Although I had come to terms with my feelings for Conrad, it didn't mean the awkwardness and pain had vanished.,

"Felicia, seriously, you suffered such injustice but didn't say anything. That house was for you, and you should've kicked Haley out. You'd rather let the homeless stay there,

" Jacqueline couldn't stand injustice., Maybe that was also why Herschel was such a straight shooter, out of love for her and probably a bit of fear of ruffling her feathers., Conrad and I were over, so there was no point in bringing it up again. I tried to calm her down.

"Jacqueline, it's all in the past now.

",

"I might get past it. But I can't let it go. I'll have the house taken back today,

" Jacqueline was furious., I forced a smile.

"Even if you drive Haley out of the house, Conrad can buy another place.

", Haley was just the intruder, but it was Conrad who gave her the chance. The real issue is Conrad, not Haley.,

"That might be his business, but that house belongs to you. No other woman should live there,

" Jacqueline's words warmed my heart., That kind of protection felt like what a mother would offer her daughter.,

"Jacqueline, I know you're looking out for me, trying to stand up for me, but it's unnecessary. Don't trouble yourself or get angry,

" I tried to dissuade Jacqueline., If Jacqueline carried out her plan, Conrad might think I was behind it. I didn't want to get entangled anymore to avoid Haley thinking I was competing for him.,

"I'm not just angry. I want to make Conrad and his mistress regret it. Don't worry about it,

" Jacqueline was beyond persuasion., Since that was the case, I didn't try to stop her anymore.,

"That scumbag Conrad, keeping his mistress in your marital home, if I see him, I swear...

" Jacqueline ranted about Conrad before hanging up., After putting down my phone, I stared at the ceiling, recalling when Ivan showed me the house. I had no idea how Jacqueline found out about that day. Conrad probably still didn't understand why I broke up with him., After lying in bed, lost in thought for a while, I decided to get up and go outside. I didn't see Ernest. Assuming he was in the kitchen, a glance proved me wrong., Maybe he had gone to his room. As I was about to turn toward the doorway, I heard the bathroom door open, and Ernest came out., His eyes met mine, carrying a different intensity than usual, making my heart skip a beat., Remembering our near miss earlier, I awkwardly mumbled,

"I'm hungry. Please make me something good to eat, will you?

", But this time, Ernest didn't respond as expected. He walked up to me., I thought he would continue from earlier and raised my hand to stop him, but instead, he asked,

"What's this?

", He was holding the ointment Fanny had given me. I had left it in the bathroom, planning to use it after my bath. Ernest had seen it., Instinctively, I snatched it back and hid it behind me, annoyed.

"Why are you messing with my stuff?

",

"Are you hurt?

" Ernest's voice was deep., Too embarrassed to reply, I turned and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door shut., Half an hour later, Ernest knocked.

"Dinner's ready. Come out and eat.

", I didn't respond. After a moment, Ernest added,

"I'll be going then.

", Hungry and sighing, I opened the door, only to find the guy who was supposed to be leaving standing there like a guard. Did he trick me?

"Ernest, you...

" I didn't finish my sentence as Ernest extended his arm and pulled me into his arms., His face gently brushed against my forehead.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault...

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