"Who's calling, please?

" As I asked, my gaze involuntarily drifted towards Conrad., He seemed not to notice me, strolling alone towards a chair nearby.,

"I'm calling from Forever & Ever Love Insurance, ID number A8338. Four years ago, you and Mr. Wagner purchased a love insurance policy from us. It's due for renewal, and we need to verify some information with you.

", Hearing this, I felt a shiver down my spine and instinctively glanced at Ernest., He had been holding me, but as I took the call, he stepped away to give me some space. Ernest was always so thoughtful, making me feel secure and giving me all the space I needed.

"Are Ms. Hudson and Mr. Wagner currently dating or married?

" the caller inquired tentatively. That made me look towards Conrad again, only to see him on a call too, looking deeply furrowed.,

"Ms. Hudson, are you there?

" the caller pressed, not hearing my response., I swallowed hard, replying,

"Uh, yes, I'm here, we...

", I was about to say we've broken up, when suddenly, Conrad, who hadn't looked my way, locked eyes with me., In that moment, I was caught off guard., Our eyes met across the distance, and the words I was about to say got stuck in my throat.,

"Ms. Hudson?

" the caller prodded again., I somehow blurted out,

"Why don't you ask him?

",

"We did. Another colleague is on the line with him,

" the caller responded, making it clear to me that Conrad was also taking this call., Life is full of surprises, indeed., I cleared my throat, then replied,

"We've broken up.

",

"Are you sure?

" the caller asked, almost provocatively., My gaze shifted from Conrad to Ernest, not far off, then to the ring on my finger,

"I'm married now.

", There was a brief silence on the other end,

"Alright, Ms. Hudson. If Mr. Wagner's response matches yours, according to our policy, your love insurance contract will be terminated.

"

"Fine,

" I said, ready to hang up., The person added,

"Ms. Hudson, may your love and marriage be blessed. You and your partner are welcome to purchase our marriage insurance. It starts with a one-year policy. The longer your marriage lasts, the greater the benefits...

",

"Thanks, but we're not interested,

" I cut off the lengthy pitch.,

"Ms. Hudson...

" the caller seemed persistent, trying to sway me., But I didn't let it go further, bluntly asking,

"Can your insurance guarantee lasting love and marriage?

", The answer was no, Conrad and I were proof of that., I hung up amidst the caller's silence. When I looked up again, Conrad had already ended his call., Yet, he was still gazing at me, just like that., And I turned away, walking towards Ernest., Ernest took my hand naturally, fingers interlocking.,

"So, was that a sales call about buying insurance? For love and marriage, apparently, if love and marriage keep going, the payout accumulates, and it's a hefty sum by the end,

" I tested Ernest's thoughts. He was straightforward,

"Just a commercial tactic.

",

"Yet, many couples buy it, probably as a testament to their commitment,

" I shared my thoughts., At that moment, Ernest wrapped his arm around my waist, looked at me intently for a few seconds, and then commanded dominantly,

"Close your eyes.

",

"Why?

" I thought he was about to kiss me., Even with Conrad nearby, and despite us no longer being involved, it still felt awkward for him to witness the intimacy between Ernest and me.,

"Just do it, close them!

" Ernest coaxed., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.