Actually, I had Jefferson dig into it instead of just waiting for Ernest's final word because, deep down, I was afraid he'd lie to me, given his dad was the one driving at the time. Turns out, I was overthinking it.,

"You're doubting what really happened with the brakes that year, aren't you?

" Ernest asked me., Now that Ernest and I were officially an item, I didn't want to lie to him.

"Yes, I need a straight answer.

", Ernest didn't speak for a moment. Then he asked softly,

"Felicia, if, and I mean if... the car accident had something to do with my father, would you... leave me because of it?

" The words 'leave me' hit me hard, tightening my throat as if someone's hand was clenching around it., I knew why he was asking. I hadn't thought about it because I didn't dare to.,

"Ernest, I don't know.

", Although a voice inside me said, even if his dad was involved in the accident, Ernest was his own person. His father's mistakes shouldn't be his burden., But understanding something in theory doesn't always translate to being able to live it out., I shifted, snuggling into a more comfortable position in his arms.

"Ernest, if that were true, what would you do? Would you... feel guilty because of your dad's mistake and push me away?

" Ernest was silent, making me think he was as unsure as I was., Then he murmured,

"All I know is I can't live without you.

", His words, about not wanting to lose me and not being able to live without me, made my heart feel like it was suffocating.,

"Ernest, it won't come to that. I believe fate won't be that cruel to us,

" I whispered., Ernest didn't reply, just kissed me gently, his lips claiming mine, making me forget everything else., That night, Ernest was particularly passionate, as if he wanted to engrave me into his very bones., I fell asleep in his arms, but in my dream, I found myself at the scene of my parents' accident. The car was wrecked and smoking, the people inside crushed...,

"Licia...

",

"Licia...

", My parents were looking at me, reaching out helplessly., I wanted to run to them, but it was as if something was holding me back, keeping me from moving forward., That is, until I was shaken awake, finding Ernest's worried face looking down at me.,

"You were having a nightmare,

" he said, stroking my hair.,

"I dreamt of my parents. They were trapped in the car,

" I murmured., Ernest responded by holding me tighter., In the quiet of the night, as Ernest, and I held each other, we could heet only our heartbeats but al, not, a, t argument. ,

"It's my wicked thoughts, but, you, fell, for it, Conrad. If you were truly a, man of honor, no trick of mine would have worked,

" a voice screamed in despair. , I didn't hear Conrad's reply, but I knew he must be there., What was the point of arguing now?, I didn't want to listen anymore. Snuggling closer to Ernest, I murmured,

"I'm hungry.

",

"I'll cook something for you.

",

"No, I want to go out for some street food.

",

"Alright, bundle up; it's a bit chilly outside,

" Ernest said as he let go of me to grab some clothes for me., We left to escape the irritating noises., Ernest took, me out for some, late-night hot dogs, and by the time, we were heading back, the sky was beginning to lighten. I thought Conrad would have surely left by then. , But what I didn't expect was running into him just as we were about to enter the elevator., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.