No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I gave a sarcastic smirk, and Fanny immediately sensed something was wrong. "Licia, don't tell me it's because he's been messing around with that widow, huh?"

Fanny was indeed my best friend, knowing where my breaking point was.

"He gave Haley a house, which was supposed to be mine," I explained briefly.

Fanny was silent before she finally spoke, her voice laced with frustration. "You..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but I knew what she meant. "I'm not giving Conrad another chance."

"That jerk doesn't deserve your forgiveness. If you let this slide, Conrad will do it again!" Fanny and I shared the same views on love.

I nodded. "I know."

"Fine, we need to think it through carefully. Answer Conrad's call and see what excuses he has this time. Come over later," Fanny paused, "I'll swap shifts with someone."

I wanted to tell her not to bother, but she had already hung up.

Conrad's persistent calls continued, and I answered, "Hello..."

"Felicia, what the hell? What are you playing at?" Conrad's voice was so loud that I had to hold the phone away from my ear.

I waited for him to calm down before speaking again. "Conrad, I agreed to marry you in front of your parents yesterday, giving both you and me one last shot."

"Stop with the nonsense. Where are you? Why didn't you show up to get the marriage license today?" he demanded.

It seemed Ivan and Haley hadn't mentioned my visit to the house, and I hadn't brought it up either. I answered, "I went to Silent Wisdom Temple to pray with Master Mathew."

That shut him up.

He knew his lie got exposed. "Felicia, listen to me. I can explain..."

"There's nothing left to explain. You've made enough excuses, and I'm tired of hearing them. I'm tired," I paused, "Conrad, let's end this." Conrad shouted, "Felicia!"

"By the way, I've cleared up all my work and sent it out to everyone who needs it, including you..."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I couldn't finish my sentence before he interrupted, "Felicia, what are you planning?"

"I'm... taking a holiday."

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Conrad scoffed.

I remained silent, but I could faintly hear him adjusting his tie. "Fine, if you're addicted to throwing these little fits, by all means, continue." Bang! He hung up.

I smiled faintly, looking up at the sky as a bird flew by, so free and unbound.

I could be free, too. I would be free

from Conrad would be free from the Wagner family, living on my terms. Despite the Wagner family providing for me, I felt like a bird caged unable to reach the world I longed for due to various concerns. Starting the moment, I could fly out toward the world I'd been yearning for.

I drove to meet Fanny, who had taken time off work for me. I needed her to see me, to know I was alright. She knew how much I loved Conrad. Even though I sounded nonchalant, she was probably worried I might do something drastic.

"You got here fast. Didn't run any red lights, did you?" Fanny teased upon seeing me.

"Yeah, but you're worth it." My words left Fanny speechless, followed by a tight hug.

I closed my eyes, resting my head on her shoulder. "I'm not as fragile as you think, really..."

And it was true. My heart wasn't aching, not bitter, not suffocated. I felt nothing like I had just missed out on closing a deal.

Fanny took off her lab coat, slung

her bag over her shoulder, and got into the car with me. But then my phone rang. It was a call from the Wagner family.

Seeing the caller ID, Fanny said, "Don't answer if you don't want to."

I pondered for seconds. "I have to face them eventually."

With a deep sigh, I answered the call.