, Ouch!, I sucked in a breath of cold air., A strong hand gripped my arm tightly, pulling me aside. I looked up to see a face I didn't recognize., The stranger seemed panicked upon seeing me. Before I could utter a word, he let go and dashed away., Rubbing my sore forehead, I watched his hurried retreat, then glanced back at the office door labeled

"Fanny Willis.

" It all clicked - the man had been eavesdropping so intently at the door that he hadn't noticed me exiting, leading to our collision., Could this man be the admirer known online as 'Love F'?, When I was lost in thought, Ernest approached. Just as I was about to join him, I heard Fanny's voice from inside,

"I'm hungry now, Yates.

", I couldn't help but laugh., Fanny sure knew how to play her cards, oscillating between cold, indifferent, and then suddenly affectionate.,

"What's so funny?

" Ernest asked lightly.,

"Fanny and Yates seem to have hit it off,

" I gestured behind me., Ernest glanced over before taking my bag,

"We can head back now.

",

"Will Susie be okay on her own?

" Despite leaving her in Fanny's care, I was still worried.,

"She'll be fine,

" Ernest reassured me confidently,

"She's managed on her own back home for years.

", His words reminded me that Susie, though seemingly delicate, had always been independent., Reassured by Ernest, I followed him back., During the ride, Ernest was unusually quiet. I assumed he was worried about Susie's surgery and chose to remain silent as well., As we reached our apartment door, Ernest was still holding my hand. I tried to pull away, but he didn't let go., I waved our interlocked hands,

"What's this about?

",

"Open the door!

" His command carried an uncharacteristic assertiveness., The implication was clear. I teased, feigning propriety as we did his hometown,

"Mr. Collins,, married yet. Isn't this a bit, not, , Ernest swallowed hard, stepping closer until I was backed against the door., His face loomed over mine, noses almost touching,

"How else are we going to start a family? How will we know if we can have twins if we don't try?

" , I was speechless. He'd remembered a joke I made., Men can be so petty at times., Ernest's eyes sparkled with determination. I knew he was set on his intentions tonight., But remembering how he had acted around Susie, I felt compelled to teach him a lesson.,

"You once said it wasn't good to, rush things before marriage. Girl, should know how to protect themselves,

" I traced circles chest. , Ernest, realizing I was teasing, replied in a husky voice,

"You don't need to. Having me to protect you is enough.

", With that, he leaned in to kiss me., I dodged, and after a few attempts, Ernest was visibly frustrated,

"Licia, please.

",

"I can't,

" I refused again., He had left me hanging back at his family's place; I wasn't about to let him have his way so easily now.,

"Licia...

" Ernest's voice softened, seeking reconciliation,

"Are you mad at me?

", He knew., I admitted frankly,

"Yes, I am. You had your way with me before.

", Realizing I was serious, Ernest pressed his forehead against mine, asking softly,

"So, how long will you be mad?

",

"I don't know.

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