Could she really be here just because she resents me?, No, things couldn't be that simple. Haley must have another agenda up her sleeve., Just as I was gearing up to retaliate, Ernest and Grant Smith came over. Ernest positioned himself by my side, his gaze icy as he stared at Haley,

"What does her kid have to do with us?

", Haley shuddered, probably overawed by Ernest's imposing presence. She seemed even more vulnerable, her finger pointing at me,

"If it wasn't for Rad, it wouldn't concern her.

",

"They've known each other for ten years, back when you were probably still in the dark about so many things. So what if they were seeking each other out?

" Ernest's comeback was a surprise to me., A look of astonishment flashed in Haley's eyes, clearly not expecting Ernest to defend me in such a manner, showing complete disregard for her insinuations., At this moment, I kind of got why she was causing a scene here. She was trying to wreck things between me and Ernest., But in trying to sabotage my relationship with Ernest, wasn't she afraid I'd go back to Conrad? Wouldn't that leave her completely out of the picture?,

"But she's always trying to stir trouble between me and A-hang,

" Haley tried to pin more accusations on me., Ernest's handsome face briefly twisted into a sneer,

"If your relationship was solid, nobody could stir trouble, much like your attempts to make me misunderstand Licia.

", Leave it to Ernest to see right through Haley's little schemes., Her mouth twitched, but Ernest took my hand, denying her the chance to speak further,

"Ms. Perez, you went after Licia's boyfriend first, and now you have the nerve to confront her here? What made you think that was okay?

",

"Shameless!

" Someone shouted., I nearly burst out laughing. Haley's face turned beet red as if she had been slapped., At this moment, Haley looked so embarrassed she could practically dig a hole and bury herself in it. Normally, I would have seized the opportunity to give her a few more blows, ensuring she'd lay low from now, on., But I refrained, comforted by the fact that I had Ernest by my side, clearly triumphing over Haley, who, lacking Conrad's support, resorted to confronting me., I leaned closer to Ernest, our posture both affectionate and natural,

"Let's go.

", As we left the office for the parking lot, I hugged Ernest,

"Thank you.

",

"It's what a boyfriend should do. No one gets to bully you,

" Ernest always had a way of making me feel protected.,

"Though, even after today's splendid counter, there might still be gossip, maybe even people digging into my past I mentioned, to which Ernest simply shook his head., belongs to en.swnov,

"I never live according to others' whispers.

", His words were almost Zen-like, reminding me of something Master Mathew once said in a sermon. Despite hearing so much wisdom, I hadn't managed to embody it.,

"Ernest, let's go listen to a sermon sometime soon, to pray for Susie and also for the girl who donated her heart,

" I suddenly proposed., Ernest stroked my hair,

"Sure!

", After a couple of weeks, Susie got well enough to be discharged from the hospital, and by pure coincidence, Herschel was also ready to leave after his own, near-death experience., I first went to see Herschel, taking care of his discharge and ensuring he was safely on his way, before taking Susie home., Ernest had rented a place separately, not wanting Susie to intrude on us., He said that space was just for me, for times when I needed solitude., Conrad once understood me, which is why he bought a house for me. But Ernest, he not only understands me but also respects me., Three days after Herschel's, discharge, I received an invitation to the opening of an amusement park. As I stared blankly at the invitation, Conrad's call came through. ,

"Felicia, will you be there tomorrow?

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