Conrad looked at me, clearly still puzzled.,

"Haley was just the straw that broke the camel's back,

" I said, breaking into laughter., It suddenly crossed my mind, that saying about how you know you've truly moved on when you can laugh about the pain from your past.,

"Felicia, I don't get it. You can blame me for the Haley thing, sure, but I was good to you before that,

" Conrad seemed unable to accept that our relationship had been fraying at the edges for a while.

"I'm not denying you were good to me, but what about the good from my side... did you feel it, or even see it?

" I asked softly., Conrad stared at me, then after a moment, looked down.

"It was me. I didn't treasure what we had, and I lost you.

",

"What's the point of talking about this now? Let's talk about Haley. What are you planning to do about her? Afraid your folks won't approve?

" I steered the conversation back.,

"Be with her? Do you think I'm a fool or something?

" Conrad's tone suddenly heated.,

"She wants to use that video to blackmail me, right? Let her release it,

" Conrad said, his voice carrying a decisiveness., He never let anyone blackmail him, not in his personal life nor in business., Haley's move was clumsy.,

"But if she actually releases it, the company will take a hit, and Herschel won't take it well,

" I reminded him.,

"That's why I need your help,

" Conrad finally got to the point of our meeting., Looking at him under the morning sun, his features sharp and handsome but his expression somber, he felt distant.,

"What do you need?

" I asked.,

"Talk to my dad,

" Conrad shook his head slightly,

"It's funny, between my brother and me, neither of us measure up to you. We're lucky to know your background; otherwise, we'd suspect you're some secret love child of our dad's.

", I couldn't help but laugh at his comment, giving him a playful kick,

"What are you on about?

", Conrad smiled,

"Haven't seen you laugh like this in a while.

", My smile stiffened,

"So, you're really going to burn bridges with Haley?

",

"If I don't, be under her thumb, threatened. And knowing her, she's probably bluffing about releasing the video,

" Conrad still had a good read on people. , Thinking about how Haley could even use Aiden, who loved her, as a pawn, I sighed softly,

"She won't let go easily after investing so much.

",

"Then we'll see,

" Conrad said, closing his eyes to bask in the sunlight.,

"Alright, you've made up your mind. I'll talk to your parents,

" I agreed., He didn't respond, and as people began to walk by the flowerbeds, knew it was time to leave.

"I should, too.

" , go back. You should rest,

"Felicia,

" Conrad called out to me,

"Would you consider not rushing into marriage?

", I was speechless., Was he still holding onto feelings for me?, But there was no going back, not even if he cleared things up with Haley. I couldn't give him another chance., I didn't outright reject him but asked,

"Conrad, do you know I want a family?

", Ever since my parents passed, I stayed at his place, and even though his parents gave me a warmth like that of a home, it wasn't mine., I've always wanted my own home, a loving husband, my own children., I shared these dreams with Conrad, and he promised them to me. But he ran away halfway through.,

"Felicia, can't you wait a bit longer?

" he asked again., I raised my left hand, the, engagement ring sparkling in the et, sunlight,

"Conrad, do you remember whatthis finger went through what you promised?

" , His eyes narrowed.,

"Conrad, I've waited for you before...

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