He cracked a smile,

"Looks like you really resent me.

",

"I wouldn't say that, but feeling cheated is pretty accurate. After all, you wasted ten years of my youth and emotions,

" I said, deciding to lay it all out now that the topic was on the table.

"What about my last ten years?

" he asked softly.

"Felicia, I loved you too during those years. I was all in.

", Our eyes met briefly before I looked away.

"I don't deny that, but the moment you cheated with Haley, you erased all your efforts with your own hands.

",

"Don't people get a chance at parole, a shot at redemption? Why can't I?

" Conrad seemed unwilling to let go.,

"With me, you don't,

" I replied just as our food arrived., Conrad wanted to say more, but I cut him off,

"If you want me to stay for this meal, then drop the past.

", His expression turned serious, and he went quiet. We barely touched our food; it tasted bland since our minds were clearly somewhere else., After dinner, Conrad took me to a hotel, arranging for me to stay in the room next to his., Before entering my room, I said,

"I want to see Jefferson as soon as possible.

",

"I know,

" Conrad replied, a hint of silence in his voice.

"Call me if you need anything.

", This time, I didn't dismiss his kindness and nodded before entering my room., As I was about to go in, Conrad called out,

"Felicia, do you really know Ernest?

", I turned, puzzled., He didn't answer, just walked into his own room., Frowning slightly, I wondered what he meant by that., Back in my room, I tried video calling Ernest, but he didn't pick up., Thinking he might be busy, I sent him a picture of myself in the hotel room with a note:

"Safely checked in.

", But Ernest didn't respond. Staring at our chat, Conrad's words came back to me., Did I really know Ernest? His, background, his age, his family, his finances he had shared all that with me. We were even working at the same company now. I thought I knew everything about him. , But why did Conrad ask that? Was there something about Ernest I didn't know?, His character seemed flawless. He donated the money he made, a clear sign of his integrity. He had always been open and honest, otherwise, he wouldn't have trusted Conrad to look after me. , What more did I need to know about such a man?, Yet, Conrad wouldn't have said that for no reason. Knowing him, he wasn't trying to stir trouble., It seemed like Conrad was trying to hint at something., But I couldn't just ask him, nor could I start doubting Ernest because of a single Remark. If I did, Conrad might think my feelings for Ernest were shallow. , After a long wait with no reply from Ernest, a wave of anxiety washed over me, so I tried calling him again., This time, he answered immediately, but the screen was pitch-black. However, his voice came through clearly.,

"I've given you time, so much time... How much longer before you return to the Collins family?

", An older man's deep voice echoed, but who was he speaking to? Ernest?, What did he mean by

"the Collins family

"?, Which Collins family?, I gripped my phone tighter, listening intently. Then I heard Ernest's voice,

"If you've waited this long, a little longer won't hurt.

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