latte, placing one in front of me and holding the other as he turned to Jacqueline, saying,

"Mom, since your sugar levels have been high, I got you a sugar-free smoothie instead.

", Jacqueline barely opened her mouth to respond when Conrad had already placed the other glass in front of Haley., Haley offered Conrad a fragile smile, filled with a poignant vulnerability., It was genuinely touching, the kind that not only tugs at men's heartstrings - I found it hard to resist myself., Perhaps Jacqueline noticed it too, because she held back any harsh words she might have had., Then, the dishes started to arrive, all my favorites, and Jacqueline made a point of serving me each one, making me feel almost like I was incapable of feeding myself., Conrad and Haley were practically invisible, utterly ignored., I felt so awkward for them., If it were me, I'd leave this meal feeling utterly stuffed., Under Jacqueline's relentless hospitality, I finally had to excuse myself under the guise of visiting the restroom., Unexpectedly, Conrad followed me out.

"Felicia, my mom's gone too far.

", I offered a light smile.

"Then you should probably talk to Jacqueline about that.

", His expression turned cold.

"My mom's trying to stand up for you. Can't you see that?

",

"I see it,

" I replied frankly.,

"Felicia, you're seeing someone now. Why provoke my mom against Haley? I've told you, I owe Haley. My mom treating her this way only adds to my guilt,

" Conrad fumed.

"Conrad,

" my tone chilled,

"am I really worth your manipulation?

", Stunned by my retort, Conrad fell silent as I mocked,

"The moment I gave up on you, you ceased to be worth a moment of my thoughts.

",

"Felicia,

" he called out softly, disbelief in his voice.,

"What do you believe? That this is all an act, that I'm still in love with you?

" I pressed him,

"Where do you get this confidence from? My love, Felicia's love, is reserved for those who deserve it. Do you think you're worthy?

", Conrad was at a loss for words.,

"By the way, Haley's younger brother Jimmy, must've caught some crazy bug because he's decided to pursue me. Even sent white roses to my office,

" I revealed, watching as shock registered in Conrad's eyes.,

"When did this happen?

" he asked.,

"Just today,

" I said mockingly.

"Conrad, should I accept his advances?

", Conrad clenched his jaw.

"I had no idea about this.

",

"Then you're still somewhat decent,

" I said coldly., If he had been behind Jimmy's pursuit, it would've confirmed I'd been blind to love him for so long.,

"I'll get to the bottom of this,

" Conrad murmured., Without another word, I headed for the restroom.,

"Felicia,

" he called after me, but I didn't stop. Still, I heard him say,

"If I died one day, would you care?

", Suddenly, I felt a pang in my heart, but I kept walking without responding., Part of me wanted to respond harshly, yet as the saying goes, always leave room for kindness - especially towards someone I once loved., Emerging from the restroom three minutes later, Conrad was nowhere in sight, leaving me to wonder if he had returned to our booth or left altogether. Contemplating the scene back at the table, I found myself reluctant to return and instead wandered over to a nearby fish pond to watch the koi. Lost in thought, a familiar set of footsteps approached., There was no mistaking it, that was Ernest. And the person with him? Had to be Grant., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.